Several legendary cricketers, including Daniel Vettori, Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble, Clive Lloyd, and David Steele, wore spectacles on the field. Their eyewear became part of their iconic image, symbolizing resilience, skill, and their memorable contributions to cricket.
Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori made his Black Caps debut at 18, and with his trademark spectacles, he was often likened to a Harry Potter character rather than a cricketer. Yet beneath that unassuming appearance was a highly skilled left-arm spinner and a capable batsman who excelled across formats and captained New Zealand in 32 Tests. Vettori was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup final before he retired, ending his career with an impressive 705 international wickets.
Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag brought a fearless, ultra-aggressive style to international cricket from his debut in 1999, relentlessly attacking bowlers worldwide. While many have tried to replicate his approach, few have matched his sustained impact, with Sehwag accumulating 8,586 Test runs, including 23 centuries, at a brisk strike rate of 82.23. In the later stages of his career, the iconic opener occasionally took to the crease wearing glasses, marking a small change in his otherwise explosive and unique batting presence.
Anil Kumble
Though he only wore spectacles in part of his career, legendary Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble is indispensable on any list of cricketers in glasses. Kumble’s precision-based bowling led to an astounding 956 international wickets, including 35 five-wicket hauls in Tests. Known for his deadly accuracy on crumbling pitches, he showcased his mastery in the famous match against Pakistan, where he single-handedly took all 10 wickets in an innings—a feat that solidified his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
Clive Lloyd
Clive Lloyd, one of cricket’s most respected figures, was forced to wear glasses after sustaining an eye injury at just 12 years old. Known for his powerful, attacking batting, Lloyd accumulated 7,515 Test runs at an impressive average of 46.67, including 19 centuries. Though he later switched to contact lenses, Lloyd’s signature spectacles became part of his iconic image. As West Indies captain, he led his team to dominance, and after retiring in 1985, he transitioned into coaching and commentary roles. Today, he continues his influence in cricket as the chief selector for the West Indies.
David Steele
David Steele, the bespectacled 32-year-old debutant, etched his name into English cricket history with his resilient performance against the fearsome Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson during the 1975 Ashes. Facing a relentless attack, Steele’s bravery and defiance became legendary, earning him widespread admiration. Despite a short international career of just eight Tests, his grit and determination made him a national hero and won him the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.