Cricket has always celebrated its finest batsmen, players who bring skill, consistency, and a deep understanding of the game. There are many talented players worldwide, but a select few are the best batsmen in the world who stand out for their remarkable performances and ability to change games .
These elite batsmen have earned admiration not only from fans but also from legends of the sport.
In this article, you’ll discover what makes these batsmen unique and how they consistently rise to the top. You will get a closer look at cricket’s finest and understand what sets these players apart!
Top 10 Best Batsmen Of All Time – Quick Look
Here’s a summarized table of the top 10 batsmen of all time:
| Rank | Batsman | Country | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don Bradman | Australia | Test average of 99.94 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | Most runs in international cricket, 100 international centuries |
| 3 | Vivian Richards | West Indies | A dominant player in the 1970s and 1980s; aggressive style |
| 4 | Brian Lara | West Indies | Highest individual score in Test cricket (400*) |
| 5 | Sunil Gavaskar | India | First to score 10,000 Test runs, a solid opening batsman |
| 6 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | Successful captain, consistent performer, over 13,000 international runs |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | All-rounder with over 25,000 international runs and 292 Test wickets |
| 8 | Steve Waugh | Australia | Strong leader, over 10,000 Test runs, aggressive mindset |
| 9 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | Elegant left-hander, over 25,000 international runs |
| 10 | Rahul Dravid | India | Known as ‘The Wall’, classical test batter, consistent performer |
Let’s have a closer look at each of these best batsmen in the world and what made them stand among the elites:
1. Don Bradman
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1928-1948 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 0 (ODI), 6,996 (Test), 0 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 99.94 (Test) |
| Strike Rate | N/A (ODI/T20 not played) |
| Highest Score | 334 (Test) |
Player Description: Don Bradman, often considered the greatest batsman in cricket history, had a remarkable Test average of 99.94, an achievement unmatched to this day. His dominance and unique technique set him apart, enabling him to amass runs effortlessly.
Representing Australia during the 1930s and 1940s, Bradman’s contributions shaped modern batting, leaving a lasting legacy. His record remains a high benchmark, making him a legend not just in Australia but around the world.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1989-2013 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 18,426 (ODI), 15,921 (Test), 10 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 44.83 (ODI), 53.78 (Test), 10.00 (T20) |
| Strike Rate | 86.24 (ODI), 83.33 (T20) |
| Highest Score | 200* (ODI), 248* (Test), 10 (T20) |
Player Description: Sachin Tendulkar, widely known as the “Master Blaster,” is celebrated for his technical prowess and enduring commitment to cricket. With over 34,000 runs and 100 international centuries, he holds records that seem almost insurmountable.
His career, spanning 24 years, inspired countless fans and brought many proud moments to Indian cricket. Tendulkar’s ability to excel across formats and against all major teams cements his status as one of cricket’s greatest icons.
3. Vivian Richards
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1974-1991 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 6,721 (ODI), 8,540 (Test), 0 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 47.00 (ODI), 50.23 (Test) |
| Strike Rate | 90.20 (ODI), N/A (Test) |
| Highest Score | 189* (ODI), 291 (Test) |
Player Description: Vivian Richards was an immensely influential batsman from the West Indies, known for his aggressive and fearless style of play during the 1970s and 1980s. His ability to dominate bowlers with powerful strokeplay made him one of the most feared batsmen of his time.
Richards’ presence at the crease was commanding, and he played a key role in West Indies’ rise to dominance. His charisma and confidence left a lasting impact on world cricket.
4. Brian Lara
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1990-2006 |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 10,405 (ODI), 11,953 (Test), 99(T20) |
| Batting Average | 40.48 (ODI), 52.88 (Test) |
| Strike Rate | 79.51 (ODI), N/A (Test) |
| Highest Score | 169 (ODI), 400* (Test) |
Player Description: Brian Lara, an elegant left-handed batsman from the West Indies, is best known for his world record of 400* in Test cricket. With a graceful and fluid batting style, he could take on any bowling attack. His mastery of long innings and ability to play under pressure earned him admiration worldwide.
Lara’s achievements in both Test and One-Day formats showcase his exceptional talent and made him a favorite among fans globally.
