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The term “all-rounder” in cricket evokes images of players with superhuman abilities. These are individuals who can dismantle batting lineups with their bowling prowess and then turn around to build a team’s score with the bat. Being an all-rounder requires exceptional talent, physical fitness, and the mental fortitude to excel in vastly different facets of the game. Today, we will see the world of these modern-day cricketing marvels, identifying the top ten best all-rounders currently dominating the sport across all three formats – Test, ODI, and T20.
1. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
The current king of Test all-rounders is Ravindra Jadeja and his rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. His left-arm spin bowling is a nightmare for batsmen, extracting sharp turns and bounce from any surface. He complements his bowling with a gritty left-handed batting style, often rescuing India from precarious situations. Jadeja’s fielding prowess adds another dimension to his skillset, making him an invaluable asset on the field.
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2. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
A veteran campaigner, Shakib Al Hasan remains a force to be reckoned with. His left-arm orthodox bowling offers control and variation, while his elegant left-handed batting allows him to anchor the innings or go big when needed. His experience across all formats makes him a crucial player for Bangladesh, and his consistent performances have earned him the number two spot.
3. Ben Stokes (England)
A true match-winner, Ben Stokes is a powerful all-rounder capable of turning the tide of a game single-handedly. His aggressive right-arm fast-bowling can dismantle top orders, while his explosive batting can take apart bowling attacks. Stokes’ defining moment came in the 2019 World Cup final, where his magnificent knock under pressure sealed victory for England.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
Ashwin’s off-spin bowling is a masterclass in deception and variation. He troubles batsmen with his ability to turn the ball prodigiously and exploit the slightest weakness in technique. Ashwin is no slouch with the bat either, possessing a solid technique and an ability to bat long hours. His partnership with Jadeja often forms the backbone of India’s spin attack in Tests.
5. Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
The ever-reliable Mitchell Santner brings a unique skill set to the table. His left-arm spin bowling offers control and accuracy, stifling opposition run-scoring. His batting might not be flashy, but his technique and temperament make him a valuable lower-order batsman, capable of important cameos. He is also a safe fielder with a strong throwing arm.
6. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
The “Big Show” is a T20 specialist with an unorthodox batting style that can dismantle bowling attacks at will. His ability to hit innovative shots from unconventional positions makes him a nightmare to bowl to. While his bowling might not be his strongest suit, Glenn Maxwell can chip in with a few handy overs of off-spin. His fielding is another asset, as his athleticism allows him to pull off spectacular catches.
7. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
A teenage sensation, Rashid Khan has taken the cricketing world by storm. His leg-spin bowling boasts an array of variations, including the deadly googly, which leaves batsmen bewildered. While his batting might be a work in progress, Khan’s bowling alone makes him a match-winner in the shortest format.
8. Pat Cummins (Australia)
The number one ranked Test bowler in the world, Pat Cummins is a fast-bowling all-rounder in the true sense. His pace, accuracy, and swing bowling make him a potent threat. Cummins’ batting has steadily improved over the years, and he can contribute valuable runs down the order. His all-round capabilities make him a vital cog in the Australian machine.
9. Marco Jansen (South Africa)
A young talent on the rise, Marco Jansen is a left-arm fast bowler who can generate good pace and swing. His batting ability is no secret either, as he has displayed a solid technique and the temperament to bat long. Jansen’s all-round skills have the potential to make him a world-beater shortly.
10. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
This Sri Lankan cricketer is a force to be reckoned with in white-ball formats. His right-arm leg-spin bowling is known for its sharp turn, deceptive googly, and potent flipper. Hasaranga’s variations make him a wicket-taking threat across ODIs and T20s. While his batting might be limited to cameos, his fielding is energetic and he has a knack for taking spectacular catches. Hasaranga’s all-around skills have been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recent resurgence in white-ball cricket.
Honorable Mentions
A few other players deserve a mention for their all-round abilities. These include veterans like Jason Holder (West Indies) who offers experience with both bat and ball, and Chris Woakes (England) whose seam bowling and handy batting make him a valuable asset. Young talents like Cameron Green (Australia) with his explosive batting and promising pace bowling, and Kyle Mayers (West Indies) with his explosive left-handed batting and handy medium pace, are also exciting prospects to watch.
Conclusion
The world of cricket is blessed with an abundance of talented all-rounders. The players on this list have consistently displayed their prowess across formats, making them invaluable assets to their respective teams. As the game continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these all-rounders adapt and further shape the future of cricket.
