Top 10 All-rounders in Cricket History

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In cricket, an all-rounder refers to a player who excels in both batting and bowling skills, making significant contributions to the team in both aspects of the game. All-rounders are versatile players who can perform well with the bat and the ball, adding balance to the team. They are valuable assets as they contribute to the team’s success in various situations.

All-rounders come in different types. Some may be better at batting and provide useful bowling options, while others may be primarily bowlers with the ability to contribute with the bat. The best all-rounders are those who consistently perform well in both disciplines and have a significant impact on the game. You can install the 4RaBet App download for Android right now and start to place your bets. 

Famous examples of cricketing all-rounders include Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Ian Botham, Jacques Kallis, and more recently, players like Ben Stokes and Hardik Pandya. The term “all-rounder” is a testament to the player’s ability to excel in multiple facets of the game, making them valuable assets to their teams.

The Greatest 10 All-Rounders In Cricket History

First, we will consider the world’s best all-rounders in cricket history despite the formats. 

Place	Name	Country	Years of Playing	Formats
1	Sir Garfield Sobers	West Indies	1954-1974	Test
2	Imran Khan	Pakistan	1971-1992	Test, ODI
3	Kapil Dev	India	1978-1994	Test, ODI
4	Sir Ian Botham	England	1977-1992	Test, ODI
5	Jaques Kallis	South Africa	1995-2014	Test, ODI, T20I
6	Richard Hadlee	New Zealand	1973-1990	Test, ODI
7	Shaun Pollock	South Africa	1995-2008	Test, ODI
8	Andrew Flintoff	England	1998-2009	Test, ODI, T20I
9	Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	1991-2011	Test, ODI, T20I
10	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	1996-2018	Test, ODI, T20I

The stories of the greatest cricketers are of interest to fans of the game. And also for those who themselves want to achieve high results in cricket. Therefore, below we will talk about each of the ten greatest cricketers of history in detail.

Sir Garfield Sobers

Date of Birth: July 28, 1936

Active Years: 1954-1974

Country: West Indies

Test Career: 93 matches, 8,032 runs, 57.78 batting average, 26 centuries, 235 wickets, 34.03 bowling average.

ODI Career: 1 match, Did not bat, 0.00 batting average, 0 centuries, 1 wicket, 31 bowling average.

Sir Garfield Sobers, an iconic West Indian all-rounder, left an indelible mark on cricket during his illustrious career from 1954 to 1974. In the pantheon of West Indian cricket, Sobers stands as a beacon of excellence, surrounded by luminaries of the game. His unparalleled versatility is epitomized by remarkable statistics: 93 Test matches, amassing 8,032 runs at a staggering batting average of 57.78, accompanied by 26 centuries. Sobers’ bowling prowess was equally formidable, claiming 235 wickets with a bowling average of 34.03. Despite a brief foray into ODIs, Sobers’ impact is best reflected in the more extended format, where his all-round brilliance left an indomitable legacy.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, Sir Garfield Sobers’ acclaim transcends statistics. Revered by contemporaries and cricketing legends alike, Sobers’ prowess with both bat and ball was unparalleled. His ability to adapt to varying match conditions, whether unleashing his devastating batting strokes or delivering crafty deliveries with the ball, made him a “five-in-one cricketer,” as lauded by Sir Don Bradman. Sobers’ legacy lies not just in the numbers but in the enduring image of a cricketer who could single-handedly alter the course of a match, earning him a revered status in the annals of cricket history.

Imran Khan

Date of Birth: October 5, 1952

Active Years: 1971-1992

Country: Pakistan

Test Career: 88 matches, 3,807 runs, 37.69 batting average, 6 centuries, 362 wickets, 22.81 bowling average.

ODI Career: 175 matches, 3,709 runs, 33.41 batting average, 1 century, 182 wickets, 26.61 bowling average.

Imran Khan, the charismatic cricketer and visionary leader, etched his name in cricket history during his active years from 1971 to 1992. Imran Khan emerged as a symbol of cricketing prowess and leadership. His test career spanned 88 matches, amassing 3,807 runs at a batting average of 37.69, complemented by 362 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 22.81. Imran’s ODI legacy is equally compelling, with 175 matches, 3,709 runs, and 182 wickets.

