Who is the Best Cricket Player in the World?

Who is considered to be the best cricket player in the world? It’s a hotly contested debate, but there are some names which stand out as undisputed all-time greats. From Sir Donald Bradman, regarded by many as the greatest batsman of all time, to Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, these players have shown great skill and technical brilliance throughout their careers.

Cricket is a sport that has been enjoyed by millions of fans around the world for decades. From the gentlemen’s game of the past to the high-octane, fast-paced action of today, cricket has evolved and produced some of the greatest players the world has ever seen. In this blog post, we will be taking a look at the top 11 best all-time cricket players in the world.

Before Reading, note that :

• All the rankings of cricketers below are solely based upon MY opinions and way of looking at different cricketers according to their contribution and impact .
• I have taken many factors in consideration like runs, wickets, number of matches played, impact in those matches (stats like strike rate & average for both batsmen and bowlers), number of catches (and stumpings for wicketkeepers too) and captaincy records as well.
• I have not taken all the other great players who made their debut before the late 1980’s like Sir Don Bradman, Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Richard Hadlee etc. It is because at that time, very less cricket was played and the sample size of their matches is too small to be compared with that of the modern day cricketers which is majorly because of the introduction of white ball cricket. However I have made some special mentions of these players at the end and their great achievements.

top 11 best cricket player in the world OF ALL TIME

11. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL)

• Sanath Jayasuriya is a former Sri Lankan cricketer, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest openers in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Jayasuriya was born on June 30, 1969 in Matara, Sri Lanka. He began his cricketing career at a young age and made his international debut for Sri Lanka in 1989. Over the next two decades, Jayasuriya established himself as one of the best ODI openers in the world, with a career that spanned over 20 years.
• Jayasuriya is known for his aggressive style of batting, especially in the first few overs of a game. He was known to hit bowlers all around the park, putting pressure on the opposition and setting the tone for his team. This approach proved to be extremely effective, as Jayasuriya became one of the leading run-scorers for Sri Lanka in ODIs.
• One of Jayasuriya’s greatest achievements was being part of the Sri Lankan team that won the 1996 Cricket World Cup. He played a crucial role in this victory, scoring an impressive 82 runs in the final against Australia. This performance helped Sri Lanka win their first major international cricketing trophy and solidified Jayasuriya’s place as one of the all-time greats in Sri Lankan cricket.
• In terms of records, Jayasuriya holds several records in ODI cricket. He is the first and only player in the world to have scored more than 10,000 runs and taken more than 300 wickets in ODIs . Additionally, Jayasuriya holds the record for the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in ODIs, which he achieved in just 48 deliveries against Pakistan in 1996.
• In conclusion, Sanath Jayasuriya is undoubtedly one of the greatest ODI openers of all time and also the best cricket player in the world. His aggressive style of batting and ability to take wickets with his off-spin made him a valuable player for Sri Lanka over the years. He will always be remembered as a crucial part of the Sri Lankan cricketing history and a true legend of the game.

Batting & Fielding

BOWLING

10. Wasim Akram (PAK)

• Wasim Akram, also known as the “Sultan of Swing,” is a former Pakistani cricketer who is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Born on June 3, 1966, in Lahore, Pakistan, Akram had a successful international cricket career, spanning over two decades.
• Akram made his debut for the Pakistan cricket team in 1985 and went on to become the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) matches. He took 414 wickets in 104 Test matches and 502 wickets in 356 ODI matches. Akram was also the first player to reach the milestones of 400 wickets in both formats of the game.
• Akram was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, making him a difficult bowler for batsmen to face. He was also a capable lower-order batsman and was known for his athleticism in the field.
• Some of Akram’s major achievements include being part of the 1992 Pakistani cricket team that won the Cricket World Cup, being the leading wicket-taker in the 1987 and 1989 Cricket World Cup tournaments, and being named the Player of the Tournament in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy.
• In conclusion, Wasim Akram was a true legend of the game, who left a lasting impact on the sport of cricket. His skills as a fast bowler, combined with his ability to perform with the bat and in the field, made him one of the most complete cricketers of his time. His records and achievements continue to inspire and motivate future generations of cricketers.

