Cricket is a multifaceted sport that continues to evolve both in the real world as well as the virtual. The game, which originated in territories that were once under British authority, is now spreading its roots as online fantasy games and also in locations like Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, and mostly in every corner of the world. As a result, the game’s players also have a wide range of surnames. While most players’ names are well-known, some use their initials to shorten or even, at times, eliminate parts of their names.
In this article, we bring you the names of some cricketers whose real names are still unknown to many of you.
Ross Taylor
Many people believe Ross Taylor is a member of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori community. He is, however, half-Samoan. Apart from the Taylor family name, Ross is the only one of his four names that sound English. His initials, LRPL, means Luteru Ross Poutoa Lote, as you may have seen. It’s easy to see why he opted Ross into his first name in cricket over the other three alternatives.
Vijay Merchant
Vijay Merchant, whose first-class achievements have drawn comparisons to Sir Donald Bradman, is actually Vijay Thackersey, not Vijay Merchant. When Vijay was at school, his teacher inquired about his father’s name. He misheard the name and heard profession and therefore responded “merchant,” and because of this, he obtained his surname from his school time. Even his children adopted the surname Merchant rather than Thackersey.
Tony Greig
Tony Greig was one of cricket’s most popular figures, having been born in South Africa, led team England as captain, and lived in Australia. His deep voice and enthusiastic commentary established him as cricket’s default voice. His entire name, on the other hand, was rarely spoken. For those who witnessed cricket in the 1970s, Anthony William Greig was a combative, rebellious cricketer, but for 90s youngsters and millennials, he will be remembered as the enthusiastic commentator who brought the game to life.
Lala Amarnath
Lala Amarnath is a significant figure in Indian cricket history, having become the first test captain of independent India and the first Indian to make a Test century. However, only a few people are aware that his real name is neither Lala nor Amarnath. His real name is Nanik Amarnath Bhardwaj. But, like his son Mohinder Amarnath, he also became well-known with the surname Amarnath (Bharadwaj).
VVS Laxman
Laxman has always been recognized by his initials VVS and is considered one of the best batsmen India has ever produced. But, only a few people are aware of what VVS stands for. Out of respect, this name has also been awarded yet another full form – Very Very Special. But in reality, the batting legend’s full name is Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman. However, being referred to as “very, very exceptional” will also not go unnoticed.
Hansie Cronje
Hansie Cronje, the former captain of South Africa, could have been recognized as a great leader if he had not been humiliated by shady bookmaker practices. Even now, few people realize that Hansie was only a nickname for the former Proteas captain. South Africa has a substantial Afrikaner population who do not speak English and have unusual names. Cronje, whose real name was Wessel Johannes Hansie Cronje, was one of them.
Harbhajan Singh
Earning a reputation as Harbhajan Singh, the ‘turbanator’ has a different surname that was never revealed. Harbhajan Singh’s real name is Harbhajan Singh Plaha which he inherited from his family. However, because the player never even used this name very often, it is a little-known fact.
Conclusion
Well, there are some players who prefer not to use their real names but that doesn’t matters much. What matters is how they play and perform on the field. If you check fantasy cricket websites, you will eventually find some players there also who don’t use their full names. So, worry not much about that and focus on how the players perform.
Read More:
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3. Top Fantasy Cricketers with Record Runs in Indian T20 League