Top 10 Most Tattooed Cricketers In India

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Famous Indian cricketers’ tattoos offer a captivating glimpse into their personal stories, becoming powerful symbols that resonate with fans. Each inked design carries profound meaning, whether it’s a tribute to loved ones, cultural representations, or inspirational quotes that inspire resilience and determination. 

Beyond mere body art, these tattoos connect players and supporters, fostering a sense of community and admiration for the unique expressions beyond the cricket field. In the digital era, the visibility of these tattoos on social media further enhances their allure, turning them into conversation starters that deepen the bond between cricketers and their enthusiastic fan base.

Famous Tattooed Cricketers In IPL

Famous Indian cricketers’ tattoos hold a unique allure for their fans, serving as personal expressions that provide a glimpse into the players’ lives beyond the cricket field. Each tattoo, carefully chosen and inked, carries layers of meaning that captivate the interest of supporters.

Beyond being mere body art, these tattoos become conversation starters among fans. Interpretations and discussions about the meaning behind each inked symbol create a sense of community among supporters who share a common admiration for their favorite cricketers.

Name	Amount of Tattoos	Types of Tattoos
Virat Kohli	Multiple	Tribal, zodiac sign, Lord Shiva, names, cricket milestones, Japanese Samurai, God’s Eye, Om
Hardik Pandya	Multiple	‘Peace,’ tiger, ‘Believe,’ fighter, ‘Live to succeed or die trying,’ dog paw tribute, clock
KL Rahul	Diverse	Clock, Roman numerals, ‘Veni, vidi, vici,’ lighthouse, ‘Deshi Basara,’ test cap number, jersey number, dog, Latin phrases, symbols
Suryakumar Yadav	Rich tapestry	Thalapathy Vijay tattoo on the left hand
Ravindra Jadeja	Diverse	Horses, self-celebratory ‘Jaddu,’ flower-themed, dragon, nickname ‘Jaddu’
Umesh Yadav	Extensive	Buddha-inspired sleeve, Lord Shiva, mother’s portrait, Virgin Mary, ‘blessed child,’ luck symbol, wife’s name
Ishan Kishan	Few	‘Sculpture Portrait,’ ‘Trust Your Struggle,’ Sai Baba portrait, ‘Believe,’ roses
Shikhar Dhawan	Multiple	Arjuna, Lord Shiva, “Carpe Diem,” bird with a tree, tribal designs, IPL journey reflections
Varun Chakravarthy	At least one	Thalapathy Vijay tattoo on left hand
Navdeep Saini	Symbolic	Wolf on left forearm

In essence, the tattoos of famous Indian cricketers serve as more than just aesthetic adornments; they become storytelling devices that strengthen the bond between players and fans. The intrigue lies not only in the ink but in the narratives and personal touches that these tattoos add to the overall persona of the cricketers, making them more relatable and endearing to their admirers.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s tattoos are a visual representation of his multifaceted personality and significant life experiences: 

1. Tribal Art on Right Forearm: Signifying Kohli’s Aggression. A declaration of his cool and confident demeanor.
2. Scorpio Zodiac Sign on Right Bicep: Reflects Kohli’s strong-willed personality. Symbolizes courage in facing challenges with resilience.
3. Lord Shiva and Monastery on Left Forearm: Lord Shiva represents overcoming personal attributes. Monastery signifies peace and power, a reminder to stay calm on the field.
4. Names of Parents (Saroj and Prem) on Arms: A display of Kohli’s deep devotion to family.
5. ODI and Test Debut Cap Numbers on Left Hand: Permanent reminders of significant milestones in his cricketing journey.
6. Japanese Samurai Tattoo: Represents the Bushido code, embodying virtues he shares. Symbolic of the fights and challenges overcome in his life.
7. God’s Eye Tattoo: Serves as a reminder of a higher presence watching over him. Emphasizes the essence of life and the accountability to a higher power.
8. Om Tattoo: Symbolizes the universality of the Om sound. Acts as a constant reminder to remain humble despite success.

