Acting is one profession cricketers like to pick during or after the end of their playing careers. Considering the fanbase that they have, it is relatively easy for them to get an opportunity. In this article, we take a look at the playing XI of cricketers who have tried professional acting in feature movies in their careers.
To become an actor, it is necessary that the candidate should be able to earn a fan following as he grows in his career. For a cricketer, especially in India, this comes easily. Hence, a few players tend to pick acting so that they could benefit from it. A few have even tried professional acting. We talk about such players in this article.
Openers: Mohsin Khan and Sadagoppan Ramesh
Mohsin Khan had a decent career for Pakistan, playing in 48 Tests and 75 ODIs. He later married Bollywood actress Reena Roy and then even tried his hand in acting. He was part of Hindi films such as Batwara. Having played 19 Tests and 24 ODIs for India, S Ramesh had a short career for India. He later acted in Tamil movies such as Potta Potti as a lead actor. Hence, he qualifies to this playing XI of cricketers who have tried professional acting in feature movies in their careers.
Middle-Order: Vinod Kambli, Ajay Jadeja, Sandeep Patil (C) and Syed Kirmani (WK)
Vinod Kambli had a terrific start to his cricketing career. There was a flair about him that helped the southpaw beat several records in the beginning. However, the controversial person that he is, Kambli’s form dropped due to various reasons. He has tried acting both in Bollywood and in the South as well.
Ajay Jadeja was one of the players who was involved in the fixing controversy in India around 2000. Thanks to his good looks, Ajay got an opportunity in Bollywood. He played an important role in Khel, apart from many other films.
Both Sandeep Patil and Syed Kirmani took up serious acting in the film Kabhie Ajnabi The. Syed has also acted recently as well. Hence, both the yesteryear cricketers form a part of this XI.
All-Rounders: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan is the all-rounder in this playing XI of cricketers who have tried professional acting in feature movies in their careers. Pathan’s career was cut short due to injuries and inconsistent form. He soon picked up commentatory as a profession. The former Indian all-rounder has now become an actor. He plays the villain in a film called Cobra, a Tamil film featuring popular actor Vikram.
Bowlers: Harbhajan Singh, Brett Lee, S Sreesanth and Salil Ankola
Although he has not retired yet, Harbhajan Singh has already gotten into acting. He has started in Tamil films but looks set to explore Bollywood, too. Sreesanth has also tried out acting when he was serving his ban. He was actually fairly successful, acting in a couple of movies. However, he has returned to playing cricket now. Brett Lee and Salil Ankola will complete the bowling attack of this XI. Lee has been part of music videos and has acted in a mainstream film called ‘UnIndian’. Salil Ankola retired early and became successful both in TV and films.