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In the glamorous world of cricket, headlines are usually dominated by superstar names. But behind the fame and spotlight lies a deeper layer of the sport—players who were once overlooked, ignored, or undervalued, yet rose through sheer performance, grit, and unshakable belief.
These are the underestimated cricketers—the quiet warriors who didn’t always have the media on their side, but let their bat or ball do the talking. This article is a celebration of such unsung legends who went from unknown to unstoppable.
Why Are Cricketers Underestimated?
Before we dive into names, let’s understand why some players remain underrated for so long:
- From smaller cricketing nations
- Late bloomers or slow starters
- Lack of media attention or fan hype
- Playing in less glamorous roles (e.g. middle-order batsmen, spinners in pace-dominated conditions)
Now, let’s explore the greatest underestimated cricketers who rewrote their narratives.
Best Underestimated Cricketers in History
10. Misbah-ul-Haq – Pakistan’s Calm in Chaos
Often criticized early in his career for slow batting, Misbah was underestimated due to his unconventional style. Yet he led Pakistan to the No. 1 Test ranking and scored over 10,000 international runs.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Too old for modern cricket, defensive approach
🔹 Became Unstoppable: T20 World Cup Final 2007, No. 1 Test ranking (2016)
9. VVS Laxman – The Artist in the Shadows
Despite playing in an era of legends like Tendulkar and Dravid, Laxman often got sidelined. But when India was in trouble, he delivered—especially that 281 vs Australia in 2001.
🔹 Underestimated Because: No flashy numbers, overshadowed by others
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Master of 4th innings and comeback wins
8. Faf du Plessis – The Silent Warrior
Faf wasn’t the most hyped South African, but his performances in Tests and T20s show his unmatched temperament. His Adelaide Test hundred on debut while saving a match is legendary.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Not flashy, came in post-AB/Kallis era
🔹 Became Unstoppable: SA’s backbone in pressure matches across formats
7. Mohammad Nabi – Afghanistan’s Foundation
While Rashid Khan took the spotlight, Nabi has been the real anchor. A power-hitter, reliable bowler, and inspirational leader, he helped Afghanistan earn Test status.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Came from a rising team, older debut
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Global T20 leagues, consistent match-winner
6. Nathan Lyon – The GOAT Nobody Expected
When Australia looked for a spinner post-Warne, Lyon was a groundsman-turned-offspinner. No one expected him to become Australia’s most successful offie.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Humble background, slow start
🔹 Became Unstoppable: 500+ Test wickets, match-winner in India and England
5. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – The Guy with the Stance
His crab-like batting stance made people mock him. But Chanderpaul was West Indies’ most consistent batter post-Lara. Over 11,000 Test runs with a 50+ average.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Unorthodox technique
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Unshakeable under pressure, match-saving knocks
4. Morne Morkel – The Silent Enforcer
In a team with Steyn, Philander, and Rabada, Morkel was often overshadowed. But he was the most dependable in tough spells, with 300+ wickets across formats.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Played in shadows of legends
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Relentless in pressure overs, tall and lethal
3. Tom Latham – New Zealand’s Unsung Anchor
While Kane and Guptill grabbed headlines, Latham quietly became NZ’s most consistent top-order player in Tests and ODIs.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Quiet personality, not flashy
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Backbone in tough away tours
2. Ravindra Jadeja – From Meme to Machine
Jadeja was once a meme target for his IPL flops. Today, he’s among the best all-rounders globally with elite stats in Tests and ODIs.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Inconsistent start, flashy lifestyle
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Incredible Test averages, stunning fielding, match-winner in all formats
1. Michael Hussey – Mr. Cricket Who Waited
Hussey debuted at 30, and many thought it was too late. But with a Test average over 50 and countless clutch knocks, he became a legend.
🔹 Underestimated Because: Late debut, low hype
🔹 Became Unstoppable: Stabilized Australia during its transition
Bonus Mentions – More Cricket Underdogs Who Shone Bright
- Rahul Tewatia – From IPL troll to finisher king
- Ryan ten Doeschate – Netherlands’ finest, incredible ODI average
- Ajantha Mendis – Mystery spinner who stunned the world
- Chris Rogers – Late debut, 5 Test centuries in quick time
- Asad Shafiq – Pakistan’s reliable middle-order hero
Comparison Table: Before vs After Success
| Player | Initial Perception | Later Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Misbah-ul-Haq | Too slow, too old | Captained Pakistan to No.1 in Tests |
| Nathan Lyon | Part-time spinner | 500+ Test wickets |
| Jadeja | Not serious, a meme | ICC’s top-ranked all-rounder |
| Hussey | Too old for debut | Test avg. over 50, ODI legend |
Why These Stories Matter
- Inspiration for young players: Your past doesn’t define your future
- Challenge to selection bias: Performance > perception
- Breaks cricket stereotypes: Technique and hype aren’t everything
- Makes the game more human: Everyone starts from somewhere
The journey from underestimated to unstoppable is one of resilience, heart, and relentless self-belief. These cricketers may not have started with fanfare, but they etched their names in the annals of cricket history. Their stories are a reminder: never write off anyone too soon.
Whether it’s a player from an associate nation or someone making a comeback at 35, underestimated cricketers have shown time and again that greatness is not about how you start, but how you finish.