14 Gentlemen of the game - Cricketers loved all over the Globe

14 Gentlemen of the game – Cricketers loved all over the Globe: Started as a leisure activity for the rich several years back, cricket assumed professional proportions only in recent times. Earlier it was considered much too sacred a game to be affected by popular public demands but with careers at stake, nowadays players often cross the line. Monetary penalties have only curbed the friction among individuals on the field but not stopped it completely. Despite all of this there have been many cricketers who have been role models in every sense of the word. They have set examples for future generations to follow as to how the game should be played with the correct attitude and in the right spirit. All of this has not meant compromising on performance in any way. If anything, it has only improved their game. These Gentlemen have proved that the highest quality cricket can certainly be played without being involved in verbal battles. They believe in letting the bat/ball do the talking. Today we take a look at the 14 Gentlemen of the game – Cricketers loved all over the Globe: 1. Rahul Dravid: Rahul Dravid. (Photo Source: BCCI) If Cricket is a gentleman’s game he is the undisputed gentleman. Rahul Sharad Dravid is one of the nicest guys you will ever come across on the cricket field. A modern great, Dravid held the ethics of the game as high in regards as the rules of the game. Having scored more than 10000 runs in both forms of the game, and taken most catches in test cricket he was never one to complain about things like the umpire’s decision when harshly adjudged out. Dravid’s was a world of dignity, civility and poetry. There are very few cricketers left in his mould today. It is not only in his native India, but with the persona that Rahul Dravid has is considered an ideal role model for young cricketers to follow his techniques with the bat and in the head as well. Also Read – Elite League – The Best Cricketers Ever From Each Nation 2. Stephen Fleming: Stephen Fleming.(© Getty Images) Considered one of the best cricket captains in the world, the Christchurch-born former New Zealand skipper was also one of the least-controversial figures in international cricket. Stephen Fleming seemed to mature after his off-field indiscretion of smoking Marijuana with two other teammates in 1995, and later led his side to many famous victories in international cricket. Fleming was praised by the likes of Shane Warne and Graeme Swann, who both noted his astute tactical abilities. As coach of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL the New Zealander is known to enjoy the confidence of many of the players including skipper MS Dhoni. But it is his unflappable nature, and ability to cut out the histrionics, that help him make this list of one of the Gentlemen cricketers in the world. 3. Adam Gilchrist: Adam Gilchrist. (© Getty Images) Renowned for walking off when he considered himself to be out, this former Aussie stumper Adam Gilchrist has been one of the most affable personalities to have played the game. In typical Australian fashion, Gilly was aggressive on the field, indulging in sledging and good-natured banter behind the stumps; off it, he is a dignified, soft-spoken character. Gilchrist has spearheaded a few charitable initiatives in India, like his former skipper Steve Waugh, and is well-known for his philanthropic work outside the cricketing circles. For a man who was a superb hitter of the cricket ball and who re-defined the role of a wicket-keeper in the 21st century, Gilchrist’s charming personality off the field has made him a favourite around the world. 4. Brett Lee: Brett Lee. (Photo Source: AFP) On the field, he resembled the fiery Cretan bull from the Greek mythology, a lethal pacer with the ability to send down powerful thunderbolts at high speeds. But Brett Lee was not much of a controversial figure like teammate Shane Warne or former player and mentor Dennis Lillee. He is happy performing for his band Six and Out when not playing, and did not try to intimidate umpires or opposition batsmen during the infamous Sydney Test against India in 2008. Lee has never chosen to indulge in publicity stunts or hog the limelight, and it is this quality that has endeared him to cricket lovers all around the world, especially in India. 5. Anil Kumble : Anil Kumble (Photo Source: AFP) Jumbo famously took the wicket of Brian Lara in a Test at Antigua in 2002, when bowling with a broken jaw. While it reflected his admirable fighting spirit, it also gave fans a glimpse of his consummate professionalism despite struggling against all odds. India needed a leader of the likes of Anil Kumble during the stormy Australian tour in 2008; he held the side together despite all the allegations and counter-allegations that flew back and forth between the two powerhouses of world cricket. Calm in crisis situations, the Bangalorean has also been a shining example of humility and dignity, which has in return earned him a loyal fan following. Soft-spoken and unassuming, Kumble remains one of those players who give the word ‘gentleman’ a true meaning. 6. Kumar Sangakkara: Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC) Sangakkara is one of the most prominent as well as stylish batsmen of modern cricket. Not only is he an ideal personality for every Sri Lankan, but also for the millions of fans world over. Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most successful captains as well and a popular figure in the cricketing universe for his lovely batting style. With more than 10000 run’s to his name in both formats, he was the players representative for several years at the ICC. Through highs and lows, this wicket-keeper batsman continued to operate under the moral conducts every public figure and someone who is Idolized is expected to carry along. 