In Pics: From Mohammad Kaif to Sunil Gavaskar, 5 Indian cricketers who slayed bigots

The legendary Indian cricketer once stood in front of an entire hate mob. Yes, you read that right. Gavaskar's son Rohan had revealed a couple of years ago that his illustrious father had saved an entire family during the Mumbai riots in 1993. He said that their entire family was standing on their terrace a few days after the bomb blasts, when Gavaskar senior saw an angry mob approaching a family on the road. He ran downstairs and placed himself in front of the frightened family, telling the rioters that they'll have to go through him to get to the innocent family.

(Photo credit: AFP)

Kaif has often tackled bigots like a boss. From being trolled for doing the Surya Namaskar to being attacked for playing chess with his son, the former India batsman has had to deal with a lot of hate. But each time, Kaif managed to blast the trolls away.

(Photo credit: AFP)

Much before his infamous fall-out with wife Hasin Jahan, Shami had stood up on multiple occasions for her. Trolls attacked Jahan for wearing an 'un-Islamic' dress, and Shami for sharing pictures of his daughter's birthday celebrations, but each time the fast-bowler bounced these haters away with courage.

(Photo credit: AFP)

Irfan Pathan is another Muslim Indian cricketer who has often faced heat on social media for being 'un-Islamic'. The all-rounder was attacked for posing for a picture, wearing a Rakhi last year. Pathan's brilliant comeback won him many fans. Before that, he was also troubled for posting a picture in which his wife could be seen wearing bright-coloured nail-paint. On that occasion, too, Pathan managed to slay the haters.

(Photo credit: Facebook)

An enlightened individual once tried to educate Harbhajan on wearing the turban the right way. Bhajji's response was prompt and classy, prompting the troll to put out a sheepish explanation.

(Photo credit: PTI)