Bowling

Batting & Fielding

9. Glenn McGrath (AUS)

• Glenn McGrath is a former Australian cricketer who is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport. He played for the Australian national cricket team between 1993 and 2007 and made a huge impact on the game, leaving behind a legacy that still lives on today.
• Glenn McGrath played in 124 Tests for Australia, taking 563 wickets at an average of 21.64. He was known for his accuracy, and his ability to hit the stumps time and time again made him a constant threat to the opposition.
• McGrath’s record in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is just as impressive. He played in 250 ODIs and took 381 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker in the format for Australia. He was a key player in the Australian team’s victories in the 1999 Cricket World Cup and the 2003 Cricket World Cup, taking a total of 26 wickets in the two tournaments combined.
• One of McGrath’s most remarkable achievements was his performance in the 2005 Ashes series against England. He took a total of 26 wickets in the five-Test series, helping Australia to regain the Ashes. This performance cemented McGrath’s place as one of the greatest bowlers of all time and helped to solidify his reputation as a champion in the sport.
• In conclusion, Glenn McGrath is a true legend of cricket, and his statistics, records, and achievements speak for themselves. He remains an inspiration to many cricketers today and is revered by fans around the world as one of the greatest bowlers to have ever played the sport. His legacy will live on for generations to come, and his impact on the sport will always be remembered.

BOWLING

8. Brian Lara (WI)

• Brian Lara is one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, who holds numerous records and achievements in the sport. He was born on May 2, 1969 in Trinidad and Tobago and played for the West Indies cricket team from 1990 to 2007.
• Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings, with a score of 400 not out against England in 2004. He also holds the record for the highest individual score in a first-class innings, with a score of 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994. He is also the only player to have scored a century, a double century, a triple century, a quadruple century and a quintuple century in first-class matches.
• Lara has also captained the West Indies cricket team, and was instrumental in leading his team to victory in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. He has also won several awards for his contributions to the sport, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 1995 and the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1994.
• Lara’s unique style and flair at the crease has made him a fan favorite, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-handed batsmen of all time. He has consistently performed at the highest level, and his achievements and records in the sport are a testament to his talent and dedication.
• In conclusion, Brian Lara is a true legend of the sport of cricket. His records, achievements and contributions to the game have made him one of the greatest batsmen of all time, and he will always be remembered as one of the best cricket player in the world of all time.

Batting & Fielding

7. MS Dhoni (IND)

• Mahendra Singh Dhoni is another great cricketer who stands out as a best cricket player in the world of all time. His record speaks for itself – having led the Indian team to triumph in numerous tournaments, and become the most successful captain in Indian cricket history. He is known not just for his tactical acumen but also for his exceptional batting technique. He holds records for most runs scored by any wicketkeeper-batsman and most dismissals.
• MS Dhoni is considered as one of the greatest cricket captains of all time and is regarded as a national icon in India. He is known for his remarkable captaincy skills and his calm demeanor under pressure. Dhoni made his debut for the Indian cricket team in December 2004 and since then, he has been an integral part of the team. He has made a name for himself not only as a batsman, but also as a wicketkeeper and captain.
• Starting off as a wicketkeeper, Dhoni has been known for his quick reflexes and sharp gloves behind the stumps. In ODIs, he has taken 256 catches and has made 38 stumpings, making him one of the best wicketkeepers of all time. In addition, he has also scored more than 10,000 runs in ODIs, with a batting average of over 50.
• Dhoni is the only captain to have won all the major ICC trophies, including the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. He has a stunning record as a captain and has led India to numerous victories in his tenure. He has won the most number of matches as an Indian captain and has the best winning percentage of any Indian captain in One Day Internationals. In addition, he has also led the Indian team to the top of the rankings in the Test cricket format, a feat that had never been achieved by any Indian captain before.
• Dhoni is a wicket-keeper batsman and has been India’s first choice in that position for many years. He has over 10,000 runs in One Day Internationals and has also scored more than 1000 runs in T20 Internationals. He has also made many crucial contributions with the bat and has been instrumental in India’s victories in high-pressure situations.
• In conclusion, MS Dhoni is a legend of Indian cricket and has left an indelible mark on the game. His achievements and records speak volumes about his abilities and his contribution to Indian cricket. He is a true inspiration to millions of cricket fans across the world and will always be remembered as one of the greatest captains of all time.

