Cricketers with unique talents 

Ah, nothing says summer like the soft crack of leather hitting willow. However, these days a game of cricket is just as likely to be punctuated by the enthusiastic roar of thousands of fans.

With around 2.5 billion followers, cricket is the second-most popular sport after football, with roughly 3.5 billion fans. No wonder, then, that some of the most talented players in the sport are household names.

This, of course, means we want to know more about them as people, what they enjoy doing off the pitch. And we’re not just talking about where they live and what cars they drive.

We may identify ourselves by our profession, but that doesn’t necessarily define us. For example, you might work during the day as an account manager, but by night, you’re a skilled keyboard player. 

And those in the spotlight, such as cricketers, are no exception. So, let's take a look at seven famous cricketers from the past and present and discover some of their unique talents away from the pitch. 

Shane Warne- Australia. Career:1992-2007

The late, great Shane Warne wasn’t just known for his prowess as a brilliant leg spin bowler who was pretty handy with a bat. Long before you could play poker online, Warne was playing card games with his parents in his native Australia. 

A lifelong fan of the game, he won $161,325 in his career as a professional player, while still enjoying a chance to play poker when he's got the chance. I mean, those hours sat on tour buses aren’t going to fill themselves, are they? 

Yuvzendra Chahal. India. Career: 2004 to present

It’s not just poker that keeps the grey matter fresh off the cricket pitch. Yuvzendra Chahal has been playing chess ever since he was a child. 

He even represented his native India at the World Youth Chess Championship, earning him an official listing in the World Chess Federation. Oh, and he’s a pretty smart leg-spinner as well!

Brett Lee- Australia. Career: 1999-2012

We’ve already alluded to musicianship being a fine example of a unique talent. Step-up singer, songwriter and guitarist, Brett Lee of, appropriately, ‘Six and Out’ with his brother and fellow cricketer, Gavin Robertson.

Highly regarded on the pitch as one of cricket's all-time fast bowlers, he’s also well known for his duet with acclaimed singer Asha Bhosle. Howzat!

Shikhar Dhawan. India. Career: 2011- present

More musical skills in the form of one of India’s finest openers, Shikhar Dhawan. Cricket fans are more familiar with seeing this great all-rounder celebrating after delivering another devasting blow to the opposition.

But he’s also a master of the flute. Sure, he may be aggressive when it comes to on-pitch tournaments, but his beautiful playing displays a gentler side to this great sportsman. 

Andrew (Freddie) Flintoff. England. Career: 1998-2009

Not much in the way of being gentle when it comes to Freddie Flintoff’s off-pitch passion. He’s also a half-decent boxer who made his professional debut in 2012 after years of training.

This former all-rounder may have hung up his pads, but he remains dedicated to his boxing. Though these days you’re just as likely to find him in the commentary box, is there no end to this man’s talent?

Ajinkya Rahane. India. Career: 2011-Present

As a batsman, he’s highly skilled but he likes to keep things to himself. This may have something to do with his off-pitch talent, something that requires self-control and discipline. 

So, you may, or may not, be surprised to learn that Ajinkya Rahane also has a black belt in Karate. He’s been involved with the sport from a young age and over the years honed his skills.

It's easy to see how karate has been of physical benefit to Rahane. But it's also helped him to keep a cool head and focus on the job at hand too

Matthew Hayden. Australia. Career: 1994-2008

From the Dōjō (道場) to the dining room, Matthew Hayden, formally regarded as one of Australia’s most brutal batsmen, is also a professional chef. Inspired by his grandmother from a young age, this erstwhile surfer (yes, that too!) has always enjoyed messing about in the kitchen.

You can now find a bunch of his recipes online and in all good bookshops. That’s right, he’s even got a book under his belt and there’s more in the pipeline!

We’ve only noted seven cricketers with unique talents, believe it or not, there are dozens of other cricketers, past and present, with equally impressive off-pitch skills. Anil Kumble is a great photographer and Dwayne Bravo is a skilled singer, for example.  

Hopefully the above will inspire you to do something other than flop in front of the TV after a long day at the office. If they can do it, what with their punishing professional schedules, anyone can!