Each of Virat Kohli’s tattoos weaves a unique story, reflecting his beliefs, personal journey, and commitment to staying grounded in the face of success.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, known for his stylish demeanor, boasts multiple tattoos that provide insight into his personality and values. One of his notable tattoos is the ‘Peace’ inked on his neck, a symbolic gesture expressing his desire for tranquility and a resolution to move past the controversies surrounding his appearance on ‘Koffee with Karan.’

A standout piece is the tiger tattoo on Pandya’s left arm, symbolizing strength and courage — a visual manifestation of his determination to emerge victorious. Another powerful tattoo is the word ‘Believe’ on his left arm, embodying his unwavering belief in overcoming challenges, both on and off the cricket field, reflecting the resilience he displayed during his early struggles.

The inner side of Pandya’s right arm features a tattoo of a fighter with a sword and the words ‘never give up,’ serving as a perpetual motivation to persist and never surrender, a sentiment echoed in his leadership role. The phrase ‘Live to succeed or die trying’ on his left arm biceps underscores the importance of continual improvement and success in life.

Pandya’s tattoos extend beyond personal mottos, with a touching tribute to his beloved dogs, Aston and Bentley, represented by the paws on the right side of his neck alongside their initials. Completing the ink ensemble, a clock tattoo on his left forearm marks the specific time of his birth, encapsulating a unique facet of his journey. Each tattoo on Pandya’s body weaves a narrative of strength, resilience, and a deep connection to the things that matter most to him.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul’s body is adorned with a diverse collection of tattoos, each telling a unique story about his roots, inspirations, and personal connections. Notable among them is a clock and Roman numerals on his left bicep, indicating his birth time at 11 o’clock. Below the clock, the Latin phrase ‘Veni, vidi, vici’ reflects his ambition to conquer the world of cricket with his formidable batting skills.

A lighthouse tattoo on his left forearm pays homage to his Mangalore roots. In contrast, the word ‘Deshi Basara’ on his right forearm, inspired by The Dark Knight Rises, translates to ‘rise up,’ encapsulating his resilience and determination. Test cap number ‘284’ and jersey number ‘XI’ are etched on his right and left biceps, respectively, symbolizing significant milestones in his cricketing journey.

KL Rahul’s love for his canine companion is evident in the tattoo of his beloved dog Simba on his back, commemorated during the Sri Lanka tour in 2017. In a heartfelt gesture for his parents, he carries tattoos of their names, ‘Rajeshwari’ on his left wrist and ‘Lokesh’ on his right wrist.

Symbolism plays a role in Rahul’s tattoo choices, with an owl on his left hand representing wisdom and understanding, a key with ram horns on his left forearm symbolizing his Aries star sign, and a constant reminder to embrace new experiences. An open eye tattoo on his left bicep pays tribute to his grandparents, emphasizing their importance and closeness in his life. Together, these tattoos create a visual narrative of KL Rahul’s journey, values, and the people who hold significance in his life.

Suryakumar Yadav

Surya Kumar Yadav’s body serves as a canvas for a rich tapestry of tattoos, each holding deep personal significance. Notable among them are the faces of his parents, accompanied by their names, adorning his body as a testament to his familial bonds. An ambigram tattoo featuring the names ‘Ashok’ and ‘Swapna’ cleverly allows for reading from both sides, a unique tribute created before IPL 2014.

The victory of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2014 prompted Surya to fulfill a promise, resulting in tattoos of his parents’ faces on his arm. Motivational quotes find a place on his skin with ‘Life is what you make it’ etched on his left forearm and ‘Take one step at a time’ on his left foot. During a tour to New Zealand, Surya embraced Maori designs, incorporating a Maori face tattoo covering his left upper body, symbolizing family culture, heritage, and a connection to personal history. A tattoo bearing the name of his wife, Devisha, sits just below this intricate Maori artwork.

