5 Cricketers named after former Cricketers

This father seemed most inspired!It’s not uncommon that we see people naming their kids after their heroes. From politicians to writers and artists, instances galore of reputed individuals being named in adulation of someone inspiring. In an intriguing list thus, we chronicle five cricketers whose parents were massively inspired by legends of the game, and who perhaps at a very early stage set the tone for their kid’s eventual career-choice!

#1 Rohan Gavaskar

It seems the legendary Sunil Gavaskar took his obsession with the game to a different level while naming his son. Rohan, thus isn’t just named after the legendary West Indian cricketer- Rohan Kanhai; his middle name is Jai Vishwa- after ML Jaisimha and Gundappa Vishwanath respectively! A list in himself, the now commentator Rohan, isnt he?!

#2 Neil Fairbrother

This Lancashire great was named after his mother's favourite cricketer, the stylish Australian left-hander Neil Harvey. Quite aptly, Fairbrother went to become a pretty useful left-hander himself, representing England in 10 tests and 75 one-day internationals for England. He is remembered most notably for his exploits in the 1992 World Cup final, which England ultimately lost to Pakistan.

#3 Barrington Rowland

This former Karnataka opener was named after the great England batsman Ken Barrington by his father Lincoln. He enjoyed a decent run in the Ranji Trophy, and was often deemed to knocking on the doors of the national. His FC record is studded with 10 centuries and 3 double centuries, most notably a 283 against Madhya Pradesh in Bengaluru in November 2004.

#4 Curtly Ambrose

This legendary West Indian fast bowler went by the name of Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose. The ‘Lyndwall’ bit was borrowed from Australian great Ray Lindwall’s name. It is also believed England international James Kirtley’s grand father, who was also a FC cricketer inspired the Antiguan’s parents! Pardon the spelling, obviously! (Kirtley~Curtly)

#5 Sachin Baby

Taking in consideration the multitude of cricketers who are making a name for themselves in the Indian domestic circuit these days, it’s highly improbable that one of them wont be named after arguably the country’s greatest cricketer.

The left handed Sachin, who has played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was born a day before his namesake’s ODI in December 1989. Explaining their decision, Baby’s father said in an interview, "We never imagined how big Tendulkar was going to be. But there was something very impressive about him. I wanted my son to grow up to be like him."