5 Unknown jobs cricketers did before getting famous

Cricket stars are celebrated for their performances on the field. But before cricket brought them fame and fortune, some of them had surprisingly humble beginnings. They took up regular jobs to support their dreams. 

Here are five cricketers who worked unexpected jobs before making it big in the sport

1. MS Dhoni (IND)

MS Dhoni, one of India’s most decorated captains, has conquered almost every battle on the cricket field. He led Team India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy—making him the only captain to win all three major ICC trophies. As a wicketkeeper-batter, Dhoni played 90 Tests, scoring 4876 runs. In 350 ODIs, he made 10773 runs at an impressive average of 50.57. In 98 T20Is, he scored 1617 runs. 

Known for his lightning-fast stumpings and sharp reflexes behind the stumps, Dhoni was a fan favourite throughout his career—and still is, as he continues to play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. But before becoming a cricket icon, Dhoni worked as a ticket collector for the Indian Railways in Kharagpur, West Bengal

2. Nathan Lyon (AUS)

Nathan Lyon is undoubtedly one of the greatest spinners in the history of Australian and world cricket, especially in the red-ball format. In 139 Tests, he has taken 562 wickets so far and continues to be a key player for his team. 

However, in white-ball cricket, his numbers are more modest. He has picked up 29 wickets in 29 ODIs and just one wicket in two T20Is. Interestingly, before wearing the famous Australian jersey, Lyon worked as a groundsman at the Adelaide Cricket Ground. He used to prepare pitches for international matches

3. Marnus Labuschagne (AUS)

Marnus Labuschagne entered international cricket as one of the most exciting talents, not just for Australia, but for the world. So far, he has played 58 Tests, 63 ODIs, and one T20I. In Tests, Labuschagne has scored 4435 runs, including 11 centuries, and also picked up 13 wickets. 

In ODIs, he has made 1869 runs and taken eight wickets. Interestingly, before his international career took off, Labuschagne once worked for Channel 9 as the hotspot guy

4. Shane Edward Bond (NZ)

Shane Bond is known as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of New Zealand and world cricket. But before making his mark on the field, Bond worked as a traffic police officer. In an interview, he shared that those days were not the best in his life. 

He said people used to mock him daily. However, Bond also admitted that those tough experiences helped him grow mentally stronger. For New Zealand, Bond played 20 T20Is, 82 ODIs, and 18 Tests, taking 25 wickets in T20Is, 147 in ODIs, and 87 in Tests. 

5. Sheldon Shane Cottrell (WI)

Before playing for the West Indies, Sheldon Cottrell was a soldier by profession. The left-arm pacer gained attention not just for his bowling but also for his unique wicket celebration. After taking a wicket, he used to perform a sharp ‘salute’ move. 

When asked about it, Cottrell revealed the reason behind the gesture. For him, the salute is a way to show respect to the Jamaica Defence Force. He even practised the move for six months while in the army to get it just right. Cottrell has represented the West Indies in 45 T20Is, 38 ODIs, and 2 Tests, taking 52 wickets in both T20Is and ODIs, and 2 wickets in Tests.

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