In the world of cricket, there are some amazing players who not only play the game well but also do good things outside the cricket field. They help others, support charities, and care about important issues. In this article, we'll learn about the top 10 cricketing heroes who are real-life superheroes in their own way. From helping kids get an education to supporting healthcare and other social causes, these players show that they are not just great cricketers, but also caring and kind individuals who inspire us all beyond the boundaries.
1. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev, the World Cup-winning cricketer, founded Khushii in 2004 with a mission to support underprivileged communities and improve education opportunities. Khushii aims to create positive changes and spread happiness, supporting the less privileged and improving education for children from low-income backgrounds through their Shikshaantra and Shikshaantra+ Education Project. Their goal is to make a difference and bring positive changes in the lives of those in need. Also, he has been advocating for better animal welfare laws.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary cricket player, is not only famous for his skills on the field but also for his kindness and charity work off the field. He started the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation to help children and bring positive change to society. Sachin auctions his cricket bat and donates the money to charities, celebrates his daughter's birthday with underprivileged kids, and supports awareness campaigns without any payment. He also sponsors education for over 200 underprivileged children and helps with eye donation camps and flood relief. Sachin's caring nature and efforts to make the world better show that he is a true hero in both cricket and life.
3. MS Dhoni
The former Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni, is one of the richest cricketers worldwide with a net worth of over ₹760 crore. He has a special love for the army and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Dhoni has served on the battlefield to support the Indian Army. Despite being wealthy, he prefers to keep his charity work private. He has helped raise funds for wounded soldiers through his charitable foundation. Dhoni also donated ₹2 crore to the CRPF after the Pulwama terror attack. He supports young athletes and contributed ₹1 lakh to a Pune-based NGO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dhoni's generosity shows his dedication to helping others.
4. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina and his wife founded the Gracia Raina Foundation in 2017. They help underprivileged girls and women by giving education and training. They want to make women independent and strong by offering job opportunities and training. They also focus on girls' education and better health for mothers and children. They also started 'OPD on wheels,' a mobile clinic that helps people in need, especially in slums and schools. Suresh Raina is known for his cricket talent and his contributions to Indian cricket.
5. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid has participated in an initiative called 'Camp with the Champ' where he taught cricket to underprivileged children. The event, organized by ESPNcricinfo and a telecom brand, allowed 25 children from three NGOs to spend a day learning from the cricketing star. Dravid showed the kids short educational videos to teach them the fundamentals of the game. He shared experiences from his cricketing days and important life lessons with the children.
6. Wasim Akram
Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram is a diabetic, but that hasn't stopped him from raising awareness about the disease. He actively supports initiatives to educate people about diabetes and its management. Akram believes that early detection, healthy lifestyle, proper medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels are crucial in managing diabetes. He shared his personal experience of coping with the condition and the importance of technology in diabetes management. Akram has become a global brand ambassador for The Health Bank (THB), a company focused on diabetes care. Despite his health condition, he continues to inspire others with his determination and success on and off the cricket field.
7. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan cricket captain, is not only a skilled batsman but also a man on a mission. He uses his influence to highlight important issues both on and off the field. Sangakkara addresses about various social issues such as human trafficking, poverty alleviation, and children's rights. He is a true leader who goes beyond sports to voice for national unity and progress. Sangakkara's humility and dedication make him an inspiring ambassador for Sri Lanka.
8. Shane Warne
The Shane Warne Foundation, started by former cricketer Shane Warne in 2004, aimed to help seriously ill and underprivileged children. However, it faced problems with its finances and was investigated by authorities. There were concerns that the charity spent more on fundraising than it raised and donated only a small amount to those in need. Shane Warne received a Queen's Birthday honor not just for his cricket career but also for his charity work. He was recognized for his efforts in helping seriously ill and underprivileged children.
9. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle has found The Chris Gayle Academy, that was established in London in 2013 and positively impacting the lives of young people through cricket. The academy's mission is to help youngsters realize their potential and become role models in their communities, using cricket as a means to achieve this. The Chris Gayle Foundation focuses on teaching them to make good choices, understand consequences, set achievable goals, work hard, prioritize health, and respect others.
10. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the famous Indian cricketer, has helped many people in need through his charity work. He donated money to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Chief Minister's Relief Fund during the coronavirus crisis. He also started the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) to support underprivileged kids. Virat hosted a special event to fight against human trafficking and helped an old age home in Pune. He loves animals like his wife Anushka Sharma and opened two animal shelters in Mumbai to help stray animals. Virat Kohli has done a lot of charity work with Smile Foundation and raised funds through a football match with Abhishek Bachchan's Trust.