What sets Imran Khan apart is not merely his statistical brilliance but his multifaceted impact on the game and beyond. Imran’s unwavering commitment to excellence, both as a formidable all-rounder and an astute captain, culminated in Pakistan’s historic World Cup victory in 1992. Renowned for his ability to deliver crucial performances with both bat and ball, Imran Khan’s cricketing journey is interwoven with a legacy of resilience, leadership, and an indomitable spirit that transcends the boundaries of the cricket field. His imprint on the game extends far beyond statistics, cementing his status as one of the greatest all-rounders and cricketing statesmen of all time.

Kapil Dev

Date of Birth: January 6, 1959

Active Years: 1978-1984

Country: India

Test Career: 131 matches, 5,248 runs, 31.05 batting average, 8 centuries, 434 wickets, 29.64 bowling average.

ODI Career: 225 matches, 3,783 runs, 23.79 batting average, 1 century, 253 wickets, 27.45 bowling average.

Kapil Dev, an iconic figure in Indian cricket, graced the international stage from 1978 to 1984, leaving an indelible mark as one of the greatest all-rounders. Born on January 6, 1959, Kapil’s test career boasts 131 matches, where he amassed 5,248 runs with a batting average of 31.05 and claimed an impressive 434 wickets at a bowling average of 29.64. In the ODI format, he played 225 matches, scoring 3,783 runs and taking 253 wickets.

Kapil Dev’s crowning glory came in 1983 when he captained the Indian cricket team to its maiden Cricket World Cup triumph. His remarkable all-round performance, including a memorable innings of 175 against Zimbabwe, steered India to glory. Kapil’s leadership and on-field heroics in the final against the West Indies are etched in cricketing folklore. His impact on Indian cricket extends beyond statistics, embodying resilience, determination, and a trailblazing spirit that ignited a new era for Indian cricket. Kapil Dev’s legacy transcends his numbers, standing as a testament to his pivotal role in shaping India’s cricketing narrative and his iconic status as one of the sport’s true legends.

Sir Ian Botham

Date of Birth: November 24, 1955

Active Years: 1977-1992

Country: England

Test Career: 102 matches, 5,200 runs, 33.54 batting average, 14 centuries, 383 wickets, 28.40 bowling average.

ODI Career: 116 matches, 2,113 runs, 23.21 batting average, 1 century, 145 wickets, 28.54 bowling average.

Sir Ian Botham, a cricketing colossus from England, graced the cricketing arena from 1977 to 1992, earning a hallowed place among the game’s greatest all-rounders. Born on November 24, 1955, Botham’s test career spanned 102 matches, amassing 5,200 runs at a batting average of 33.54, complemented by an astounding 383 wickets at a bowling average of 28.40. In the ODI format, he played 116 matches, scoring 2,113 runs and taking 145 wickets.

Botham’s cricketing legacy extends far beyond his statistical brilliance. A pivotal figure in English cricket, he played a leading role in the famous Ashes series of 1981, famously known as “Botham’s Ashes.” His breathtaking performances with both bat and ball, including the iconic Headingley Test, exemplified his unparalleled impact on the game. Post-retirement, Botham delved into cricket commentary and coaching, contributing to the sport’s narrative in multifaceted ways. Knighted for his services to cricket, Sir Ian Botham remains an enduring figure in the cricketing pantheon, epitomizing the spirit of a true all-rounder and earning his place as one of England’s cricketing immortals.

Jaques Kallis

Date of Birth: October 16, 1975

Active Years: 1995-2014

Country: South Africa

Test Career: 166 matches, 10,289 runs, 55.37 batting average, 45 centuries, 292 wickets, 32.65 bowling average.

ODI Career: 328 matches, 11,579 runs, 44.36 batting average, 17 centuries, 273 wickets, 31.79 bowling average.

T20I Career: 25 matches, 666 runs, 35.05 batting average, 1 century, 12 wickets, 24.75 bowling average.

