5 Famous cricketers and their nicknames

In order to understand some of the cricketers with famous nicknames, one needs to also understand the philosophy or line of thinking that stems from that particular nickname and as to what led to it? Now when you speak of 5 star cricketers and their famous nicknames, you will come to reflect about some brilliant and blazing cricketing talents from around the world, who in the span of their long careers, have not just entertained but emerged as big heroes for the country as well as for the (great sport of) cricket. Who are these 5 star cricketers with their famous nicknames and what is special about them and what led to the birth of their nicknames or alter egos, if one could put it like that. Let us find out.

Here is a list of famous Cricketers and their nicknames: 

Dwayne Bravo - DJ/ Champion

A little over a decade back in the day, Bravo released a famous song, in his typical Caribbean rhythm and style, called "Champion" and ever since then, Dwayne Bravo earned a new nickname, which was much like the title of his own song and the style in which he came to play the game he so loves: Champion.

Bravo's been one of the most commendable and athletic all rounders of the game, someone who grew up admiring "The Prince" Brian Lara. He's become a T20 legend of the game and his stats for the West Indies read 2200 Test runs, nearly 3000 ODI runs and 1255 T20I runs, besides 363 international wickets.

Bravo is a popular figure in the game today and surely, his nickname and his own popularity have ensured that he's among the top 5 star cricketers with popular nicknames.

Chris Gayle - Universe Boss

Chris Gayle, known for his breezy batting, effortless six hitting and the unparalleled ability to slay bowlers of all kinds, whether pace and spin earned the title of "Universe Boss". What's rather interesting is to note that the famous left hander from Jamaica, who fired the first ever century in a T20 World Cup contest (2007 vs South Africa) gave himself the nickname perhaps aligning his unique philosophy of living it up and his dominant batting. But ever since a decade and a half, Gayle's nickname has struck a chord with fans all around the world who look up to him as a cricketing idol and can there ever be a doubt about that?

Virat Kohli - King Kohli

There are great batters, there are legends and then there's a league of outstanding talents to which only a few belong. One among them is Virat Kohli, rightly nicknamed as "King Kohli" for his 51 ODI centuries and no fewer than 27,000 plus runs (as on date) for his country. His ability to get the best out of his humongous talent and to score loads of runs, both home and away and most importantly, that instinct for domination have placed India into a great position over the years. If there's a cricketer who actually thoroughly deserves his nickname, then it's the player of the gorgeous cover drive, "King Kohli". 

MS Dhoni - Captain Cool

So unflustered and absolutely chilled out did MS Dhoni remain under pressure, a prime example of that being his famous 2011 World Cup winning knock in the final vs Sri Lanka, that his nickname of 'Captain Cool' is hardly a surprise, isn't it? If there was ever a captivating list comprising 5 star cricketers and their nicknames, then MS Dhoni would surely feature in it without fail. During critical junctures of the game, his exceptional glovework and even late hitting during the death overs would change the context and narrative of the game. And with over 11,000 ODI runs, nearly 5000 Test runs along with 577 catches for India, he would stun the world and earn countless fans.

If Dhoni isn't the captain cool, then who is, one ought to ask?

Michael Hussey - Mr. Cricket

For someone who didn't debut when he was at the peak of his youth and came to play his maiden international contest for Australia not before turning 29 (the 2004 ODI vs India), Hussey epitomised the spirit of doing it all for his country and for giving it everything for his nation. His passion and love for cricket not only attributed and led to his success with the bat - 11677 runs (Tests and ODIs combined) but also birthed the nickname "Mr Cricket".

He's been described as the player who always thought of and worshiped cricket. He often stayed long at the nets when his team's practice sessions were over, a phenomenon noticed personally by a famous opponent, Andrew Flintoff in England, who given Hussey's commitment to the sport apparently anointed him with the "Mr Cricket" nickname. And surely, when one thinks of 5 star cricketers and their nicknames, then definitely the name of Mr. Cricket springs to the mind without much ado. Hussey's sensational batting in the shortest format of the game, in particular his T20 World Cup knock of 60 off just 24 stunned Pakistan and birthed countless fans in the format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which cricketer is nicknamed Captain Cool and what's the story behind it?

CSK captain MS Dhoni, a legend of the game, known for his calmness under pressure and for not losing cool in difficult situations is nicknamed Captain Cool.

Q2. Which cricketer is nicknamed DJ Bravo? 

It is West Indian cricketer Dwayne Bravo, who hails from Trinidad, a cricketer known for his easy going but competitive nature; someone who epitomises the rationale of - play hard.

Q3. What is the nickname of Jadeja?

Ravindra Jadeja is widely known as "Sir Jadeja or Jaddu," a nickname given jokingly by fans and later embraced by the cricket community.