7. AB de Villiers: AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: BCCI) AB de Villiers is one of the most popular and admired star in modern cricket and is really famous among the younger generation of cricket lovers throughout the globe. AB by every standard is the unconquered numero uno in world cricket at the moment. If you are a true cricket fan you’ve got to love watching him bat. Much like his performance with the bat, the South African ODI skipper is also one to look up to when it comes to cricketing conduct. He likes to dance around his crease and gives the bowlers a real tough time, but is really gracious to accept his achievements and never let that get to his mind. Every time that you hear him talk, AB’s Aura expands. 8. Hashim Amla: Hashim Amla. (Photo Source: Gallo Images) The elegant South African opener holds the spirit of the game in highest regards. Much like his team mate AB de Villiers he is a figure of consistency and solidarity for his side. Having not had a great start to his international career, Amla didn’t look back once he got going. He started his ODI international career in March 2008 against Bangladesh and within 3 years was the top rated international batsman in the world. Averaging close to 50 in both forms, Amla believed in letting his willow do all the talking and it is rather rare that we see him getting involved in an argument with someone. Hot with the bat, calm with his presence, is there someone who doesn’t like Hashim Amla? Well none. 9. Michael Hussey: Michael Hussey. (© Getty Images) Mike Hussey, the left handed batsman was the backbone of Australian cricket team for several years. Mr. Cricket started his ODI international career in February 2004 against India. He has played a major role in the success of Australian Cricket team during an era of superlative dominance. An extremely popular personality among fans all over the world, he was often the ice among those fiery Aussie players. Regarded as one of the best finishers in the game, he made sure that any blemish remains miles away during his playing career. Staying cool helped him think better in those crunch moments when one moment could either make it or break it. 10. Chris Gayle: Chris Gayle with Mayanti Langer. (Photo Source: Mayanti Langer Binnay Twitter Handle) One of the most dangerous batsmen of all time, this man no needs introduction. Chris is one of the most destructive batsmen ever to have played the game. Being the guy he is Gayle has friends in almost all the teams he plays against, nobody apart from the bowlers he disgracefully dispatches can hate this guy. Whenever you see the number of sixes being more than the number of fours then you know runs are coming thick and fast. The Gayle Storm, you just don’t want that to get started against your team, but if it’s against some other team, just enjoy it. The best entertainer in world cricket, his dance moves are just great to watch and never misses to maintain his smile on and off the field. 11. Jacques Kallis: Jacques Kallis. (Photo Source: Associated Press) Perhaps the greatest all-rounder in the history of the game along with Sir Gary Sobers, Kallis was an exemplary figure on and off the field. A genuine all-rounder for the Proteas, he was almost unflappable even in the most heated moments in the game. Kallis averages better than most with the bat and similar is the sense while we discuss his bowling numbers. The South African is as much remembered for his consistent behaviour as his fabulous cricketing records. He maintained his composure even when provoked, a cool head on his shoulders helped him outwit his opponents while the heat of the moment consumes most. 12. Wasim Akram: Wasim Akram. (Photo Source: BCCI) The legendary pacer from Pakistan is one of the most popular cricketers around the globe. A feisty character on the field, Wasim has been a pretty approachable guy off it. Having being nurtured by the likes of Imran Khan in his early days, these traits do not come as a surprise. The left armer who has the highest number of scalps in One Day Cricket, also works hard for his commentary stints and expert opinions. He is currently an honorary life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the body which takes care for cricket to be played in the right spirit. Even when Pakistani players have not been allowed to participate in the IPL, Wasim has been an integral member of the KKR coaching staff and is loved all over even in India. 13. Sachin Tendulkar: Sachin Tendulkar (© Getty Images) He is undoubtedly the greatest ambassador for the game of cricket in India if not around the universe. Sachin has given numerous occasions of glory guiding India to become a superpower in the cricketing world in the last two decades. Master Blaster has enriched the game not only with his talent but also with the conduct on and off the field. In an era, when controversies and fame go hand in hand, Sachin has set brightest examples in staying humble and maintaining a clean image. The whole of India prayed for him every time he took his stance at the crease. All those who have had the privilege of seeing him bat can proudly say “I lived in the era when Sachin Tendulkar played cricket”. 14. Irfan Pathan: Irfan Pathan He is not a very big star. Irfan was never a hi-fi, stylish, modern, and out-going kind of late night party animal. Even does not have a wonderful, exemplary kind of a career, hasn’t been there on the scene regularly anymore, but yet he is liked by all. Irfan Pathan is the most submissive born struggler. He is the only privileged Indian bowler having a Test Hat-Trick in the first over of the match. Though Pathan does not belong to affluent privileged class, but it was his unparalleled rigorous practice and strong will power that he rose to such a position that the family, friends and millions of supporters are proud of his achievements. When it comes to writing about a capable versatile but somewhat unlucky, unsung hero, it becomes impossible to hide your feelings for a deserving young lad. Hoping to see him rise again. Also Read – 12 Philanthropists – The most kind hearted cricketers

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14 Gentlemen of the game - Cricketers loved all over the Globe

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