International Left-handers Day: Top sports southpaws

Published : Aug 13, 2018 20:30 IST

As the world celebrates international left-handers day, take a look at some of the southpaws who left a lasting impression in the world of sports.

Photo: Getty Images

On the occasion of left-handers day, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter and wished his fans all the world with a beautiful post. Test cricket's highest run-getter, Tendulkar batted and bowled right-handed but eats and writes with his left hand. </br>"I may be left-handed ... but I’m always right Happy #LeftHandersDay !,” Sachin wrote on Twitter. </br> <br> While Sachin has already sent his wishes, let's take a look on some of the best southpaws the sports world has ever seen.

Sourav Ganguly <br> </br>God of off-side. The former India skipper is arguably one of the best left-handers and Ganguly at his prime ruled stadiums across the globe with his bat. A scintillating Test century on debut at Lord's, The Prince of Kolkata stamped his authority and scored 38 international hundreds (16 in Tests, 22 in ODIs).

Zaheer Khan <br> </br>One of the finest left-arm fast bowlers that India has ever produced, Zaheer Khan was the go-to bowler for any captain. He could swing the new old and reverse the old one and at his best, Zaheer was lethal. Zaheer who played 92 Test matches ended with 311 Test wickets.

David Gower <br> </br>Fluent and elegant, Dawid Gower was a treat to watch in full flow. With 8231 Test runs, Gower was one of the best southpaws that England had ever produced. Gower regained captaincy during the 1989 Ashes series but Australia hammered England 4-0 in the six-match series. The result led to his retirement at an early age but Gower turned into a successful commentator whose voice continues to reach in the living rooms of cricket fans.

Brian Lara <br> <br/>He is the only batsman to score a century, a double century, a triple century, a quadruple century and a quintuple century (first-class game). In 2004, Brian Lara became the first batsman in Test cricket to hit an unbeaten 400 against England at Antigua. With 11953 Test runs, Lara holds several batting records and has the unique record of scoring centuries against all Test playing nations during his time.

Rafael Nadal <br> </br> The greatest clay court player in history, the winner of the second most singles grand slams titles in history, the man who dethroned Roger Federer at his peak - Rafael Nadal was trained to be a left-hander by his uncle Toni and the sports world can't thank him enough for producing an enigma.

Rod Laver <br> </br> The diminutive Australian is the only man to win the calendar year grand slam. In fact, he did it twice -- first in 1962 and then in the open era in 1969. Considered the greatest player until the arrival of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, he still makes regular appearances at Grand Slams.

Martina Navratilova <br> </br>A name that is often overlooked when it comes to picking the greatest tennis player in the history of tennis, Navratilova won an incredible 18 singles, 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles grand slam titles in a career that spanned four decades. Her tally is second only to Margeret Court.

Monica Seles <br> </.br> A tragic figure, Seles' career was derailed when a deranged Steffi Graf fan stabbed her in the back at Hamburg in 1993 while she was the top-ranked women's player. The time away from the court allowed Graf to regain the top position in the sport, and Seles, despite returning in 1995, was never able to regain her form.

John McEnroe <br> </br> Tennis' first -- and probably only -- angry young man, McEnroe is remembered as much for his on-court outbursts as his seven singles grand slam titles. Today, he's transitioned into a successful commentator and an analyst.

Jimmy Connors <br> </br>Statistically the most successful - with 109 singles titles in the open era, Connors won eight grand slam titles in an era that also had Bjorn Borg and Jon McEnroe. McEnroe was one-half of tennis' power couple of the 1970s, along with Chris Evert, who was then dominating the women's scene along with Martina Navratilova.

Lionel Messi <br> </br> Regarded by many as one of the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi won five Ballon d'Or awards and five European Golden Shoes. Captain of national team Argentina as well FC Barcelona, Messi holds the record for most number of goals in La Liga. A World Cup winner's medal is the only thing missing in an otherwise decorated career.

Sir Bobby Charlton <br> </br> With 106 international caps, Sir Bobby Charlton scored 49 goals for England and played an influential role during England's World Cup win over Germany in 1996. Post-retirement, Charlton continues to be the central figure in the Manchester United board.

Lin Dan <br> </br> Two-time Olympic champion and a five-time World Champion, Dan won all nine major titles in badminton just by the age of 28. A six-time All England champion, Dan conquered and continues to dominate.

Carolina Marin <br> </br> Reigning Olympic champion and three-time World Champion, Marin became the first ever female badminton player to win the BWF World Championships for the third time.

Diego Maradona <br> </br> Called as "The Golden Boy", Maradona captained Argentina and led his team to victory over West Germany in the 1986 World Cup. Although he is considered as one of the greatest, Maradona's career was marred by suspensions over drug use. Despite that, Maradona in 91 appearances for Argentina has carved a unique place in the history of football.

Pele <br> </br> As a seventeen-year-old, Pele became the first teenager to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final in the 1958 World Cup against Sweden. Such was his dominance on the pitch that Pele won the World Cup for a record three times.

1 / 0
On the occasion of left-handers day, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter and wished his fans all the world with a beautiful post. Test cricket's highest run-getter, Tendulkar batted and bowled right-handed but eats and writes with his left hand. </br>"I may be left-handed ... but I’m always right Happy #LeftHandersDay !,” Sachin wrote on Twitter. </br> <br> While Sachin has already sent his wishes, let's take a look on some of the best southpaws the sports world has ever seen.
Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment