Cricket often demands high standards of fitness and agility from its players. However, several cricketers have bucked the trend, demonstrating that skill and technique can outweigh traditional fitness norms. Here at CallOfPlay, we spotlight the top five heaviest cricketers who have not only represented their countries but also made substantial impacts on the field.
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Rahkeem Cornwall (West Indies) – Around 140Kg
Dubbed “Cricket’s man-mountain” by fans in Sri Lanka, Rahkeem Cornwall tips the scales at around 140 kg, making him the heaviest player in cricket history. Despite his size, Cornwall has proved his mettle in 10 Test matches, accumulating two half-centuries, two five-wicket hauls, and a remarkable ten-wicket match performance. Over his career, Cornwall has taken 35 wickets, snagged 15 catches, and scored 261 runs, with 36% of these runs coming from singles and doubles, highlighting his unexpected agility.
Azam Khan (Pakistan) – Around 110Kg
Azam Khan, one of cricket’s heaviest wicket-keepers, has carved a niche for himself in international T20 cricket. Weighing in at approximately 110 kg, Khan has played in 8 T20I matches, scoring 29 runs across 7 innings, with 38% of these runs coming through diligent running between the wickets. His presence is also felt behind the stumps, where he has taken three catches. Azam made headlines when he walked out to bat to the WWE wrestler Big Show’s theme song, underlining his larger-than-life persona.
Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – Around 100Kg
Inzamam-ul-Haq, a legendary Pakistani batsman, played at a body weight of around 100 kg. Throughout his remarkable career, he averaged 39.52 runs in ODIs and an astounding 49.60 runs in Tests, totaling 8,830 runs. Inzamam’s ability to move between the wickets was notable, with 54% of his runs coming from running, despite occasional humorous run-outs. As a captain, he led Pakistan in 495 matches, further solidifying his legacy as a prolific and effective leader.
Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan) – Around 100Kg
The charming former Afghan batsman-wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad weighs almost 100 kilograms as well.Known for his vibrant personality and striking power, Shahzad has scored 4,844 runs in 159 matches, including seven centuries, with 37% of these runs scored through active running between the wickets.He has made contributions behind the stumps with 37 stumpings and 97 catches.
Ramesh Powar (India) – Around 90Kg
Ramesh Powar, the former Indian off-spinner, weighed around 90 kg during his playing days. Despite his unconventional athletic physique, Powar made significant contributions both with the ball and on the field. In his ODI career, he took 34 wickets in 31 matches and scored 163 runs, with a notable 63% of these runs coming from running between the wickets. His fielding prowess was highlighted by three important catches, proving that effective fielding is not solely the domain of the traditional fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the heaviest cricketer ever?
A1: Rahkeem Cornwall, weighing approximately 140 kilograms, holds the record as the heaviest cricketer.
Q2: How does weight impact a cricketer’s performance?
A2: While weight may influence agility and stamina, many heavier cricketers have excelled by leveraging their skill and strategic gameplay, as demonstrated by players like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rahkeem Cornwall.
Q3: Are heavier cricketers less fit?
A3: Not necessarily. Fitness encompasses strength, endurance, and skill, areas where heavier players like Mohammad Shahzad have shown remarkable competence.
Q4: Has a heavy cricketer ever captained a team?
A4: Yes, Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was over 100 kilograms, successfully captained Pakistan, leading them to numerous victories.
Q5: Can heavy cricketers be effective fielders?
A5: Absolutely. Many heavier cricketers, including Rahkeem Cornwall and Mohammad Shahzad, have demonstrated impressive fielding skills through their catches and stumpings, debunking the myth that weight compromises fielding efficiency.
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