Top 10 'Most Dangerous Cricketers' In Indian Cyberspace

Bangalore: Cricketers have always been in the limelight and the netizens, especially crazy cricket fans are highly motivated to search for the photos, videos, scores and stories of their favorite cricketers online. However, in a moment of weakness they are lured into clicking malicious links that puts them at considerable risk.

Cybercriminals follow the latest trends, often using the names of popular celebrities to lure people to malicious sites designed to steal passwords and personal information. Fans looking for results on search engines using strings such as ‘name of cricketer’ combined with words like ‘free downloads’, ‘hot pictures’, ‘wallpapers’, and ‘videos’ are at risk of running themselves into malicious sites.

Have a look at the top 10 cricketers with the highest risk scores in the Indian cyberspace, as per the study by McAfee’s SiteAdvisor.

#10 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is cricket’s all-time greatest batsmen. With almost all records in Tests and ODIs, Sachin’s passion for the game has not diminished in the last 20 years that he has played international cricket. Without involving much into controversies, Sachin was always looked upon as one of the best players in cricket.

According to the study by McAfee, Sachin, the God of Cricket ranks the 10^th in terms of risk in cyber space. He’s known to be the cricketer with least risk percentage of 23 infected search results among the Most Dangerous Cricketers in cyberspace.

#9 Virat Kohli

The cricketer of the year 2011, Virat Kohli is one of the rising stars in Indian cricket. Although quite new in the cricketing arena, Kohli has already earned his place as a mature cricketer. He has the ability to hit big scores, batting at his favorite No.4 position.

The charismatic captain of the victorious Indian team at the 2008 U/19 Cricket World Cup, is ranked the 9^th most dangerous cricketer with 24 infected search results.

#8 Mitchell Johnson

Named as Cricketer of the year in 2009 of Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy &  Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Johnson hailing from Australia was identified as “once-in-a-lifetime prospect” by the former Test fast-bowler Dennis Lillee.

Mitchell Johnson who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket holds the 8^th position among the dangerous cricketers and is said to have 25 infected search results as per the study

#7 Kevin Pietersen and  Kieron Pollard

Kevin Pietersen, South-African born English cricketer was termed by The Times as "the most complete batsman in cricket" in July 2008 after a century against South Africa and in 2012 The Guardian called him "England's greatest modern batsman"

Kieron Pollar, the international player from West Indies played for the Mumbai Indians in the 2010 Indian Premier league which made him the joint highest paid player.

The 7th slot is a tie between both these two star batsmen - Kevin Pietersen and Kieron Pollard with 26 infected search results each.

#6 Dale Steyn

South Africa’s express bowler, Dale Steyn is ranked as the number one Test bowler in the world as well as named one of the Wisden cricketers of the year in 2013.

Dale Steyn ranks as the 6^th most dangerous cricketer with 27 infected search results.

#5 David Miller

David Miller, South African cricketer is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm slow bowler who represented South Africa in ODI and Twenty20 Internationals.

David Miller, a powerful middle-order batsman and an outstanding fielder who smashed a 38-ball century in IPL 2013, is the 4^th Most Dangerous cricketer with 28 infected search results.

#4 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh, famous Indian cricketer has been a member of the Indian cricket team in ODIs since 2000. He was named the Man of the Tournament in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and was one of the top performers at the 2007 World Twenty20, both of which India won. He successfully survived from cancerous tumor in 2012.

Yuvraj ranks as the 4th Most Dangerous cricketer with 29 infected search results.

#3 S Sreeshanth

Sreeshanth, the Indian cricketer, is a right-arm fast-medium-pace bowler and a right-handed tail-ender batsman. Initially he joined the Kerala team and later Indian Premier League and then played for Rajasthan Royals. He is also the first Kerala Ranji player to play Twenty20 cricket for India. Currently, he has been suspended by BCCI from playing IPL due to the spot-fixing controversies.

The all-rounder who has recently been in the news for spot fixing charges and other controversies, ranks 3^rd with 30 infected search results

#2 Brett Lee

Brett lee, former Australian cricketer and Channel nine cricket commentator, is recognized as one of the fastest bowlers in the cricket world. He’s also known as an athletic fielder and useful lower-order batsman. On July 13, 2012, Lee announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket but continues to play T20 cricket in the IPL and Big Bash League.

The Smiling Assassin and one of the fastest bowlers, Brett Lee ranks 2nd with a total of 31 infected search results.

#1 Chris Gayle

Chrsi Gayle, Jamaican cricketer plays for the West Indies. After scoring the fastest ton in IPL, Chris Gayle has turned out to be "India's most dangerous cricketer" using his name to draw attention of netizens to malicious websites, according to McAfee.

Gayle hit the fastest 100 for his team Royal Challengers Bangalore during a tie against Pune Warriors India last month. Best known for his inimitable Gangnam style jig , Gayle is ranked no. 1 with a total of 32 infected search results.