5. Sunil Gavaskar
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1971-1987 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 3,092 (ODI), 10,122 (Test) |
| Batting Average | 35.13 (ODI), 51.12 (Test) |
| Strike Rate | 62.26 (ODI) |
| Highest Score | 103* (ODI), 236* (Test) |
Player Description: Sunil Gavaskar was a pioneering opening batsman from India, becoming the first player to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Known for his technique and concentration, Gavaskar provided stability at the top of the order. His performances against fierce bowling attacks helped establish India as a competitive Test team.
His dedication, consistency, and calm approach earned him respect, and his records made him an inspirational figure for future generations of Indian cricketers.
6. Ricky Ponting
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1995-2012 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 13,704 (ODI), 13,378 (Test), 401 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 42.03 (ODI), 51.85 (Test), 28.64 (T20) |
| Strike Rate | 80.39 (ODI), 58.72 (Test), 132.78 (T20) |
| Highest Score | 164 (ODI), 257 (Test), 98* (T20) |
Player Description: Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s finest batsmen, was a key figure in their world-beating team of the 2000s. Known for his aggressive style and sharp cricketing mind, Ponting scored over 13,000 runs in both Test and ODI formats and led Australia to two World Cup victories.
His strong leadership and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a highly respected cricketer and one of the most successful captains in cricket history.
7. Jacques Kallis
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1995-2014 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 11,579 (ODI), 13,289 (Test), 666 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 44.36 (ODI), 55.37 (Test), 35.05 (T20) |
| Strike Rate | 72.89 (ODI), 45.97 (Test), 119.35 (T20) |
| Highest Score | 139* (ODI), 224 (Test), 73 (T20) |
Player Description: Jacques Kallis, a legendary all-rounder from South Africa, made significant contributions with both bat and ball. Scoring over 45,000 runs across formats and taking nearly 300 Test wickets, Kallis’s skills brought balance to his team.
His ability to play long, controlled innings, coupled with his effective medium-pace bowling, made him one of the most valuable players. His achievements highlight his immense versatility and make him a true all-rounder of the modern era.
8. Steve Waugh
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1985-2004 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 7,569 (ODI), 10,927 (Test), 0 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 32.90 (ODI), 51.06 (Test) |
| Strike Rate | 75.91 (ODI), 48.64 (Test) |
| Highest Score | 120* (ODI), 200 (Test) |
Player Description: Steve Waugh, a gritty Australian batsman and strong leader, was known for his resilience and determination. Scoring over 10,000 runs in Test cricket, Waugh helped Australia become a dominant force in the 1990s. His mental toughness and tactical skill as captain were instrumental in building a successful team.
Waugh’s calm approach under pressure and focus on team success over personal glory made him one of cricket’s most respected figures.
9. Kumar Sangakkara
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 2000-2015 |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 14,234 (ODI), 12,400 (Test), 1,382 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 42.00 (ODI), 57.40 (Test), 31.40(T20) |
| Strike Rate | 78.86 (ODI), 54.19 (Test), 119.55 (T20) |
| Highest Score | 169 (ODI), 319 (Test), 78 (T20) |
Player Description: Kumar Sangakkara, an elegant left-hander from Sri Lanka, was celebrated for his stylish batting and sharp cricketing mind. Amassing over 14,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket, he played a pivotal role in Sri Lankan cricket, helping his team to two World Cup finals.
Sangakkara’s adaptability and consistency across formats marked him as one of the game’s greats, and his contributions as a leader further enhanced his legacy.
10. Rahul Dravid
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1996-2012 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Runs – ODI, Test, T20 | 10,889 (ODI), 13,288 (Test), 31 (T20) |
| Batting Average | 39.16 (ODI), 52.31 (Test), 31.00 (T20) |
| Strike Rate | 71.23 (ODI), 42.51 (Test), 147.61 (T20) |
| Highest Score | 153 (ODI), 270 (Test), 31 (T20) |
Player Description: Rahul Dravid, fondly known as “The Wall,” was a dependable and consistent batsman for India. Known for his rock-solid defense and patience, Dravid excelled in Test cricket, scoring over 13,000 runs. His ability to anchor the innings and provide stability was invaluable to his team’s success.
Renowned for his sportsmanship, Dravid’s dedication and humility made him a role model, and his legacy as a true gentleman of the game endures.
