But what about nicknames we picked up along the way? Yes, that is often from our own doing and antics. Some are normal, others are really bizarre. Often the reason is too.
are no exception to this rule. Some famous names all over the world have bizarre nicknames. The reasons behind these names may be related to their game or be something outside cricket altogether. But it does add more spice to their presence on the field.
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There are many such names to choose from. Be it India or abroad, these names stand out and are so popular, we know right away which player is being referred to. But there are 10 that really stand out. Most of them are not even anymore, but they have not been forgotten.
So why wait? Let's take a look at the most bizarre nicknames of some famous cricketers. Here we go:
1. Herschelle Gibbs
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Known for his ability to obliterate any bowling attack, Gibbs has the nickname 'Scooter'. Why? Well by his own admission, when he was 16, he could not drive a car and his Western Province teammates joked they would buy him a scooter. The name stuck.
2. Aravinda de Silva
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In the early days of his career, Aravinda had a very aggressive approach to his batting. His shots either went over the boundary or resulted in him getting out. Thus the nickname 'Mad Max' came into being. Of course, he improved his game in the coming years and became a great player but the nickname remained.
3. Michael Holding
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Holding was called 'Whispering Death'. The name was given to him by legendary umpire Dickie Bird. It was because he never made much sound when he ran into bowl. But the havoc he caused after the ball was bowled was a different matter.
4. Virat Kohli
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Kohli's nickname 'Cheeku' was given to him by his coach Ajit Chaudhary because of his spiked look. That nickname has followed him throughout his career.
5. Anil Kumble
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The nickname 'Jumbo' was made official after Kumble's deliveries bounced off the pitch and took off like a jumbo jet. He is fondly remembered by that nickname.
6. Graeme Smith
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Smith would hit the ball so hard that some teammates compared his strength to a buffalo. From there the nickname 'Biff' came into being.
7. Glenn Mcgrath
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Mcgrath was christened 'Pigeon' because of the thin frame he had, especially his legs. Now that was one nobody saw coming.
8. Allan Donald
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The pace that Donald generated was so high that people compared it to lightning. In the early to mid 1990s he was right up there with the best. Thus was born the nickname 'White Lightning'.
9. Andrew Flintoff
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Flintoff is affectionately known as 'Freddie' because of his surname being similar to that of the character Fred Flinstone.
10. Jason Gillespie
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Gillespie is referred to as 'Dizzy' in the cricketing world. In fact, that is what his teammates used to call him during his playing days. Why? He was named after American jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.