Any cricket team has to have all-rounders. They establish equilibrium by using both the bat and the ball.
These versatile players can form vital partnerships to boost the score or deliver crucial overs to defend a total.
ALSO READ: Top 10: Best Spin Bowlers In Cricket History
Top Ten greatest all-rounders in cricket history
10. Ben Stokes (England)
Ben Stokes is one of the best all-rounders in cricket today. The 31-year-old excels in all three formats, capable of batting against top bowling lineups and breaking crucial partnerships with his bowling.
Known as a “Clutch Player,” Stokes has delivered in high-pressure situations, such as the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final, the 2019 Headingley Test against Australia, and the 2022 T20 World Cup Final. With several years left in his career, the current England Test captain is poised to further cement his legacy.
9. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan, who debuted in 2006, has consistently topped the ICC all-rounder rankings. Representing Bangladesh in all three formats, Shakib has been pivotal in their rise as a formidable team.
His standout performance came in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored 606 runs in 8 innings, including 2 centuries and 5 fifties, while also taking 11 wickets with an economy of 5.39. Shakib’s all-round prowess makes him one of the best players Bangladesh has ever produced.
8. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
Shaun Pollock, a South African cricket legend, has had an impressive career filled with numerous records and achievements. Pollock is known for his versatility and skill as both a pace bowler and a lower-order batsman. He holds the record for the most test centuries while batting at number 9 or below, demonstrating his ability to contribute valuable runs in crucial situations.
Pollock also became the first test captain to remain unbeaten on 99 in a Test inning. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he holds the record for the most wickets at home (193) and has bowled the most maiden overs (313) in ODI history.
These accomplishments highlight his consistency and effectiveness in limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities. Pollock’s contributions to South African cricket and his remarkable records make him one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport.
7. Andrew Flintoff (England)
Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff is renowned for his impactful performances that often went beyond the statistics. After Sir Ian Botham, Flintoff became England’s premier all-rounder.
His career peaked during the 2005 Ashes series, where he scored 401 runs and took 24 wickets, earning the Player of the Series award. Flintoff’s ability to deliver crucial performances with both bat and ball made him a key player for England from 2003 to 2010.
6. Kapil Dev (India)
Kapil Dev, one of India’s fittest and most disciplined cricketers, never missed a test match due to injury and never bowled a no-ball. One of the greatest ICC knockout innings in history was his 175 not out against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup semi-final.
Kapil led India to victory in the 1983 World Cup, inspiring future generations, including Sachin Tendulkar, to take up cricket. His all-round abilities and leadership make him a cricket legend.
5. Imran Khan (Pakistan)
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s greatest all-rounder, played during an era dominated by legends like Kapil Dev, Sir Ian Botham, and Sir Richard Hadlee. Averaging 37 with the bat and 22 with the ball, Imran excelled against some of the best players in cricket history.
He led Pakistan to their first and only World Cup victory in 1992, inspiring countless cricketers in his country. His legacy extends beyond cricket, as he later became Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
4. Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)
Sir Richard Hadlee, arguably the greatest bowler with the new ball, spearheaded New Zealand’s bowling attack in the 1970s. Despite having the lowest batting average among his contemporaries, he had the best bowling average.
Hadlee set numerous records, including being the first player to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in ODIs. His 9/52 against Australia remains one of the best bowling performances in the 20th century. Hadlee’s contributions earned him a knighthood in 1990.
3. Sir Ian Botham (England)
Sir Ian Botham redefined the role of an all-rounder, consistently delivering with both bat and ball. He played a crucial role in England’s victory over Australia in a Test series for the first time since 1930.
Botham’s legacy continues through players like Ben Stokes and Andrew Flintoff, who followed in his footsteps. His all-round brilliance and impact on the game make him one of England’s finest.
2. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis is regarded as one of the best all-around players of the contemporary period. He stands alone in cricket history as the first player to accumulate over 10,000 runs and more than 250 wickets in the ODI and Test forms.
In addition to his batting and bowling prowess, Kallis took 131 ODI catches and 200 Test catches. His achievements earned him a place in the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame in 2020.
1. Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies)
A great all-rounder, Sir Garfield Sobers was referred to by Sir Don Bradman as a “five-in-one cricketer.”He batted, bowled both spin and pace and was a reliable fielder who could also keep wickets.
ALSO READ: Top 5: Legendary Cricket Pairs with Most Test Matches Together