The title of the best player in world cricket is subjective, but Virat Kohli is often considered the frontrunner due to his consistency and record across formats, including over 25,000 international runs. Other contenders include Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Babar Azam, all of whom are exceptional performers, showcasing elite skills and impact in world cricket.
1. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the best cricketers in the world. With over 25,000 international runs and 76 centuries, Kohli is known for his consistency and exceptional ability in chasing targets. His aggressive yet technically sound batting style has made him a match-winner for India across formats. Kohli’s achievements include being named ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and his leadership and performances have been pivotal to India’s success in global cricket.
2. Steve Smith (Australia)
Steve Smith is widely regarded as one of the best Test batsmen in cricket history. Known for his unorthodox technique, Smith has an incredible ability to score runs consistently across various conditions. With an average of over 59 in Test cricket and more than 9,000 runs, he has cemented his place among the all-time greats. Smith’s resilience and ability to dominate opposition attacks make him a key player in Australia’s cricketing success, particularly in the longest format.
3. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam is widely regarded as one of the best modern-day cricketers, known for his stylish technique and consistency. He averages over 58 in ODIs and is equally effective in T20s, often leading Pakistan’s charge with the bat. Babar was named ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021. His leadership and remarkable performances have been pivotal in Pakistan’s success, making him a key figure in the team and a rising star in world cricket.
4. Joe Root (England)
Joe Root is one of the finest Test batsmen of his generation, amassing over 11,000 Test runs. Known for his adaptability to various conditions, Root’s consistency and technique make him a vital asset for England. He played a key role in England’s Test resurgence and was instrumental in their success across formats. Root’s leadership, calm demeanor, and match-winning performances have solidified his reputation as one of the best in modern cricket. His contributions to England’s white-ball success further underline his versatility.
5. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Kane Williamson is renowned for his calm demeanor and exceptional technical skills, making him one of the finest batsmen in modern cricket. His ability to anchor innings while adapting to different formats has earned him widespread respect. Notably, Williamson captained New Zealand to their first ICC World Test Championship title in 2021, showcasing his leadership abilities. His consistency and adaptability in all formats, including Test, ODI, and T20, have solidified his place among cricket’s elite players.
Impact Across Formats:
- In limited-overs cricket, players like Jos Buttler (England), Rohit Sharma (India), and Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) stand out for their game-changing abilities.
- In T20s, players such as Suryakumar Yadav (India) and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) are considered some of the best.
Each of these players brings unique strengths, making cricket richer and more competitive. While personal preference varies, these cricketers define excellence in their respective eras.
