Cricketers are usually seen either on the field during matches or off the field during training, media interactions, and social media updates. However, a few of them have stepped outside the sporting arena and into the world of reality television. Over the years, several cricketers have participated in Bigg Boss, the Indian reality show adapted from the original Dutch series Big Brother. Bigg Boss first aired in India in 2006 (Hindi version) and has since become one of the country’s most popular reality shows. 

Former Indian cricketer Salil Ankola was the first from the sport to enter the Bigg Boss house. A right-arm pacer, Ankola played one Test and 20 ODIs for India, with his last international match coming in 1997 against South Africa in Durban. He also represented Maharashtra in first-class cricket and was part of India’s squad for the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Ankola appeared in Bigg Boss Season 1 but had to leave mid-season due to contractual obligations with Balaji Telefilms.

The explosive Vinod Kambli entered Bigg Boss Season 3 in 2009 as a wild card contestant. He is known for his memorable partnerships with Sachin Tendulkar, and played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India, averaging an impressive 54.20 in Test cricket. His stint in the show was short-lived, marked by emotional moments and controversies, which led to his eviction. His participation also sparked conversations about mental health in sports.

Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu joined Bigg Boss in its sixth season in 2012. He has played 51 Tests and 136 ODIs for India, and transitioned into commentary and politics after his playing career. On the show, he brought his trademark wit and humour but had to leave mid-season due to political commitments. His brief stay still left a memorable impact on viewers.

The right-arm pacer S. Sreesanth entered Bigg Boss Season 12 in 2018. Known for his passionate and sometimes controversial on-field persona, he joined the show in an attempt to rebuild his public image following a spot-fixing ban. His journey was filled with highs and lows, and he eventually finished as the runner-up. His honesty and vulnerability on the show won him significant public support.

The late Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds made a wild card entry into Bigg Boss Season 5 in 2011. A star for Australia across all formats, Symonds was known for his laid-back personality, which made him a fan favourite during his brief stay. While in the house, he shared light-hearted moments and conversations with fellow contestants, including actresses Sunny Leone and Juhi Parmar. Symonds tragically passed away in 2022, but his appearance in the show remains fondly remembered.