Additional tattoos showcase Surya’s affinity for ‘old-school’ elements, with a rose on his right hand symbolizing true love, a diamond representing wealth and success, and a Nautical Star on the same arm symbolizing direction. A ‘Faith’ tattoo graces the back of his left shoulder, encapsulating his enduring belief system. Together, these tattoos form a visual narrative of Surya Kumar Yadav’s life, values, and the profound connections that shape his journey.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, reveals his passion for self-expression through a diverse collection of tattoos. A notable ink showcases his deep admiration for horses, a symbol of strength and grace, reflecting his love for these majestic animals, which is further emphasized by the presence of horses in his personal space.

Known affectionately as “Sir Jadeja” on Twitter, Jadeja’s love for tattoos extends to a self-celebratory gesture. Beyond the conventional choices of family names, he boldly got his nickname, “Jaddu,” permanently etched on his body. His journey in cricket is marked by significant tattoos, including an initial dragon tattoo from the beginning of his career and later adding his famous moniker, Jaddu, to the inked collection.

Adding a touch of aesthetics, Jadeja sports a flower-themed tattoo on his back, contributing to the visual narrative of his self-expression. Demonstrating his admiration for horses, a majestic creature, Jadeja proudly displays a horse tattoo on his forearm. These tattoos serve as personal statements and markers of his cricketing journey, showcasing the versatile and vibrant personality of one of Indian cricket’s pivotal players.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, the pace sensation in Indian cricket, expresses his deep beliefs and personal connections through an extensive collection of tattoos. A striking Buddha-inspired sleeve on his left arm, extending up to his shoulder, reflects his reverence for spiritual philosophy. Additionally, Yadav carries a tattoo of Lord Shiva, embodying his spiritual inclinations.

His left arm tells a poignant story with a portrait tattoo of his late mother, a heartfelt tribute to the woman who played a significant role in his life. Yadav’s commitment to family extends to a Virgin Mary tattoo, symbolizing love and respect for his departed mother. A ‘blessed child’ tattoo on one arm and a luck symbol on the other underscore his gratitude and appreciation for the positive elements in his life.

Further showcasing his spirituality, Yadav adorns his shoulder with a tattoo of Lord Shiva and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, emphasizing the sacredness of life. His dedication to his wife finds a permanent place with her name inked on his body, symbolizing eternal love and commitment.

In essence, Umesh Yadav’s tattoos form a visual narrative, intertwining spirituality, familial love, and symbols of fortune, reflecting the diverse facets of his journey and beliefs.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan, the dynamic Mumbai Indians player, is not only making waves on the cricket field but also through his distinctive tattoos that narrate his journey and beliefs. One of his notable tattoos is a ‘Sculpture Portrait’ on his left forearm, inspired by Roman culture, showcasing his appreciation for artistry and cultural influences. Crafted by tattoo artist Sunny Bhanushali, this ink adds a touch of uniqueness to his persona.

On his chest, Kishan carries the powerful message ‘Trust Your Struggle,’ serving as a constant reminder of the inspiration he finds in overcoming challenges. His dedication extends to a portrait tattoo of Sai Baba, marking a significant moment in his life. The word ‘Believe’ is etched on his right arm, symbolizing his unwavering faith in his abilities and journey. Complementing this, a tattoo of roses on his right forearm adds an aesthetic touch below the portrait of Sai Baba.

In 2023, Kishan’s remarkable performance for Mumbai Indians, scoring 169 runs in five games with an average of 33.8 and a striking 145.68, further solidified his status as a cricket sensation. Having made his international debut in 2021, Kishan’s journey has been nothing short of exceptional. Notably, on December 10, 2022, he achieved a historic milestone by scoring a maiden ODI century, converting it into a double-century in record time, making him the fastest player to reach this remarkable feat in cricket history.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, the charismatic Indian cricketer, is not only known for his prowess on the field but also for his love for tattoos that tell a tale of his beliefs and personal journey. On his right arm, intricate inkings of Indian mythology characters Arjuna and Lord Shiva showcase his deep connection to cultural symbolism.

A prominent “Carpe Diem” tattoo on the back of his left biceps sends a powerful message to seize the day and make the most of the present, embodying Dhawan’s philosophy on life. The left calf features a captivating tattoo of an empty tree with a bird, adding an artistic touch that draws attention.

