A few years ago, a rumour circulated widely on the internet about AB de Villiers, claiming that the South African cricket maestro was also a prodigy in sports like rugby, badminton, and hockey. However, de Villiers debunked these myths in his autobiography, clarifying that cricket is the only sport in which he has represented his country. Given his exceptional skill set and athletic prowess on the cricket field, it's understandable why fans might have believed such tales.
Yet, there are cricketers who have genuinely showcased their talents in other sports arenas. Some have even had the honour of representing their nation in disciplines beyond cricket. Driven by passion, opportunity, or a deep-seated love for another game, these athletes ventured outside the cricketing realm. Let's explore the stories of 10 cricketers who excelled in sports other than cricket.
1. Yuzvendra Chahal – Chess
In modern limited-overs cricket, wrist spinners have become invaluable, and India boasts a wealth of them. Among the leading figures is Haryana's Yuzvendra Chahal. He has emerged as one of Virat Kohli's most trusted bowlers, capable of taking wickets at any juncture—be it the powerplay, middle overs, or the death.
However, before making his mark in cricket, Chahal was a chess prodigy. He clinched the National Under-12 Championship in Kolkata in 2002 and represented India at the Asian and World U12 Junior Championships. Although he aspired to pursue a career in chess, financial constraints and lack of sponsorship led him to focus solely on cricket. Back in his hometown of Jind, his father converted a piece of their agricultural land into a practice ground, nurturing his cricketing skills.
Chahal's career took a significant leap when the Royal Challengers Bangalore signed him in 2014. Over the years, he has become a mainstay for the team, taking 23 and 22 wickets in the 2015 and 2016 IPL seasons, respectively. His stellar performances earned him a spot in the national team, where his 6/25 against England in 2017 remains the best bowling figures by an Indian in T20 internationals. With over 100 IPL wickets to his name, Chahal continues to be a crucial asset for India in limited-overs cricket.
2. Andrew Flintoff – Boxing
Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, towering at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing over 220 pounds, was a powerhouse both on and off the cricket field. His all-round performances were instrumental in England's 2005 Ashes victory. Over five matches, he scored 402 runs, including a century and three fifties, and took 24 wickets at an average of 27, earning him the Man of the Series award.
After retiring from cricket in 2009, Flintoff ventured into the world of professional boxing.
Speaking before the fight, Flintoff said, “It's been possibly the hardest thing I have ever done or probably is the oddest thing. I have trained hard to get stronger, I took a technique of boxing, had to go into the ring and know how to get hit.”
His formidable physique and competitive spirit led him to the ring, where he faced American Richard Dawson on November 30, 2012. Although he secured a victory in the fourth round, Flintoff chose not to pursue a prolonged boxing career.
Post-retirement, Flintoff has appeared in various television shows and documentaries, authored books, and provided commentary in T20 leagues. Widely regarded as one of England's finest modern cricketers, he is often mentioned alongside legends like Sir Ian Botham.
3. Sir Ian Botham – Football
Sir Ian Botham is celebrated as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders. With over 5,000 runs and 383 Test wickets, his contributions are monumental. He made history by becoming the first player to score a century and take 10 wickets in the same Test match. His legendary performances during the 1981 Ashes series remain iconic.
Beyond cricket, Botham was also an accomplished footballer. Though he chose cricket as his primary career, he played professional football as a centre-half from 1978 to 1985 for Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United, making 11 appearances in the English Football League. His athletic versatility showcased his dedication to sports in general.
Now a commentator, Botham remains involved in golf and shooting. Knighted in 2007 and inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009, he was also named in England's greatest Test XI by the ECB during their 1,000th Test match celebrations.
4. Suzie Bates – Basketball
Suzie Bates is one of women's cricket's most outstanding all-rounders. As New Zealand's leading run-scorer in ODIs and T20Is, her statistics are impressive: over 4,000 ODI runs at an average of 42, and more than 3,100 T20I runs. Her cricketing prowess makes her an automatic selection in any team.
Remarkably, Bates also excelled in basketball. She represented New Zealand at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and played professionally for the Christchurch Sirens in the Australian Women's National Basketball League. Although she eventually had to choose between the two sports, her dual representation at the international level is a testament to her athletic ability.
In cricket, Bates has continued to shine, leading her team to significant successes in the Women's Big Bash League and earning multiple ICC awards for her performances.
5. Jonty Rhodes – Hockey
Jonty Rhodes revolutionised fielding in cricket with his agility and athleticism. His iconic run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq remains one of the sport's most memorable moments. Rhodes made the backward point position his own, setting new standards for fielders worldwide.
His exceptional fielding skills were honed through hockey. Rhodes was part of the South African hockey team that narrowly missed qualifying for the 1992 Olympics. Selected for trials for the 1996 Olympics, he had to withdraw due to injury.
After retiring from playing, Rhodes became a sought-after fielding coach, sharing his expertise with teams like the Mumbai Indians and the South African national team.
6. Ellyse Perry – Football
Ellyse Perry is often hailed as one of the greatest talents in women's cricket. Making her international debut just before turning 17, she quickly established herself as a leading all-rounder. Perry was Australia's top wicket-taker in the 2010 Women's T20 World Cup, playing a crucial role in their championship win.
Amazingly, Perry also pursued a career in football. Shortly after her cricket debut, she earned her first cap for the Australian women's football team, making her the first Australian to play in both cricket and football World Cups. She competed in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and played professionally for Sydney FC.
In cricket, Perry has reached unparalleled heights, being the only player to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in T20 internationals. Her contributions have been pivotal in Australia's successes in World Cups and the Ashes series.
7. Nathan Astle – Auto Racing
Nathan Astle is remembered as one of New Zealand's most prolific batsmen, with over 7,000 Test runs and 4,000 ODI runs. A reliable medium pacer as well, he was a quintessential Kiwi all-rounder.
After retiring from cricket in 2007, Astle pursued a passion for auto racing. He began competing professionally in 2010, participating in the modified sprint car category at the Ruapuna Speedway in Christchurch. Demonstrating his competitive spirit, he secured third place in the South Island Champs in 2013 and continues to race actively.
Astle holds the record for the fastest double century in Test cricket, achieved against England in 2002. His transition to auto racing showcases his versatility and dedication to sports.
8. Sir Don Bradman – Squash and Golf
Sir Donald Bradman, with his legendary Test batting average of 99.94, is often regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time. In just 52 Tests, he scored 29 centuries, including 12 double hundreds and two triple centuries.
Beyond cricket, Bradman excelled in squash and golf. After moving to Adelaide in 1934, he became the South Australian state squash champion in 1939. An avid golfer, he won the Mount Osmond Golf Club Championship twice and continued playing into his late 80s.
Bradman's impact on cricket is immeasurable, and his ventures into other sports further highlight his exceptional athletic abilities. His legacy continues to inspire generations of sports enthusiasts.
9. Denis Compton – Football
Denis Compton was a cricketing genius during the World War II era, joining the elite group of players with over 100 first-class centuries. His illustrious career for Middlesex saw him score more than 38,000 runs.
Compton was also a talented footballer. Starting with non-league Nunhead, he later joined Arsenal as a winger in 1936. He won the league in 1948 and the FA Cup in 1950, scoring 16 goals before a knee injury ended his football career.
Despite the interruption of World War II, during which he served in the army in India, Compton's cricketing achievements were extraordinary. Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009, his legacy is commemorated with a stand named after him at Lord's Cricket Ground.
10. Sir Vivian Richards – Football
Sir Vivian Richards is often considered the most intimidating batsman of his era. His confident stride to the crease and aggressive batting instilled fear in bowlers worldwide. Over a 17-year career, he scored 8,540 Test runs and over 6,000 ODI runs, contributing significantly to West Indies' dominance in the 1970s and 1980s.
Richards also showcased his talent in football, playing for Antigua and Barbuda during the qualifying matches for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. A devoted Liverpool FC supporter, his love for football ran deep.
Knighted in 1999 and honoured with Antigua's highest award, Richards' legacy extends beyond cricket. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua stands as a testament to his impact on the sport and his nation.
These extraordinary individuals not only reached the pinnacle of cricket but also excelled in other sports, demonstrating versatility and a passion for athletic excellence. Their stories inspire us to explore our own potential beyond conventional boundaries.