Jacques Kallis, a stalwart of South African cricket, showcased his cricketing brilliance from 1995 to 2014, leaving an indelible mark as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. Born on October 16, 1975, Kallis’ test career boasts 166 matches, where he amassed 10,289 runs with a batting average of 55.37 and claimed an extraordinary 292 wickets at a bowling average of 32.65. In ODIs, he played 328 matches, scoring 11,579 runs at an impressive average of 44.36 and taking 273 wickets.

Kallis’ impact on the cricket field extends beyond statistics. His ability to seamlessly transition between batting and bowling made him the linchpin of the South African team for nearly two decades. Kallis’ prolific run-scoring and wicket-taking abilities, coupled with his steadfast demeanor, earned him accolades as one of the game’s true greats. Post-retirement, Kallis delved into coaching and has been a mentor for various T20 franchises. His enduring legacy, marked by numerous records and a plethora of awards, solidifies his status as a cricketing legend and one of the finest all-rounders to have graced the sport.

Richard Hadlee 

Date of Birth: July 3, 1951

Active Years: 1973-1990

Country: New Zealand

Test Career: 86 matches, 3,124 runs, 27.16 batting average, 2 centuries, 431 wickets, 22.29 bowling average.

ODI Career: 115 matches, 1,751 runs, 21.61 batting average, 2 centuries, 158 wickets, 21.56 bowling average.

Sir Richard Hadlee, a cricketing maestro from New Zealand, graced the international stage from 1973 to 1990, earning acclaim as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. Born on July 3, 1951, Hadlee’s test career spanned 86 matches, amassing 3,124 runs at a batting average of 27.16, complemented by an exceptional 431 wickets at a bowling average of 22.29. In the ODI format, he played 115 matches, scoring 1,751 runs and taking 158 wickets.

Hadlee’s cricketing legacy is defined not just by statistics but by his unparalleled impact on New Zealand cricket. A relentless fast bowler and a determined batsman, he played a pivotal role in elevating New Zealand’s stature in the cricketing world. Hadlee’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances, including a famous 9-wicket haul against Australia, solidified his status as a cricketing icon. Knighted for his services to cricket, Sir Richard Hadlee’s enduring influence extends beyond his playing days, marking him as one of the sport’s true luminaries and a revered figure in the cricketing fraternity.

Shaun Pollock

Date of Birth: July 16, 1973

Active Years: 1995-2008

Country: South Africa

Test Career: 108 matches, 3,781 runs, 32.31 batting average, 16 centuries, 421 wickets, 23.11 bowling average.

ODI Career: 303 matches, 3,519 runs, 26.45 batting average, 4 centuries, 393 wickets, 24.50 bowling average.

Shaun Pollock, a stalwart of South African cricket, made his mark as one of the premier all-rounders in the game during his active years from 1995 to 2008. Born on July 16, 1973, Pollock’s test career spanned 108 matches, amassing 3,781 runs with a batting average of 32.31, complemented by an impressive 421 wickets at a bowling average of 23.11. In ODIs, he played 303 matches, scoring 3,519 runs at an average of 26.45 and taking 393 wickets.

Pollock’s cricketing legacy is characterized by his unwavering consistency and all-round prowess. As a formidable fast bowler and a gritty lower-order batsman, he played a crucial role in shaping South Africa’s cricketing narrative. Pollock’s ability to swing the ball both ways and contribute valuable runs down the order made him an invaluable asset for his team. Post-retirement, Pollock transitioned into coaching and commentary, further contributing to the cricketing world. His legacy as one of South Africa’s cricketing greats is marked not only by his statistical achievements but also by his enduring impact on the game.

Andrew Flintoff

Date of Birth: December 6, 1977

Active Years: 1998-2010

Country: England

Test Career: 79 matches, 3,845 runs, 31.77 batting average, 5 centuries, 226 wickets, 32.78 bowling average.

ODI Career: 141 matches, 3,394 runs, 32.01 batting average, 3 centuries, 169 wickets, 24.38 bowling average.