Batting & Fielding

6. Shane Warne (AUS)

• Shane Warne is considered one of the greatest bowlers of all time and is best known for his outstanding performances for Australia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. He is known for his ability to take wickets with his leg spin and his accuracy.
• Shane Warne, the legendary Australian cricketer, is one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the sport. He holds numerous records and achievements that make him one of the most successful and dominant bowlers of all time.
• Warne started his international career in 1992 and quickly established himself as one of the best spin bowlers in the world. He was known for his accuracy, cunning, and ability to deceive the batsmen with his varied deliveries. He was also an excellent fielder and an effective lower-order batsman.
• Over the course of his career, Warne played 145 Test matches and took 708 wickets at an average of 25.41. He is the 2nd leading wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket among spin bowlers and overall, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Warne played 194 matches and took 293 wickets at an average of 25.73.
• Warne’s records and achievements in cricket are numerous. He is one of only three bowlers in the history of the sport to have taken 700 Test wickets. He holds the record for the most wickets in a calendar year by a bowler in Test cricket (96 in 2005), and is the only bowler to have taken 10 wickets or more in a Test match on three occasions. He is also the only bowler to have taken 100 wickets against each of the other nine Test-playing nations.
• In conclusion, Shane Warne is a true legend of the sport of cricket. His records and achievements speak for themselves, and his impact on the game will always be remembered. He remains an inspiration to young cricketers around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.

Batting & Fielding

BOWLING

5. Kumar Sangakkara (SL)

• Kumar Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He was born on 27th October 1977 in Matale, Sri Lanka. Sangakkara is a left-handed batsman who has represented Sri Lanka in all formats of the game. He has also kept wickets for his team, adding another dimension to his already impressive cricketing abilities.
• Sangakkara made his international debut in July 2000 and quickly established himself as a top-order batsman for Sri Lanka. He was known for his elegant stroke-making and his ability to score runs at a brisk pace. In the 2004 Asian Test Championship, he scored his first Test century against Bangladesh and went on to score many more in the years to come. He is one of the few batsmen to have scored over 11,000 Test runs and is also the fastest batsman to reach 10,000 Test runs (195 innings), equalling the record of the greats Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.
• In ODIs, Sangakkara has an impressive record as well. He is the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs . He has also scored 25 ODI centuries and has an average of 41.98 in the format. His consistency and ability to score runs in difficult situations made him a crucial player for Sri Lanka in ODIs.
• Sangakkara also excelled as a wicketkeeper, especially in Tests. He has taken a total of 182 catches and has made 20 stumpings in the format. He was known for his sharp reflexes and ability to take catches even in challenging positions. He is one of the few cricketers to have taken more than 350 catches and score over 10,000 runs in ODIs.
• In conclusion, Kumar Sangakkara is a true legend of Sri Lankan cricket. His impressive records and stats speak volumes about his abilities as a batsman and wicketkeeper. He will always be remembered as one of the best cricket player in the world to have ever played the game.

Batting & Fielding

4. Ricky Ponting (AUS)

• Ricky Ponting, often referred to as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, was a former Australian cricketer and captain. Born on December 19, 1974, in Launceston, Tasmania, he made his debut in international cricket in 1995 and went on to play a crucial role in Australia’s dominance in world cricket for more than a decade.
• As a batsman, Ponting was known for his aggressive approach and technical finesse. He scored over 27,000 runs in international cricket across formats, including 13,378 runs in Tests and over 13,000 runs in ODIs. He also holds the record for the most centuries by an Australian batsman in both Tests and ODIs.
• As a captain, Ponting led the Australian cricket team to two World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. He is one of the few cricketers to have won two World Cups as a captain, and his tactical brilliance and leadership qualities are widely acknowledged. Ponting’s captaincy also saw Australia achieve a world record 16 consecutive Test victories, making him one of the most successful Test captains in history.
• In 2012, Ponting retired from international cricket, leaving behind an illustrious legacy. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his place as one of the greats of the game.
• In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s contribution to Australian cricket is immense. His aggressive approach, technical prowess, and tactical brilliance, combined with his leadership qualities, make him one of the greatest batsmen and captains in the history of cricket. His records and achievements continue to inspire aspiring cricketers around the world.