Dhawan, often referred to as Gabbar by teammates, is candid about his passion for tattoos, boasting a collection of four, each carrying its unique significance. From tribal designs on his right shoulder to a bird with a leafless tree on his left calf, each tattoo narrates a story of his experiences and values.

Initiating his tattoo journey at the age of 15, Dhawan has embraced diverse designs, including a sleeve tattoo on his right arm featuring Lord Shiva, Baba Deep Singh, and Arjuna from Mahabharata. As a testament to his IPL journey, Dhawan’s career trajectory is mirrored through various team affiliations, transitioning from Delhi Capitals to Mumbai Indians and later finding success with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals again, and eventually landing with Punjab Kings in 2022. Beyond the cricket pitch, Shikhar Dhawan’s body of tattoos becomes a canvas of self-expression, reflecting his beliefs, experiences, and the evolving chapters of his remarkable cricketing career.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy, the standout spinner for the two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), not only boasts an impressive wicket-taking record but also showcases his fandom through a unique tattoo. An ardent admirer of Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay, Varun has a striking tattoo on his left hand depicting Thalapathy in an iconic pose from the movie ‘Thalaiva,’ showcasing his profound connection to the Kollywood megastar.

Despite initial stints with other franchises, Varun found his home with KKR in 2020, and his consistent performances have made him an integral part of the team. With 50 wickets in 47 games, he stands as the leading wicket-taker for the franchise. Varun’s devotion to Thalapathy is further highlighted by a memorable encounter in November 2020, where he met the superstar for the first time and shared the moment with fans on social media.

Varun’s journey in the IPL includes a brief stint with Punjab Kings in 2019, where his talent earned him a significant bid. However, it was his subsequent move to KKR in 2020 that solidified his place as a key player in the team. Retained by the franchise for INR 8 crore before the mega auction of 2022, Varun Chakravarthy’s impact goes beyond his spin prowess, extending to his distinctive expressions of fandom through the artistry of tattooing.

Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini, the pace sensation who rose to prominence with his stellar performances in the domestic circuit, carries a symbolic tattoo that resonates with his fighting spirit and resilience. Making his first-class debut for Delhi in 2013, Saini’s breakthrough moment came during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for the team.

His impressive domestic performances caught the attention of Delhi Capitals in the 2017 IPL auction, marking the beginning of his journey in the league. However, it was in 2018 that Royal Challengers Bangalore secured him with a substantial bid of INR 3 crore, recognizing his potential as a formidable pace bowler. Saini’s IPL debut in 2019 saw him make a significant impact, claiming 11 wickets in 13 games with an average of 36.09.

Beyond his cricketing prowess, Saini carries a distinctive wolf tattoo on his left forearm, a symbol that holds deep personal significance. In an interview following his T20I debut in August 2019, Saini revealed that the wolf represents the fighter within him, serving as a constant reminder to stay strong and courageous. This tattoo encapsulates Navdeep Saini’s journey, reflecting not only his on-field tenacity but also his unwavering determination to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

11 Famous Indian Cricketers Without Tattoos

Not all Indian cricket stars decorate their bodies with tattoos. Many cricketers have never laid down on a tattoo artist’s couch. 

Here they are: 

• MS Dhoni. The reason is MS Dhoni’s fear of needles
• Rohit Sharma. He said his next words: “I don’t have tattoos so that I can donate blood more often”. 
• Mohammed Siraj. 
• Jasprit Bumrah.
• Ajinkya Rahane. 
• Cheteshwar Pujara.
• Mohammad Shami.
• Mohammad Siraj. 
• Mayank Agarwal.
• Shubman Gill.
• Kuldeep Yadav.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tattoos adorning the bodies of famous Indian cricketers encapsulate a diverse array of personal stories, cultural symbolism, and cricketing milestones. Serving as indelible markers of their journeys, these tattoos often embody more than just a form of artistic expression. From familial bonds and cultural heritage to cricket-related symbols, the body art of these cricketers weaves a narrative that extends beyond the boundary, providing fans and observers with glimpses into the multifaceted aspects that shape their lives both on and off the cricket field.

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