5 Cricketers who underwent amazing body transformation

Cricketers Body Transformation (Source: Twitter)

Apart from the skills of batting and bowling, cricketers now also need to be at their best in terms of fitness. The physical aspect of the sport was not taken seriously by most cricketers for a long period. But with the game escalating its demands with the emergence of new formats and dimensions. There is no other choice but to be fitter than ever before. Cricket is a way different game than what it was even two decades ago.

While a lot of cricketers had to go through some major physical transformation to keep themselves relevant in this vastly challenging world, not everyone succeeded in their eventual endeavours. All the hard yards they travelled to get themselves into a physical state of brilliance didn’t go unnoticed though.

There have been several cricketers who have literally taken the role of bodybuilding to the next level and have certainly transformed their bodies into a different league altogether.

Let us look at the top 5 cricketers who have undergone amazing body transformation over the years

#5. S Sreesanth

Sreesanth Body Transformation (Source: Twitter)

One of the most controversial Indian cricketers is Sreesanth, who has over the years been under the scanner for their attitude. His actions both on and off the field have been questionable. The Apex Cricket Council has criticized and fined the former India bowler for his on-field aggressive behaviour over the years. However, once he was accused of match-fixing, the BCCI banned the former India pacer for alleged spot-fixing, leading to a hiatus from professional cricket.

He explored acting, politics, and reality TV. Despite attempts to return via associate cricket, the Indian Cricket Board denied NOC. Remarkably, Sreesanth's rigorous fitness regimen transformed his physique, but international cricket prospects remain slim as he perseveres.

#4. Chris Tremlett

Chris Tremlett (Source: Twitter)

One of the tallest international cricketers, Chris Tremlett, had a promising start to his English career but was limited to just 12 Tests, 15 ODIs, and one T20I. But due to injuries and inconsistent performances, Tremlett was dropped from the national squad. After moving from Hampshire to Surrey, his career didn't reach its desired heights, and he last played professionally in 2015.

Since then, Tremlett focused on bodybuilding and weightlifting, surprising the cricketing world with his massive transformation into a gigantic bodybuilder. His Instagram following has significantly increased since then, despite being 38 years old. From per fan's perspective a cricketer transforming to that level which completely commendable.

#3. David Lawrence

David Lawrence Body Transformation (Source: Twitter)

Another Englishman on the list, David Lawrence had the opportunity to play just five Test as well as One Day Internationals for England. David Lawrence's cricket career was tragically ended by a severe knee injury. After playing for Gloucestershire and making his international debut in 1988, he shifted his focus to bodybuilding.

Though it took time, he reached a professional level and won the National Amateur Body Building Association's West of England championship for the over-40s in 2014. His remarkable transformation over two decades captivated social media and inspired many.

#2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli Body Transformation (Source: Twitter)

One of the most energetic as well as physically apt cricketers, Virat Kohli, in modern-day cricket. Indian cricket captain Virat has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 12-14 years. From a chubby young player at the First-class level, he has evolved into one of the fittest and most dedicated cricketers in the world.

The former India skipper’s commitment to fitness includes specialized diets and daily 3-4 hour gym sessions. He is compared to cricket's greatest as the star India batter has scored over 10,000 runs in ODIs. Kohli's gym photos on Instagram inspire and serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication.

 #1. Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana Body Transformation (Source: Twitter)

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has undergone an impressive body transformation since his U19 days in 2017-18 when he weighed around 117 kg and faced fitness test failures. Recognizing the significance of fitness in his cricket career, Theekshana adopted a rigorous diet and exercise regimen. He eliminated rice, fish, and snacks from his diet.

By the year 2020, the star Sri Lanka spinner became one of Sri Lanka's fittest cricketers, improving his Yo-Yo test score from 16.1 to 19.2 and reducing his two-km sprint time from 10.28 to 8.28 minutes. Today, Theeekshana is among Sri Lanka's top limited-overs spinners and plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).