Batting & Fielding

3. Muttiah Muralitharan (SL)

• Muttiah Muralitharan is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport. Over the course of his career, which lasted from 1992 to 2010, he amassed an impressive record of 800 wickets in Test cricket and 534 wickets in One Day Internationals.
• Muralitharan was born on April 17, 1972 in Kandy, Sri Lanka and first made his mark on the international cricket scene in 1993, when he took an incredible nine wickets in a Test match against Australia. Over the years, he developed an array of deliveries that made him difficult to face, including a doosra, which was an off-spinner that turned away from the right-handed batsman. This, along with his exceptional accuracy, made him a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field.
• One of Muralitharan’s most notable records is the number of wickets he took in Test cricket. He is the highest wicket-taker in the format, with 800 wickets to his name. He broke the previous record of 708 wickets, held by retired Australian bowler, Shane Warne, in 2010. He also holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, with 67.
• In addition to his records, Muralitharan is also known for his longevity. He played in 132 Test matches over an 18-year period and took wickets in each of those matches, which is a testament to his consistency and skill as a bowler.
• In conclusion, Muttiah Muralitharan is a true cricketing legend who has left a lasting impact on the sport. His records and achievements speak for themselves, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

Batting & Fielding

BOWLING

2. Jacques Kallis (SA)

• Jacques Kallis is a former South African cricketer widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. Over the course of his 18-year international career, Kallis established numerous records in batting, bowling, and fielding.
• With the bat, Kallis scored over 25,000 international runs, including 62 centuries and 149 half-centuries. He is the only player in the history of the sport to score over 10,000 runs and take over 250 wickets in both Test and One Day International cricket.
• As a batsman, Kallis holds numerous records and boasts an impressive average of 55.37 in Tests and 44.36 in ODIs. Kallis is also the leading run-scorer for South Africa in Tests, with over 13,000 runs to his name, as well as in ODIs with over 11000 runs.
• Kallis was also a handy bowler, taking over 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs. In Tests, he took 292 wickets at an average of 32.65, while in ODIs he took 273 wickets at an average of 31.79. He was known for his accurate and economical bowling, and was often called upon to bowl in crucial situations.
• Kallis’ fielding was also a major asset to his team. He took 200 catches in Tests while 131 in ODIs, and was known for his safe and quick hands in the field. He was also a proficient fielder in the slips, where he took many important catches.
• Jacques Kallis is a true legend of the sport and one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. His exceptional all-round skills, records, and longevity have earned him a place among the best cricket player in the world of all time.

Batting & Fielding

BOWLING

1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

• Sachin Tendulkar, also known as the “Little Master” or the “God of Cricket”, is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, India, Sachin Tendulkar started playing cricket at a very young age. Throughout his career, he has made numerous records and achievements in both batting and bowling.
• In terms of batting, Sachin Tendulkar has an impressive record. He has played 200 Test matches and scored 15,921 runs with an average of 53.78. He has also played 463 One Day International (ODI) matches and scored 18,426 runs with an average of 44.83. He has scored 100 international centuries, including 51 Test centuries and 49 ODI centuries. He is the first player to score a double century in ODIs and the first player to score 100 international centuries. He has also been awarded the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2010.
• Sachin Tendulkar has also made a significant contribution to Indian cricket as a bowler. He has taken 46 wickets in Test matches and 154 wickets in ODIs. He has also taken 4 as well as 5 wickets in an innings in ODI cricket .
• Sachin Tendulkar has also been a part of several memorable moments in Indian cricket history. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup, which was the first time India had won the tournament in 28 years. He was also part of the Indian team that reached the final of the 2003 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.
• In conclusion, Sachin Tendulkar is a true legend of Indian cricket and the greatest batsman of all time. His records and achievements in both batting and bowling speak volumes about his talent and dedication to the sport. He will always be remembered as one of the best cricket player in the world of all time and his contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered and cherished.

Batting & Fielding

BOWLING

SOME HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Sir Don Bradman (AUS)

• Sir Don Bradman remains the greatest or the best cricket player in the world of all time. An Australian batsman, Bradman has scored a record 999 runs in just 12 Test matches, an accolade that is yet to be matched or beaten by any other player in the world.
• He was given the title ‘The Mathematical Master of Batting’ for his extraordinary sense and number-based approach towards batting. One of Bradman’s records that no one will ever hope to beat is his career batting average of 99.94, which has been described as “the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport”.
• Sir Donald Bradman, also known as “The Don,” is widely considered to be the greatest batsman of all time. He played for Australia and during his career he set several records, including the most runs scored in a single innings, the most centuries scored in a single series, and the most runs scored in a career.

