Best Cover Drive Players: A cover drive is one of the most elegant and classic cricket shots. It is a front-foot shot played towards the cover region on the off-side of the field. The batter leans forward, using the full face of the bat to hit the ball between the mid-off and cover fielders. Executing a perfect cover drive showcases a batter’s skill and finesse. It requires perfect technique, balance, and timing, as any small mistake could lead to the ball being caught in the air. This shot is not only highly effective for scoring runs but also visually appealing, making it a favorite among cricket fans. Some betting sites have even considered including “number of cover drives” as a betting option.
5. Kumar Sangakkara
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara had one of the most graceful cover drives, making it his trademark shot. He was skilled at waiting for fuller deliveries and using his balance to hit through the cover area. Sangakkara finished his career with 12,400 Test runs, 14,324 ODI runs, and 1,382 T20I runs.
4. Mark Waugh
Mark Waugh, one of the Australian Waugh brothers, had a powerful cover drive. Although not as successful as his brother Steve, Mark was known for his attacking strokes. He scored 8,029 runs in Tests and 8,500 in ODIs, winning the 1999 World Cup during his career.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen ever, was known for his technically sound cover drives. He could execute various types, including square, back-foot, and lofted cover drives, as well as those against spinners. Tendulkar retired with 15,921 Test runs and 18,426 ODI runs, and was the first to reach 100 international centuries.
2. Babar Azam
Babar Azam, the Pakistani captain, is also recognized for his exceptional cover drive, often compared to Kohli’s. He plays this shot with a smooth style, hitting the ball on the rise. Since his international debut in 2016, Babar has amassed 3,898 Test runs, 5,729 ODI runs, and 3,698 T20I runs.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain and 2011 World Cup winner, is famous for having the best cover drive in cricket history. Known as the “king of cricket,” Kohli’s cover drives are powerful and beautifully executed. With 8,848 runs in Tests, 13,848 in ODIs, and 4,037 in T20Is, his impressive record proves his mastery of this shot. His ODI average of 58.67 is the highest for any player with at least 100 matches.
