Cricket is a game of skill, strength, and dedication. But some players have shown that even physical challenges cannot stop them from achieving greatness. These cricketers played at the highest level despite their disabilities, proving that determination is stronger than any obstacle. Their stories inspire millions and remind us that nothing is impossible with hard work and passion. Sno Players 1 Shoaib Akhtar 2 Martin Guptill 3 Washington Sundar 4 Bhagwat Chandrasekhar 5 Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Shoaib Akhtar Image Source: Getty Image He was also known as Rawalpindi Express, for when Shoaib Akhtar ran in, many batsmen felt nervous as he had this long run-up. From outside, he did look like the strongest bowler, but things were a bit different from this reality. Running was a painful task for him because of something called flat feet. But the most handicapping disability he suffered was the hyperextension of his joints that caused filling fluids in his knees, which lead to swelling and excruciating pain. Akhtar revealed that he could not even walk until he was five due to his knee issues. He also claimed that he has to remove fluid from his knees in between the innings and intervals. Still, Akhtar managed to break the 100-mph barrier and picked up 178 wickets in 48 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs. Also Read | Cricketers Who Achieved No. 1 Spot in ICC Rankings in All Three Formats Martin Guptill Image Source: Getty Images The highest individual score in World Cup history- 237*- was in the 2015 edition against West Indies by Martin Guptill of New Zealand. He scored 2586 runs in 47 Tests, in which he made 3 centuries. He scored 7346 runs in 198 ODIs, where he made 18 centuries. He also had 3531 runs in 122 T20Is. However, Martin Guptill playing top-flight cricket for so long is an achievement in itself as he has only two toes on his left foot. This makes being balanced while walking and running difficult for him. Guptill lost three of his toes in a forklift accident when he was 13 years old. Doctors tried hard to get the feet rectified, but it was not to be. They had to amputate three toes. Washington Sundar Image Source: BCCI Also, Sundar has made quite a name for himself in Indian cricket and definitely holds an important position in the Men in Blue side across the three formats as well. He made his India debut back in 2017 and has played 4 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 40 T20Is thus far, taking a total of 53 wickets. He also boasts 5 half-centuries in international cricket. But very few know the fact that Washington Sundar is deaf in one ear. He informed his parents about this weakness at the age of 4-5 years. After that, they took him to the doctor; nothing happened. But he played against his weakness and has become part of the Indian team. Also Read | Top 5 Heaviest Cricketers to Ever Play the Game Bhagwat Chandrasekhar Image Source: Getty Image Bhagwat Chandrasekhar is Considered as one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time Bhagwat Chandrasekhar played 58 Tests and 1 ODI for India from 1964-1976. He took 242 Test wickets and 3 ODI wickets. He was renowned for his rapid arm action and long run-up. He was instrumental in helping India win their first-ever Test match in England in 1971 and is considered an all-time great spinner. Few people know this, but Chandrasekhar, born in 1945, was laid low by polio when he was five or six years of age and gradually lost sensation in his right hand. He became an avid badmintonist and table-tennis exponent with his left hand. In his effort to help him at least gain a bit of strength in the right hand, his mother availed of massage therapy and other treatment. He regained and gained back sensations to his right hand, but he remained shrunken due to muscle wastage. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Image Source: PA Photos Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as Tiger Pataudi, was a Nawab and the son of former England and India cricketer Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. He was known for galvanizing players to play for India, and not for their state teams. He is also India's youngest Test captain at 21 years old. Later he went on to play 46 Tests, scoring 2793 runs with 6 centuries. However, throughout his career, Pataudi played with only one good eye. On 1 July 1961, he was a passenger in a car that met with an accident in Hove. A shard of glass from the broken windscreen went through and permanently damaged his right eye. Doctors did their best but were only able to save his one eye. Pataudi suffered double vision but managed to train himself to play with one eye. He found it easiest to play with his cap pulled down over his damaged right eye. And 6 months after losing his eye, Pataudi made his Test debut for India. Conclusion These cricketers proved that physical disabilities do not define the abilities of a person. They played with hearts, courage, and love for the game, which inspired a lot of people. Their journeys remind us that true strength comes from within. No matter the difficulties, if one has the will to succeed, nothing will stand in his way.