T20I Career: 7 matches, 58 runs, 14.50 batting average, 2 wickets, 42.50 bowling average.

Andrew Flintoff, a charismatic and dynamic English all-rounder, illuminated the cricketing stage from 1998 to 2010, leaving an enduring impact on the game. Born on December 6, 1977, Flintoff’s test career encompassed 79 matches, amassing 3,845 runs at a batting average of 31.77 and claiming 226 wickets at a bowling average of 32.78. In ODIs, he played 141 matches, scoring 3,394 runs with a batting average of 32.01 and taking 169 wickets.

Flintoff’s cricketing legacy is etched in the collective memory of cricket fans worldwide. A talismanic figure for England, his heroics in the famous 2005 Ashes series, where he played a pivotal role with both bat and ball, are eternally etched in cricketing folklore. Flintoff’s aggressive and fearless approach, both as a hard-hitting batsman and a formidable fast bowler, endeared him to fans. Post-retirement, he ventured into broadcasting and participated in various cricket-related endeavors. Flintoff’s legacy extends beyond statistics, encapsulating the spirit of a true all-rounder and one of England’s cricketing icons.

Sanath Jayasuriya

Date of Birth: June 30, 1969

Active Years: 1989-2011

Country: Sri Lanka

Test Career: 110 matches, 6,973 runs, 40.07 batting average, 14 centuries, 98 wickets, 34.34 bowling average.

ODI Career: 445 matches, 13,430 runs, 32.36 batting average, 28 centuries, 323 wickets, 36.75 bowling average.

T20I Career: 31 matches, 629 runs, 21.68 batting average, 19 wickets, 22.47 bowling average.

Sanath Jayasuriya, a cricketing maverick from Sri Lanka, graced the international stage from 1989 to 2011, establishing himself as one of the most explosive all-rounders in the limited-overs format. Born on June 30, 1969, Jayasuriya’s test career spanned 110 matches, amassing 6,973 runs at a stellar batting average of 40.07 and capturing 98 wickets with a bowling average of 34.34. In ODIs, he played 445 matches, scoring 13,430 runs with a batting average of 32.36 and taking 323 wickets at a bowling average of 36.75.

Jayasuriya’s cricketing legacy is defined by his revolutionary approach to batting, particularly in the ODI format. Renowned for his explosive batting at the top of the order, he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s triumph in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin also added a valuable dimension to his all-round capabilities. His ability to single-handedly dismantle bowling attacks and contribute with the ball made him a trailblazer in limited-overs cricket. Post-retirement, Jayasuriya ventured into cricket administration and coaching, further contributing to the development of the sport in Sri Lanka. His legacy as a cricketing icon endures, with Jayasuriya remaining an inspiration for aspiring all-rounders worldwide.

Shahid Afridi

Date of Birth: March 1, 1980

Active Years: 1996-2018

Country: Pakistan

Test Career: 27 matches, 1,716 runs, 36.51 batting average, 5 centuries, 48 wickets, 35.60 bowling average.

ODI Career: 398 matches, 8,064 runs, 23.57 batting average, 6 centuries, 395 wickets, 34.51 bowling average.

T20I Career: 99 matches, 1,416 runs, 17.92 batting average, 98 wickets, 24.44 bowling average.

Shahid Afridi, a cricketing sensation from Pakistan, showcased his explosive talent from 1996 to 2018, earning the moniker “Boom Boom Afridi” for his dynamic style of play. Born on March 1, 1980, Afridi’s test career spanned 27 matches, amassing 1,716 runs at a batting average of 36.51 and claiming 48 wickets with a bowling average of 35.60. In ODIs, he played 398 matches, scoring 8,064 runs with a batting average of 23.57 and taking 395 wickets at a bowling average of 34.51.

Afridi’s cricketing legacy is synonymous with his aggressive batting and potent leg-spin bowling. He gained international fame for scoring the fastest century in ODIs at the time, achieving the feat in just 37 balls. Afridi’s contributions played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. Known for his ability to turn the game with his dynamic performances, Afridi’s impact goes beyond statistics, reflecting the spirit of a true all-rounder. Post-retirement, he engaged in philanthropy and continued to inspire fans with his passion for the game. Afridi’s legacy as a cricketing icon is etched in the annals of Pakistan cricket, symbolizing the flair and excitement he brought to the field.