Upcoming Best Batsmen In The World
Here’s the list of the best modern-day batsmen in the world that may eventually join the list of the best batsmen of all time:
A. Fab 4
In 2014, New Zealand’s cricket legend Martin Crowe identified four exceptional batsmen, dubbing them the “Fab 4” – Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steven Smith.
1. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson’s calmness and smooth batting style make him New Zealand’s greatest-ever batsman.
His approach to the game shows his skill and ability to adjust to any conditions, allowing him to succeed on all types of pitches, from swinging tracks to turning ones.
Kane’s batting technique is near perfect, and he uses his sharp mind to outthink bowlers, making him a reliable scorer.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is known for his passion, intensity, and extraordinary skill, lifting Indian cricket to new levels. As a top chaser, Kohli’s focus and drive to score runs are unmatched, and his fitness dedication makes him stand out as a modern icon.
His relentless work ethic and remarkable consistency across all formats have built his legend as one of cricket’s best.
Known for his aggression, he thrives in high-pressure games, where his fierce presence can unsettle even the toughest opponents.
3. Joe Root
Joe Root’s classic English technique and composed approach make him a solid anchor for England. His adaptability across formats and precise footwork allow him to handle both fast bowling and spin, scoring runs with a quiet elegance.
Root often steps up under pressure, providing stability to England’s innings and proving his value as a leader in their batting lineup.
4. Steven Smith
Steven Smith’s unique batting style and incredible hand-eye coordination have made him a standout batsman. With an unconventional stance and technique, Smith reads bowlers skillfully and uses his quick reflexes to find gaps, building long innings for his team.
His focus and hunger for runs make him a key part of Australia’s success, as he often carries the team with big, match-winning scores.
B.Current ICC Rankings For Best Batsmen In The World
Let’s take a quick look at the current rankings of some of the best batsmen in the world:
Best Batsman Ranking In Test
1. Joe Root, England (917): Joe Root, from England, currently boasts a rating of 917, with a career-best rating of 932. Root is known for his consistent performances and serves as a mainstay in England’s batting lineup.
2. Kane Williamson, New Zealand, (821): Kane Williamson has a current rating of 821, with his career-best being 919. Williamson is celebrated for his calm demeanor and technical prowess, making him an indispensable part of the New Zealand team.
3. Harry Brook, England, (803): England’s Harry Brook has quickly emerged as a promising talent, holding a current rating of 803 with a career-high of 829. Brook’s recent performances have shown his potential to become a key player for England.
Best Batsman Ranking in ODI
1. Babar Azam, Pakistan, (824): Babar Azam from Pakistan holds a current rating of 824, with his career-best being 898. Known for his stylish batting and consistency, Azam is considered one of the best batsmen in the world today.
2. Rohit Sharma, India, (765): India’s Rohit Sharma currently has a rating of 765, with a career-best of 882. Sharma, known as the “Hitman,” is famous for his ability to score big hundreds and is a vital player for India.
3. Shubman Gill, India, (763): Shubman Gill of India holds a current rating of 763, with his career-best being 847 against Australia in 2023 at Indore. As a young and talented batsman, Gill has shown great promise and is seen as the future of Indian cricket.
Best Batsman Ranking In T20
1. Travis Head, Australia, (881): Travis Head from Australia holds a current rating of 881, with a career-best rating of 884. Head is known for his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly, making him a vital player for Australia.
2. Suryakumar Yadav, India, (818): India’s Suryakumar Yadav has a current rating of 818, with his career-best being 910. Yadav is celebrated for his innovative shot-making and consistency in T20 cricket.
3. Phil Salt, England, (800): England’s Phil Salt currently has a rating of 800, with a career-best of 833. Salt is known for his powerful hitting and ability to play crucial innings for his team.
Conclusion: Don Bradman Is The Best Batsman In The World
While Don Bradman with his remarkable average of 99.94 makes him the greatest batsman in the world.
In the end, the best batsmen in the world are more than just high scorers; they bring skill, focus, and a love for the game that sets them apart. Their performances inspire fans and future players, showing what true dedication looks like.
These top batsmen prove that true greatness in cricket comes from constant hard work and the courage to handle any challenge. Their journey inspires everyone who dreams of reaching the highest levels of the game.
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