Viv Richards (WI)

Vivian Richards is a former West Indian cricket legend who holds the title of one of the greatest cricket players in the history of the game. Nicknamed ‘The Master Blaster’, Richards was acclaimed for his involvement in both batting and bowling styles. He scored 8,540 runs throughout his Test career at an average of 50.23 with 24 centuries and 45 half-centuries which earned him many awards and accolades as a batsman. As a bowler, he took also a total of 150 wickets with his off-spin with best bowling figures of 5/41 against India in 1989 at Delhi until he retired from international cricket in 1991.

Sunil Gavaskar (IND)

Sunil Gavaskar is a former Indian cricketer and one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of cricket. He made his debut for India in 1971 and went on to play 125 Test matches, scoring 10,122 runs, with an average of 51.12. He was also the first batsman to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Gavaskar was known for his exceptional technical skills, concentration and determination. He was also the first batsman to score 7 consecutive Test centuries and was awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1980. He was also a part of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Sunil Gavaskar remains a cricketing legend and an inspiration to many young cricketers in India. His contribution to Indian cricket is invaluable and will always be remembered.

Gary Sobers (WI)

Gary Sobers, who always had a penchant for setting and breaking records, is one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders. During his test and league cricket career, he performed splendidly as an all-rounder – batting with tremendous flair and talking to the ball. He was one of the earliest cricketers that practiced both bowling and batting. Throughout his entire international test career, he scored a total of 8032 runs at average 57.78 along with 235 wickets at an average 34.03 while fielding magnificently and taking 109 catches in Test matches alone. For his remarkable performance in cricket and admirable character throughout his career, he has gained a well-deserved recognition as one of the best cricket player in the world of all time!

Kapil Dev (IND)

• Kapil Dev is a former Indian cricketer and one of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played the game. As a bowler, Kapil was known for his swing and pace, taking a total of 434 wickets in Test cricket and 253 wickets in One Day Internationals.
• He was also an exceptional fielder, known for his athleticism and quick reflexes. As a batsman, Kapil was a hard-hitting middle-order batsman and is remembered for his innings of 175 not out against Zimbabwe in 1983, which was the highest score by an Indian batsman in One Day Internationals at the time.
• Kapil was also the captain of the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, a moment that is considered to be one of the greatest achievements in Indian cricket history. Overall, Kapil Dev’s statistics speak for themselves, with a total of 5248 runs and 434 wickets in Test cricket and 3783 runs and 253 wickets in One Day Internationals.

Ian Botham (ENG)

Ian Botham, born on November 24, 1955, was a former English cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. Botham’s exceptional bowling and batting skills made him an integral part of the England cricket team in the late 1970s and 1980s. Starting as a fast bowler, Botham became known for his aggressive style and ability to swing the ball both ways. With 14 hundreds and 383 wickets, Botham is the only cricketer to achieve the all-rounder’s double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in a season, a feat he accomplished in 1977, 1978, and 1981. In a career spanning over two decades, Botham played 102 Test matches and 116 One-Day Internationals for England, accumulating more than 7,000 runs and 500 wickets.

Richard Hadlee (NZ)

Richard Hadlee is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. He played for New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s and was known for his fast and accurate bowling, as well as his solid batting. Hadlee’s bowling was a major factor in his success. He was known for his pace, swing and accuracy, which made him a threat to any batsman. He took 431 test wickets during his career, which is a New Zealand record, and was also the first bowler to reach the 400-wicket milestone in test cricket. Hadlee’s batting was also impressive. He was a technically sound batsman who was able to contribute to his team’s innings with both his aggression and his ability to accumulate runs. In conclusion, Richard Hadlee’s achievements in both bowling and batting make him one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.

Imran Khan (PAK)

• Imran Khan is considered as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. He made his international debut in 1971 and played cricket for Pakistan until 1992.
• As a bowler, Imran Khan was one of the quickest pacers of his time. He had the ability to swing the ball both ways and was known for his mastery of reverse swing.
• Imran Khan was also a reliable bowler in the death overs and had an impressive economy rate. He took a total of 362 wickets in Test cricket and 182 wickets in One Day Internationals.
• As a batsman, Imran Khan was known for his aggressive and unorthodox style of batting. He had the ability to hit the ball hard and clear the boundary with ease. He was also a good runner between the wickets and had the ability to steal quick singles. In conclusion, Imran Khan was a complete package as a cricketer and his contribution to the game will always be remembered.

CONCLUSION

MY DREAM TEAM 11 OF ALL TIME

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