The Best All-Rounders In Modern Cricket By Formats

Ranking the top 10 greatest players of all time usually looks at a player’s popularity in the world of cricket rather than summing up his performance across different formats. Therefore, in the ranking of the greatest all-rounders, some players did not play in all 3 formats, and they are still considered the best. Therefore, it is only fair to include players who are considered the greatest in certain formats.

The Best All-Rounders In Test Cricket History

The most skilled all-rounders in Test cricket are the next cricketers: 

Place	Name	From	Best Test Rating
1	Ravindra Jadeja	India	460 vs Australia, 21 February 2023
2	Ravichandran Ashwin	India	492 vs England, 29 November 2016
3	Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	489 vs Australia, 30 August 2017
4	Ben Stokes	England	497 vs West Indies, 20 July 2020
5	Axar Patel	India	316 vs Australia, 13 March 2023
6	Joe Root	England	286 vs Australia, 31 July 2023
7	Jason Holder	West Indies	485 vs England, 12 July 2020
8	Mitchell Starc	Australia	346 vs India, 25 February 2017
9	Kyle Mayers	West Indies	258 vs Bangladesh, 28 June 2022
10	Chris Woakes	England	273 vs Pakistan, 08 August 2020

The Best All-Rounders In ODI History

In the ODI matches, the list of the best 10 all-rounders including other names: 

Place	Name	From	Best Test Rating
1	Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	453 vs Zimbabwe, 05 November 2009
2	Mohammad Nabi	Afghanistan	349 vs Zimbabwe, 26 February 2017
3	Sikandar Raza	Zimbabwe	287 vs Scotland, 04 July 2023
4	Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	359 vs Pakistan, 21 September 2018
5	Glenn Maxwell	Australia	350 vs England, 11 September 2015
6	Assad Vala	Papua New Guinea	252 vs Nepal, 03 March 2023
7	Mitchell Santner	New Zealand	317 vs England, 10 March 2018
8	Zeeshan Maqsood	Oman	262 vs Ireland, 19 June 2023
9	Mahedi Hasan	Bangladesh	295 vs India, 07 December 2022
10	Ravindra Jadeja	India	377 vs England, 23 June 2013

The Best All-Rounders In T20 History

The shortest format, T20, was the last of the three to appear, in 2003. It plays quickly. Therefore, players have to play aggressively and assertively more often to score more points and put their team ahead. Here is a ranking of the most successful all-rounders in the T20 format:

Place	Name	From	Best Test Rating
1	Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	408 vs Pakistan, 24 April 2015
2	Mohammad Nabi	Afghanistan	355 vs Bangladesh, 15 September 2019
3	Hardik Pandya	India	266 vs West Indies, 08 August 2023
4	Aiden Markram	South Africa	198 vs Australia, 03 September 2023
5	Marcus Stoinis	Australia	202 vs India, 26 November 2023
6	Sikandar Raza	Zimbabwe	194 vs Namibia, 27 October 2023
7	Wanindu Hasaranga	Sri Lanka	186 vs New Zealand, 05 April 2023
8	Shadab Khan	Pakistan	195 vs Afghanistan, 27 March 2023
9	JJ Smit	Namibia	197 vs Zimbabwe, 22 November 2023
10	Gerhard Erasmus	Namibia	188 vs Zimbabwe, 22 November 2023

Conclusion

In the annals of cricket history, the narrative of the greatest all-rounders unveils a remarkable tapestry of talent and versatility. Being an all-around player makes it difficult to become the best. All-rounders have to develop in two categories at once. This means that they require twice as much effort. And in the game they have increased responsibility: after all, a player can enter the field with both a bat and a ball. Therefore, it is not easy for all-rounders to get to the top of the rankings. Despite this, many cricketers in the history of cricket are considered the best all-rounders of their era, from those who played in the last century to legends who continue to increase their ranks today.

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