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As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where athletes from across the globe will compete for ultimate glory, it's intriguing to ponder the potential of cricketers in an Olympic setting. While cricket remains a global sport with its own grandeur, the athleticism and skillset of many cricketers suggest they could have thrived in other sporting arenas.
Beyond the boundary ropes, several cricketers have displayed exceptional athletic abilities, hinting at what could have been had they chosen a different sporting path.
The crossover between cricket and other sports has often been intriguing. From football fields to basketball courts, cricketers have shown that their sporting abilities extend far beyond the boundaries of the cricket ground.
On that note, here are five cricketers who could have potentially excelled in Olympic sports.
5 current cricketers who would have done well at an Olympic sport
#5 Virat Kohli: Athletics
While cricket has been the stage for Virat Kohli's unparalleled dominance, his athleticism is undeniable. Possessing explosive power, remarkable stamina, and an unwavering competitive spirit, Kohli's physical attributes align closely with those required for several track and field events.
His agility, speed, and endurance, honed through years of rigorous cricket training, suggest he could have been a formidable contender in athletic disciplines. Kohli's mental fortitude, proven time and again on the cricket field, would undoubtedly have been an asset in the high-pressure environment of the Olympics.
#4 Ben Stokes: Rugby
Ben Stokes' athleticism and physicality are well-known in the cricketing world, but his sporting abilities extend beyond cricket. Born in New Zealand, Stokes grew up playing rugby league and union. He represented England at youth level in rugby league before fully committing to cricket.
Given his natural athleticism, power, and competitive drive, Stokes could have potentially excelled in rugby at the highest level. His physicality and ball-handling skills would have made him a formidable opponent on the rugby field.
#3 Jemimah Rodrigues: Hockey
Jemimah Rodrigues is primarily known for her batting prowess in cricket, but her athletic abilities extend beyond the cricket field. Before making a name for herself in cricket, Rodrigues represented the Maharashtra under-17 hockey team. This early exposure to hockey showcases her versatility and athleticism.
Given her age, skill, and competitive drive, it's plausible that with dedicated training, Rodrigues could have developed into a promising hockey player and potentially represented India at the Olympics.
#2 Ellyse Perry: Football
Ellyse Perry is a unique talent who has excelled in both cricket and football at the highest level. She made her international cricket debut at the tender age of 16 and quickly established herself as one of the world's best all-rounders. However, her sporting prowess extends beyond cricket.
Less than a month after making her cricket debut, Perry also made her debut for the Australian women's football team, the Matildas. She represented Australia in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, becoming the first person to play in both a Cricket and Football World Cup.
Perry's athleticism, speed, and competitive spirit, coupled with her experience at the highest level of football, suggest she could have been a formidable force on the Olympic stage.
#1 Suzie Bates: Basketball
Suzie Bates is another exceptional athlete who has excelled in both cricket and basketball. Before becoming one of the world's leading cricketers, Bates represented New Zealand in basketball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She played professionally in the Australian Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) for several years.
Bates' height, athleticism, and basketball skills suggest she could have continued to develop as a basketball player and potentially achieved greater success in the sport. However, her decision to focus on cricket ultimately led to her becoming one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
