Most Haters: Cricketers with the most haters often find themselves at the center of controversies due to sledging, unsportsmanlike behavior, or questionable tactics. These actions have polarized fans and experts alike, turning some of the sport’s finest players into highly criticized figures despite their achievements on the field.
Gautam Gambhir (India)
Gautam Gambhir is no stranger to controversy, with his fiery attitude often sparking heated exchanges. One notable incident was his clash with Rahul Dravid, one of the most respected figures in cricket. Such confrontations, coupled with his aggressive nature, have earned Gambhir a significant number of critics, particularly in his own country. While his passion for winning is commendable, many feel that his approach sometimes crosses the line, overshadowing the spirit of the game.
Michael Clarke (Australia)
Most Haters: Former Australian captain Michael Clarke was undoubtedly a skilled player but was notorious for his on-field behavior. Known for his aggressive sledging, he famously targeted even Sachin Tendulkar in 2003, a move that drew widespread criticism. Clarke’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of sportsmanship in pursuit of victory often overshadowed his cricketing prowess. His tendency to engage in heated confrontations and questionable tactics earned him a fair share of detractors globally.
Russel Arnold (Sri Lanka)
Former Sri Lankan left-hander Russel Arnold was often criticized for his lack of composure and questionable on-field behavior. Known for engaging in heated arguments with opponents, one notable incident occurred during the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy. Arnold deliberately walked down the pitch, prompting then-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to confront him and warn against such actions. Incidents like these, combined with his perceived unsportsmanlike conduct, left Arnold with a controversial reputation among fans and players alike.
Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Most Haters: Ricky Ponting, one of the most successful cricket captains, often faced criticism for employing questionable tactics to secure victories for Australia. Known for his fiercely competitive nature, Ponting occasionally resorted to methods like fake appeals and aggressive sledging to unsettle opponents. While his leadership and batting prowess are undeniable, such incidents led to accusations of unsportsmanlike behavior, earning him a significant number of detractors in the cricketing world.
Ollie Robinson (England)
Ollie Robinson has become a polarizing figure in cricket, especially during the 2023 Ashes series. In the first Test at Edgbaston, his fiery send-off to Usman Khawaja after dismissing him drew widespread criticism from fans and experts. The incident, seen as unsportsmanlike, sparked a heated debate.
Cricket, like any major sport, has its fair share of iconic players who have polarized opinions, with some of the most successful cricketers often garnering significant criticism. Among them, the following five have attracted particularly strong reactions from fans and critics alike, earning them reputations as some of the most “hated” players in the game’s history.
Shane Warne, despite being one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time, was often disliked due to his brash personality, off-field controversies, and feuds with fellow cricketers. His charismatic yet sometimes arrogant demeanor rubbed many the wrong way, especially among rival teams and fans.
Virat Kohli is another player who has both adoring fans and vocal detractors. While Kohli’s aggressive play and leadership have brought him immense success, his on-field antics, fiery temperament, and controversial comments have made him a lightning rod for criticism, particularly among rival nations like Australia and England.
Most Haters: Shoaib Akhtar, known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” was a fast bowler who struck fear into many batsmen. However, his aggressive nature, outspoken comments, and fiery outbursts on and off the field often left fans and fellow cricketers irritated, making him one of the most controversial figures in cricket.
Kevin Pietersen, despite his undeniable talent, never seemed to win over the entire cricketing world. His strained relationship with teammates, including a high-profile fallout with England’s management, and his brash, sometimes arrogant approach led to animosity from both English and international fans.
Lastly, Muttiah Muralitharan, while a legend of the game, was often criticized for his unorthodox bowling action, with many questioning its legality. Despite his record-breaking feats, he frequently faced hostility, particularly from Australian cricketers and their fans.
These players, for all their brilliance, left an indelible mark on the sport, but their controversial careers made them figures of much dislike as well.
Robinson’s remarks indirectly referenced former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, further escalating tensions. Ponting responded sharply, questioning Robinson’s skills and calling him a “frustrated bowler” who struggled against Khawaja’s composed batting. The controversy highlighted Robinson’s brash approach, earning him both critics and admirers in the cricketing world.