10 flamboyant cricketers you should follow on Instagram

Which cricketer has a sword collection? Who rode a camel to wish Happy Diwali? How does Dhoni feel when he faces products with his unofficial endorsements? Did you know you could have given Sachin Tendulkar a lift?Our access to athletes is limited by the access we are provided by their management team. Outside of public appearances and contests it is a task to figure out who these stars really are. The thing about social media is that athletes can give us a raw, unprocessed and candid look in their lives and thoughts. The results are intriguing to say the least. Instagram is one of the mediums through which we can have a direct interaction with these stars.Here is a look at 10 flamboyant cricketers whom you should be following on Instagram.

#1 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s instagram account is a treat for fans of the God

In the years gone by fans of Sachin Tendulkar, which pretty much includes everyone who has heard of him, would rely solely on queing up at his public appearances or matches to catch a glimpse of him. Now thanks to Instagram fans can get access to candid posts by the man himself.

This medium also offer fans an opportunity for physical interaction with their idols. Sachin once posted a picture of himself at a bus stop on Instagram saying: “In Great Haseley Oxfordshire. Missed the last bus, can anyone give me a lift??” The number of vehicles queuing up for that would probablly cause a traffic jam across the city.

Times have certainly changed from back when Sachin was a 11 year old child who had to stand in crowded buses while lugging a oversized cricket kit bag.

He also posts about his career highlights: “First #International #Century at #OldTrafford was special. 25 years later it continues to remain special. Planning to pick the bat today for old times sake for a special session.“

Follow him if you aren’t already.

#2 Chris Gayle

A unique Diwali card from Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle may perhaps be the most flamboyant and controversial cricketer. There is no denying that he knows how to live it up and live it large. His account on Instagram offers an unfiltered and raw look straight from the horse’s mouth. Check out his lengthy goodbye post to the Big Bash League, bashing his critics in a monologue.

Many of his pictures revolve around him partying around the world. But there are slo candid gems such as this picture of him recreating his version of the iconic Titanic scene, solo. Here is how he wished his fans Happy Diwali, by riding a statue of a camel in a lobby.

For sheer entertainment value, there is perhaps no other cricketer to follow on Instagram.

#3 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni pokes fun at product endorsements which he has no idea he endorses

The life of MS Dhoni must be a bundle of surprises. After the controversy about him being morphed as Lord Vishnu as The God of Big Deals as a reference to his numerous endorsements, one would think that people would think twice about the inappropriate use of his image. Apparently Dhoni is as surprised as any of us at finding out the products which use his image to sell.

MS Dhoni’s account has not been active for a few months. But it offers a look at his love for bikes.

#4 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli pays a heartfelt tribute to Virender Sehwag

Virat Kohli is one of the most stylish cricketers today. His account has over a million followers and he does not disappoint. One can see his fondness for taking selfies. He also takes a serious note with some posts. Like this one here where he posts about missing his father.

Some pictures show that he is just another human being like us, regardless of status on the cricket field. Here is a picture of him stuck in traffic, and venting about it. That may be expected. but one would not necessarily expect Kohli to be shopping for crockeries. He is one of the more active cricketers on Instagram.

#5 Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen has a good sense of style

Kevin Pietersen has over a thousand posts on Instagram. His love for golf is evident from his numerous shots at the tee. Come Christmas time, here is additional motivation to be good. As here is KP dressed up as Santa Claus. This is perhaps the fittest Santa you will see for a good while.

Here is a picture of Kp chasing a turtle underwater. He also puts up touching family pictures.

#6 Ravindra Jadeja

Sir Ravindra Jadeja taking a break from being awesome, by being awesome

Meet Jadduboy. For someone to be Knighted by the general public, there has to be an element of royalty about them. While that didn’t really play much part in the Knighthood of Sir Ravindra Jadeja, there is no denying that he has an element of royalty about him. If the above picture wasn’t a clue, take a look at his sword collection.

Jadeja also has an affinity for horses. He looks at himself as a true blood Rajput, and it is reflected in his traditional pictures.

If you needed another reason to follow him, his profile reads “Ravindrasinh Jadeja professional cricketer,Rajput,horse rider. Snapchat::jadduboy”

#7 Shane Warne

An exotic party with the police, stormtroopers, pirates and gladiators

Shane Warne has the obligatory party pictures in his account. There are also pictures with legends. He is also an avid poker player these days. For the most part his account has pictures of him living it up and mixing it around with legends.

#8 Brett Lee

Brett Lee still has his athleticism

Brett Lee can jump. He could jump even higher as seen in his tribute to Sehwag. His vertical leap could give Kangaroos a run for their money. His account has some of the best quality photos among cricketers. Just take a look at Mark Taylor, Brett Lee, Ian Healy and Mark Nicholas posing as the iconic Beatles cover.

Here is a picture at the Lords, looking at it it is hard to argue that Lee doesn’t add a touch of royalty with his mere presence.

#9 Dale Steyn

Even the Steyn Gun has to reload sometime

Dale Steyn’s Instagram account is full of gems. He has been known to butcher batsmen, but who knew he could dress up so convincingly as a murderous butcher himself? Take a look at how he scared kids dressing up for a Fancy Dress competition.

His account has numerous pictures and videos of his workouts. Here ihe is seen fishing with his mates. Surfing is another of his hobbies. You can see that he also used to enjoy skateboarding as a young lad.

#10 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh wants you to make a change

Yuvraj Singh has struggled and overcome more than most have. His fans will surely remember this classic moment right here. One can rehash such memories going through his account. Yuvi is known as a dangerous batsman, but one can be sure he is equally lethal during Holi looking at this picture.

Here is a look at Yuvi putting in work to be in the best shape he can attain. In conclusion, this may be among the most patriotic pictures he has posted.