Cricketers and beards: From Virat Kohli's facial hair to Martin Guptill's hipster look

Cricketers and beards – This combination is all the rage right now. So we take a look at some of the best beards in modern day cricket. Whether it is the obvious choice of Virat Kohli or some unexpected names like, here are the eight top beards in cricket today. Virat Kohli [caption id=“attachment_3134440” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Virat Kohli during India’s 3rd Test match against England in Mohali. Reuters[/caption] The Indian Test team captain is one of the most successful batsman of this generation and matches his swagger on the field with a beard equally worthy of his famed aggressiveness. Kohli has held onto his beard since he first broke into the Indian team. Such has been his rise to the top, that his facial hair is now part of his brand – and its a big brand at that. Martin Guptill [caption id=“attachment_3134722” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill. AFP[/caption] If having a great beard would translate into runs, then Martin Guptill would be one of the best batsmen in the world. Sporting the ‘hipster’ (a style of beard for the uninitiated), Guptill chooses to keep up with the times and has the best facial hair in a New Zealand team that comprises of players like Kane Williamson and Anton Devcich. Ravindra Jadeja [caption id=“attachment_3134506” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Ravindra Jadeja celebrates getting a wicket. AFP[/caption] Ravindra Jadeja was India’s best player with bat and bowl in the third Test match against England at Mohali. Usually known for his twirling moustache, Jadeja has now graduated to the big leagues. He is one of the several Indian stalwarts sporting a beard, and has on past occasions called it the Indian cricket team’s ‘lucky charm’. His celebration at Mohali, complete with the Rajput sword celebration, befit his royal beard for sure. Hashim Amla [caption id=“attachment_3134564” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  File photo of Hashim Amla. Getty[/caption] One of the best batsman in world cricket right now, Hashim Amla’s beard is more out of religious reasons than a style statement. But it certainly suits his luxuriant batting style. MS Dhoni [caption id=“attachment_3134604” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  MS Dhoni during India’s ODI against New Zealand in Ranchi. AFP[/caption] Surely a natural extension of the ‘dad bod’ is the ‘dad beard’. And who better to rock the dad beard than MS Dhoni. With a bit of salt and pepper, Dhoni has made his entry into seniority with a look that really suits his style at present. Ben Stokes [caption id=“attachment_3134610” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  England’s Ben Stokes celebrates after scoring a century. AFP[/caption] Normally clean-shaven, the New Zealand born English cricketer sported a beard in the first two Test matches against India. His facial hair particularly stands out, because Stokes is a redhead and gives the impression off a fearsome Viking on the pitch. Moeen Ali [caption id=“attachment_3134614” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Moeen Ali during England’s tour of Pakistan (In UAE). Reuters[/caption] ‘The beard that is feared’ was the moniker given to Moeen Ali by Ben Stokes on Twitter after an incredible ton scored by the Birmingham-born all rounder in England’s Test match against Pakistan. Ali also grows his beard for religious reasons and has grown to become one of the best middle order batsman in the English side, his recent form in India notwithstanding. Misbah-ul-Haq [caption id=“attachment_3134624” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  File photo of Misbah-ul-Haq. Reuters[/caption] Pakistan’s longstanding captain’s recent beard probably signifies his discipline and stability. As a player, Misbah-ul-Haq has been rock solid for Pakistan. And even at the age of 42, is still one of the go-to guys for leading a team of relatively young players. Anton Devcich [caption id=“attachment_3134694” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  New Zealand left-arm orthodox spinner Anton Devcich. AFP[/caption] New Zealand’s left-arm orthodox spinner Anton Devcich is a shoe-in for this list. A beard that rivals iconic Englishman William Gilbert Grace’s glorious mane, Devcich surely takes it a step further. The beard, called a ‘Garibaldi’, is his trademark giveaway.