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Top 5 most hated Indian cricketers of all time

Indian cricket fans hold their players close, showering them with adoration that borders on worship. This stems from a unique confluence of factors. Cricket, deeply woven into the national fabric, transcends a mere sport, becoming a symbol of collective pride and achievement. Players who excel on the field embody this collective dream, carrying the hopes and aspirations of millions. Their victories become national celebrations, while their struggles share burdens. It’s a phenomenon fueled by shared joy, national identity, and an almost mythical belief in the power of cricket to unite and uplift.

However, there is also a section of Indian Cricketers who have earned a lot of criticism and even haters due to various reasons. Here’s a look at five such players:

Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, the man who wears his heart on his sleeve (and sometimes his sleeve on his heart), is no stranger to controversy. His fiery on-field persona, punctuated by heated exchanges and fierce tackles, earned him a lot of criticism. Beyond the boundary, his outspoken nature in the media, often involving candid comments about teammates and contemporaries, fueled further divides. Plenty of fans found his words harsh and unnecessary. They point to his “spats” with fellow cricketers, like the recent altercation with Sreesanth, as evidence of his combative nature. Whether sledging opponents or critiquing colleagues, Gambhir’s directness doesn’t always sit well with everyone.

MS Dhoni

It may come as a surprise to many that MS Dhoni is on this list but yes, MS Dhoni is one of the most hated Indian cricketers despite bringing several laurels to the country. Dhoni led India to title triumphs in the World T20, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy but there were plenty of events which made him a public enemy. Dhoni’s axe on senior players like Ganguly, Dravid, and Sehwag continues to spark debate. Fans, attached to their cricketing heroes, felt it disrespectful and went so far as to say that Dhoni got rid of them because of his ulterior motives. The answer, perhaps, lies in the individual’s perspective and their definition of cricketing loyalty.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the name synonymous with batting brilliance and fiery intensity, also has his share of haters. While his trophy cabinet overflows with accolades and series wins, a lingering cloud of criticism follows him. Kohli’s on-field aggression is undeniable. Whether fist pumps after boundaries or animated exchanges with opponents, his passion is as much a trademark as his cover drive. He advocates for this intensity as a source of his peak performance, but it often ignites opposing fans and even divides his support base. Some see it as unnecessary gamesmanship.

As captain, Kohli led India to unprecedented heights in bilateral series and Test cricket. His aggressive brand of leadership galvanized the team, rewriting records and achieving historic wins. However, the ultimate yardstick for many remains major trophies, where India fell short under his captaincy. This perceived inability to translate bilateral dominance into silverware fueled further criticism.

S Sreesanth

Sreesanth‘s cricketing career has been a rollercoaster ride, which is punctuated by both brilliance and controversy. On the field, his fiery aggression and passionate altercations often divided fans. Some admired his intensity, while others found it excessive. However, it was the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal that truly cast a shadow over his career. Accused of manipulating match outcomes, he faced a lifetime ban, later reduced to seven years, before being cleared of all charges in 2015. Despite the legal vindication, the stigma of the scandal lingered. His return to competitive cricket in 2021 was met with mixed reactions. While some celebrate his second chance, others question whether he could truly shed the baggage of the past.

Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri is a name synonymous with both cricketing prowess and fan divides. Throughout his playing and coaching career, his fiery personality has ignited criticism alongside admiration. Some saw his on-field aggression as “un-Indian”, a stark contrast to the composed demeanour expected. This “in-your-face” persona earned him fans who appreciated his passion but alienated others who found it excessive. As coach, the narrative continued. Despite leading India to historic Test wins and nurturing young talent, his outspoken nature and perceived favouritism towards certain players fueled negativity. Social media trolls targeted his comments and lifestyle choices regularly.