5 cricketers who are hated as much as they are loved

Cricket can be a very cruel game at times. With millions of eyes observing every move, it is not easy to escape the brickbats or the scorn of fans all around the world.Every cricketer has his highs and lows. While some are lucky enough to have the backing of fans no matter what, a few aren’t that lucky. They become the eye of a public storm and transform from heroes to villains in a jiffy in spite of their achievements.Here is a list of cricketers who have earned the dubious distinction of being loved and hated, all at once.

#5 Kevin Pietersen

KP has always divided opinion

Kevin Pietersen is probably controversy’s favourite kid. He divides opinion all the time. Despite enthralling fans with his flamboyant batting and power hitting, he was never in the good books of the selectors. While he single-handedly won many matches for England with his aggressive and innovative strokeplay, his brash attitude and frequent sparks with the management ensured a career epitaph.

Known for his switch hits, KP was a gifted cricketer who is still being loved by his fans all over the world. But at the same time, a section of the English public and a few cricketers who have played alongside him will have plenty to say against the man.