5 cricketers who started as spinners but achieved success in another discipline of the game

By V. Chhabria Jan 6, 2021, 15:14 IST
5 cricketers who started as spinners but achieved success in another discipline of the game

Cricket is a team sport, which is now played in almost every country of the world. There are three major types of cricketers. The first category is of batsmen. The role of these players is to score runs for the team. The second category is of the bowlers, who need to ensure that the opposition batsmen do not score heaps of runs.

The final category is of the all-rounders. The players of this type can play both the above-mentioned roles equally. Over the years, several great all-rounders have wowed the cricket fans with their excellent performances. There is another category under the batsmen, which is of the wicket-keepers.

Under the bowler's category, there are two types - fast bowlers and spinners. Sometimes, a player tries to achieve specialization in one skill but later discovers that he can do better in another discipline. In this article, we will look at those five cricketers who started as spin bowlers but became successful in another discipline.

5. Sreesanth

Sreesanth's name might surprise a few fans. But, according to StarsUnfolded, Sreesanth started as a leg-spin bowler and then turned into a right-arm fast bowler.

As per the source website, Sreesanth idolized Anil Kumble. Unfortunately, he could not achieve much success as a leggie and transformed into an aggressive pacer. Sreesanth played for the Rajasthan Royals, the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, and the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. He was also a part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team. Sreesanth will make his return to the cricket field in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021.

4. Shoaib Malik


Shoaib Malik is one of the most experienced all-rounders in the world right now. He can bat well in the middle-order and also bowl four overs of off-spin.

However, during the initial phases of his career, Malik was an off-spin bowler. He later became successful in the batting department and evolved into an all-rounder. Malik is in the final phase of his cricketing career. Still, it is pertinent to note his fitness levels are up to the mark.

3. Steve Smith

Almost every cricket fan would know the evolution of Steve Smith. The former Australian cricket team captain began his career as a leg-spin bowler.

There was a time when Smith batted at the number nine position for Australia. But, now, many fans consider him as one of the Top batsmen in the world across all formats.

2. Nasser Hussain

Many members of the cricket universe regard Nasser Hussain as one of England's greatest skippers. He even batted magnificently for his country.

Hussain was a very talented leg-spinner in the early days of his career. However, after discovering his potential as a batsman, he specialized in the batting skill only.

1. Kevin Pietersen

Another English player to appear on this list is Kevin Pietersen. The former England batsman became famous in the cricket world for playing some unique shots.

He made the switch hit popular but the same might not have been possible if he continued to bowl off-spin. Pietersen started as a specialist right-arm off-spinner before becoming a top-quality batsman for England.

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