Bald And Bold: Cricketers Who Mastered The Art Of Rocking The Bald Look - In Pics

A few sights etch themselves onto our memory, like that of a 45-year-old Brian Close taking on the towering and scary Caribbean fast bowlers without even a helmet. Close started his career as the youngest English player at just 18 years of age in 1949. Despite facing widespread criticism, he continued his journey, becoming the English skipper in 1967. Close retired in 1976, walking in the middle of the crease, bald as ever, and leaving a legacy that resonates with his autobiography titled "I Don't Bruise Easily."  

Herschelle Gibbs, one of the most effusive openers in international cricket, left an indelible mark on the game with his illustrious strokeplay and extraordinary fielding skills. With a total of 90 Test matches and 248 ODIs, Gibbs accumulated impressive runs and held the record for the highest individual score in a World Cup match until recently. His fearless approach to the game and ability to smack six sixes in an over against the Netherlands showcased his immense talent and confidence.  

Darren Lehmann, known for his prolific run-getting abilities, left a lasting impression on the Australian cricketing roster. With a Test career spanning 27 matches and an ODI career comprising 117 matches, Lehmann showcased his talent both with the bat and as a part-time bowler. Currently, an Australian cricket coach, Lehmann continues to wear his bald head with a remarkable smile, symbolizing his enduring love for the game.  

The bearded maestro, Hashim Amla, was known for his immaculate strokeplay and ability to convert the best of deliveries into boundaries effortlessly. Amla's exceptional career featured 124 Test matches and 181 ODIs, where he scored over 9,000 and 8,000 runs, respectively. Despite facing leadership challenges, Amla's elegant bald head never deterred him from leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world.  

Geoffrey Boycott, an exceptional cricketer and commentator, is known for his thundering baritone and controversial remarks. With 151 first-class hundreds and over 8,000 Test runs, Boycott proved his mettle on the field. Rumoured to have undergone a hair transplant, Boycott's iconic headwear has become synonymous with his brilliant cricketing mind.  

Syed Kirmani, one of the finest keepers India has ever produced, played a crucial role in the country's historic 1983 World Cup win. Known for his agility and presence of mind behind the stumps, Kirmani's career spanned 88 Tests and 49 ODIs. He remains a revered figure among fans and cricketers alike.  

Tim Ambrose and Matt Prior, both wicketkeepers, started their first-class careers at Hove and competed for the gloves for Sussex. While Ambrose eventually moved to Warwickshire, Prior's resilience allowed him to regain his place. Both players share a distinct lack of hair, further cementing their bald and bold personas.  

Vinod Kambli, known for his explosive batting style, briefly threatened to outshine his partner Sachin Tendulkar during their school days. While Kambli's international career didn't reach the heights expected of him, his bald head and flamboyant personality made him a memorable figure in cricket history.  

Shikhar Dhawan, the charismatic Indian opener, has been a prominent figure in international cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and flamboyant personality, Dhawan's bald head has become synonymous with his powerful strokeplay. With several impressive performances in limited-overs cricket, including being the fastest player to reach 1,000 runs in ICC tournaments, Dhawan has proven that baldness is no barrier to success on the cricket field.  

Babar Azam, the talented Pakistani batsman, has taken the cricketing world by storm with his elegant strokeplay and consistent run-scoring ability. Despite his relatively young age, Azam has already achieved remarkable milestones, becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 runs in ODI cricket. His bald head, coupled with his impeccable technique, showcases his unwavering focus and determination to excel in the sport.