Cricketers marrying actors and cricketers turning into actors are two developments which keep making headlines every year in this country. However, it is not every year we read about big names from the Indian Cricket team leaving the ball and bat to face the camera and put on the actor's hat themselves. 

The latest cricketers, well, veteran players, who were bitten by the acting bug are Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh who will soon be making their debut in Tamil cinema.

© Instagram

In a surprising turn of events, the two announcements came back to back and surprised and shocked fans in equal measure. 

Irfan Pathan will be joining the cast of Chiyaan Vikram 58 and Harbhajan Singh will be seen in Dikkiloona .

@harbhajan_singh joins @iamsanthanam 's #Dikkiloona All the best team!#HarbhajanJoinsDikkiloona @karthikyogitw @sinish_s @SoldiersFactory @EzhumalaiyanT @proyuvraaj @gobeatroute pic.twitter.com/Vr2XsQami6

— Tamilcinemaupdates (@Tamilcinemaupd5) October 14, 2019

New venture,new challenge looking forward to it
@AjayGnanamuthu @iamarunviswa @7screenstudio
@arrahman
@Lalit_SevenScr #ChiyaanVikram58 @sooriaruna
@proyuvraaj @LokeshJey@VishalSaroee pic.twitter.com/yZ99OZyJrl

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 14, 2019

Chiyaan Vikram 58  will be directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu who has previously also directed critically-acclaimed crime thrillers Demonte Colony and Imaikka Nodigal . 

Along with Irfan, Kannada actress Srinidhi Shetty of KGF fame will also probably be seen in the movie. Not much is known about the story line yet but Irfan will most probably be seen playing the antagonist.

View this post on Instagram

Ye hawa humesha saath rahi hay, jab khelte the tab gend ko kat to thi or ab;) pic : @alokutsav Outfit : @tubazafir #shoot #work #commentry

A post shared by Irfan Pathan (@irfanpathan_official) on Oct 16, 2019 at 4:36am PDT

Dikkiloona is reportedly going to be a sci-fi movie.  The term 'Dikkiloona' traces back its origin to the movie Gentleman, where it was coined by the hit duo of Goundamani and Senthil. Actor Santhanam will be playing a triple action role in this film and Harbhajan's role is yet to be revealed.  

The fans of the cricketers are surprised and excited to see what's in store for them. 

We are very excited about this collaboration with @harbhajan_singh
Welcome aboardð¤©
ðpodra vediyeaaað
ðAdra sixreaaaaaað#Dikkiloona #HarbhajanJoinsDikkiloona @iamsanthanam @karthikyogitw @sinish_s @SoldiersFactory @santhanam24_7 @SanthanamTrends @sathishmsk pic.twitter.com/cPFp13lDbr

— KSSFC (@KaranatkaC) October 14, 2019

The man #IrfanPathan who performed with bat and ballð is all set to perform in front of camera....

"Irfan Pathan" has been roped in for #ChiyaanVikram58....

Irfy fans super excitedð¥......CVF fans ????@IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/d27uVSTkOQ

— IRFAN PATHAN FAN CLUB (@IrfanPathan_786) October 14, 2019

Cricketer #IrfanPathan in #ChiyaanVikram58....CVF fans Excited??

Retweet if u are Excitedð¥....@IrfanPathan pic.twitter.com/6hyCz4ZKNu

— IRFAN PATHAN FAN CLUB (@IrfanPathan_786) October 14, 2019

While it is probably a conscious decision they have taken for their second innings, it is still going to be quite a surprise to see them act in Tamil movies. 

Are you excited to see them leave people clean-bowled with their acting talent?