Cricket has changed dramatically since Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) were introduced in 2005. Players now need the flexibility and skill to excel in Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20Is. A new breed of cricket players has emerged as a result of this evolution, and they now rule all formats.
Here are five such elite cricketers who have achieved the prestigious No. 1 ranking in ICC rankings in all three formats.
ALSO READ: Top 10: Best Fielders In The World Of Cricket
5. Jasprit Bumrah
Most recently, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah made history by being the first bowler to rank #1 in all three forms. After making his 2016 debut for his country, Bumrah has gained recognition for his distinctive bowling motion and lethal yorkers.
His journey to the top began in the ODI rankings in February 2018, where he held the top spot until February 2020. In Test cricket, Bumrah’s consistent performances, including a standout six-wicket haul against England in July 2022, saw him reach the pinnacle of the ICC Test Rankings.
In T20Is, he briefly held the top spot at the end of 2017. Bumrah’s achievements highlight his exceptional talent and significant impact on modern cricket.
4. Virat Kohli
Indian stalwart Virat Kohli became the first Indian to achieve the No. 1 ranking in all three formats. His journey began in the Test arena in August 2018 after a stellar performance against England, a remarkable comeback from a disappointing tour in 2014. In November 2013, Kohli became the number one player in the world in one-day internationals.
From 2017 to 2021, he controlled the rankings, dominating for more than 1,500 days.
In T20Is, Kohli reached the top in September 2014 and is the format’s highest run-scorer. Kohli’s consistent excellence across formats showcases his adaptability and dominance.
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan is a central figure in his country’s rise in international cricket. Leading the wicket-taking charts for Bangladesh, Shakib has 233 Test wickets, 317 in ODIs, and 140 in T20Is.
His batting prowess is equally impressive, with 7,570 ODI runs and 4,454 Test runs, the third-highest for Bangladesh in both formats. In T20Is, Shakib has amassed 2,382 runs, making him the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh.
In June 2015, he achieved the rare distinction of being ranked number one in the all-rounder category across all three formats, underlining his versatility and importance to the team.
2. Matthew Hayden
One of the most formidable openers in cricket history is the former Australian Matthew Hayden.
Known for his explosive performances, Hayden’s illustrious career includes 30 Test centuries and 10 ODI hundreds.
His dominance extended to the shortest format, with 308 runs from just nine T20I innings at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 143.9. Hayden’s uncommon distinction of being named number one in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, together with his steady performances, solidified his place among the game’s greatest players.
1. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, is highly regarded for his tactical acumen and intimidating presence at the wicket.
Ponting ascended to the top of the ICC Test Rankings in December 2005, holding the position until November 2007. His dominance in the ODI format saw him climb to the number-one spot in March 2005. Ponting also made history in T20Is, becoming the first batter to secure the number one position in the ICC T20I Rankings.
His aggressive style and consistent performances across formats made him an indispensable asset for the Australian cricket team.
These cricketers have demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, dominating the ICC rankings across all formats of the game. Their achievements reflect their versatility and significant contributions to the sport of cricket.
ALSO READ: Top 10: Indian Cricketers Who Played Just One International Game