10 instances of cricketers being given intriguing nicknames

Shakespeare has said that if a rose were called by any other name, it would smell just as sweet. Although one may beg to differ in case of some of the names bestowed upon the cricketers in this list. Nicknames are sometimes earned through performance, sometimes on the basis of physical characteristics and sometimes on far fetched connections. Cricket is undoubtedly a gentleman's sport. But you would be surprised at some names even self professed gentlemen can come up with. Some cricketers wear their nicknames proudly on their sleeves. While others attempt to distance themselves from what the consider as an ill fitting moniker. In some cases though the names are intriguing and interesting. Here is a look at some such intruiging nicknames in the world of cricket.

#1 Peshawar Rickshaw

Umar Gul

Nicknames are not always something touting your prowess. Nor are they always a compliment. Umar Gul is a pace bowler from Pakistan, and pace bowlers in Pakistan are forever destined to be in the shadow of the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar.

Umar Gul didn't really live up to those expectations when he initially came on to the scene and he ended up being christened as Peshawar Rickshaw.

#2 Bombay Duck/007

Ajit Agarkar, a.k.a. Bombay Duck

On a Test series tour in Australia, Ajit Agarkar made a name for himself. Albeit not in a glorious manner. He went out for a duck. Then he went out for a duck again, and again and again. A total of 7 ducks in a row. Thus earning him the nickname Bombay Duck. In the eighth innings when he finally broke the streak and scored a run he celebrated amidst cheers.

#3 The Rawalpindi Expresses

The Rawalpindi Express in action

Bowlers are often named after the locality they are from. Rather, named after a train from the locality they are from. Javgal Srinath was named the Mysore Express. Mohammed Sami got the nickname: The Karachi Express. Ewen Chatfield, the New Zealand pace bowler was named as the Naenae express.

But most famously Shoaib Akhtar earned himself the nickname Rawalpindi Express for his blazing fast deliveries.

#4 Whispering Death

Michael Holding barely made a sound as he ran up for his deliveries

Former West Indian cricketer Michael Holding found himself a rather cool nickname as The Whispering Death. He was named such since he had a unusually quiet run up and he barely made a sound. But his delivery was deadly in contrast. Umpires have been known to say that they had to turn around to see if he had started his run up as he was so silent in his movement.

#5 The Black Bradman/Atlas

George Headley

George Headley was an accomplished West Indies cricketer. He was among the first and most prominent black batsmen from West Indies. Some of his followers even went to the far-fetched extent of calling Bradman as the White Headley. Headley was also called Atlas for his ability to carry a team on his back.

#6 Freddie (Flintstone)

Andrew Flintoff

Usually those named Fred are affectionately called Freddie. At first glance Andrew Flintoff’s name doesn’t seem to offer a connection to being called Freddie. However he has been named Freddie because his surname sounds like Flintstones, the cartoon featuring Fred Flintstone as the protagonist.

#7 The Wall/Jammy/Mr. Dependable

Rahul Dravid was one of the stoutest stalwarts of Indian cricket

Rahul Dravid is known by three nicknames, two of those referring to his rock solid consistency and staying power. The Wall and Mr. Dependable are names he has earned by being an impenetrable force for India. He is also named Jammy as his father Sharad Dravid worked at Kissan, the company best known for its Jam.

#8 Lambu and Bachha

Parthiv Patel attempts to draw the attention of the much taller Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma and Parthiv Patel got the nicknames Lambu and Bachcha, no prizes for guessing who was named what. Patel got the name for his short height and baby face while Ishant was named for his towering height.

#9 Gabbar

Gabbar

While playing in the Ranji Trophey, Shikhar Dhawan was nicknamed Gabbar because he liked to quote dialogues from the movie Sholay to his teammates. Often in the context of getting them to pull up their socks.

Of course now he has lived up to the nickname in another way, being a batsman who spreads terror in the hearts of the opponents.

#10 The Terminators

The Turbanator

Two players earned some futuristic nicknames on a play of words on their names. Harbhajan Singh was named as the Turbanator and Ian Bell was called The Sherminator. Althouth Singh was named such for his bowling prowess and Bell got his name from Shane Warne who named him after the geeky character in American Pie.