5 overseas cricketers who have huge fan followings in India

In India, cricket is the most popular sport. Cricket players are regarded as role models and important characters in this nation. The Indian public loves and respects many international cricket players, but it's not just Indian cricketers who are adored in India. 

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This aspect of the game has been significantly shaped by the IPL. Players from several nations have cultivated friendly relationships with the audience and one another. Players have demonstrated their love and admiration for the nation by naming their child after it and proposing to their fiancé at the Taj Mahal, and the people of the nation have returned the favor.

Here are the 5 overseas cricketers who have huge fan followings in India:

1. AB de Villiers

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AB de Villiers’ behavior and loving personality were just what Indian cricket fans wanted. His already dazzling strokeplay and his camaraderie with Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli gave him an entry to the hearts of the Indian fans. He had special mention of India in his autobiography and even shared an incident of a match in Mumbai where he was cheered more than Kohli.

He adopted Indian culture and frequently complimented the audience and the setting in which he performed. The crowd was even more won over by his devotion to the RCB and his connection with Indian players like Virat Kohli. For many, AB is family, not just a foreign player.

2. Chris Gayle

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Fans adore Chris Gayle because of his soaring sixes, easy-going demeanor, and unrivalled confidence. He became the face of T20 entertainment and dominated IPL seasons with memorable centuries. Any Indian stadium will be electrified just by his presence and his easy-going attitude. He was a huge part of RCB for a decade, and his friendship with Virat Kohli endeared Indian fans to him.

Gayle was even more endearing off the field because of his dancing, laughter, and interactions with supporters. His popularity was increased by his social media antics and involvement with Indian culture. Fans view him as an entertainer as well as a cricket player. His popularity in India has led to him gaining ad deals and appearances in the country apart from cricket.

3. David Warner

David Warner lived in India during the IPL along with his whole family. He embraced the Delhi and Hyderabad cultures thanks to his association with the IPL franchises from these cities. Warner has never held back from expressing his appreciation for Indian culture, as seen by the numerous clips of him dancing to Indian tunes that he posts on social media.

This has led to David Warner even gaining popularity in Bollywood, and he was recently seen in a guest appearance in a Telugu movie. Despite his retirement from cricket and IPL, David Warner remains a huge fan favorite in India, and he has reciprocated the love back to the Indian fans.

4. Jonty Rhodes

As a cricket player and a person, the renowned South African fielder Jonty Rhodes has always had a strong passion for India. His resonance with Indian culture, people, and ideals extends well beyond the confines of the cricket field. He even shifted his residence from South Africa to Goa a few years ago.  

He developed close relationships with Indian players and supporters while coaching IPL clubs like the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. He is one of the most adored international cricket players in India because of his humility, passion for the game, and openness to Indian culture. He is often seen riding his bike across northern India.

5. Brett Lee

Brett Lee, one of the fiercest pacers of his time, has received huge love in India. He played some amazing games for Australia in India. He excelled for various franchises in the Indian Premier League as well, like Punjab and Kolkata, and has returned with the Australia Legends team as well.

Already popular for his bowling and fighting spirit amongst the Indian fans, thanks to his IPL appearances, Brett Lee’s popularity soared even higher after retirement. He appeared in Bollywood engagements, recorded a song album with Asha Bhosle, learned Hindi, and often praised Indian culture and hospitality.

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