From Sunil Gavaskar to Sir Donald Bradman - Find out who are greatest batsmen of all time in cricket history!
Cricket fans everywhere have their own opinion of who the greatest batsman in cricket history is, but here we present you with our list of the most successful batsmen to have played the game in modern times & judge them based on their technique, style and mentality in order to decide who really was the greatest batsman of all time!
Also make sure to know about the greatest bowlers of all time in cricket history.
The list includes players from both test and one day cricket, as well as retired players so long as they are considered the best of their generation. We hope you enjoy reading this list as much as we enjoyed making it!
| Sr. No. | Batsman Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Sir Jack Hobbs | England |
| 11 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa |
| 10 | Sir Garfield Sobers | West Indies |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | South Africa |
| 8 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka |
| 7 | Virat Kohli | India |
| 6 | Ricky Ponting | Australia |
| 5 | Sunil Gavaskar | India |
| 4 | Vivian Richards | West Indies |
| 3 | Brian Lara | West Indies |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | India |
| 1 | Sir Donald Bradman | Australia |
12. Sir Jack Hobbs
A blast from the distant past, Sir Jack Hobbs was an English opening batsman whose cricketing exploits in the early 20th century still resonate with fans & historians of the game. His technical prowess, coupled with an astute cricketing brain, made him one of the most formidable batsmen of his era.
Hobbs had a remarkable ability to adapt to different conditions and his game was characterized by a combination of elegance and solidity. His cover drives were a thing of beauty & his impeccable defense was often unbreachable.
In Test, Hobbs scored 5,410 runs at an average of 56.94, which was an extraordinary feat in an era when pitches were often unpredictable and protective gear was minimal. Moreover, in First-Class cricket, he amassed a staggering 61,760 runs.
Jack Hobbs’s impact on the game was not just through his runs but also through the way he played the game – with grace, dignity & a true gentleman’s spirit. His legacy continues to be celebrated as one of the true greats in cricket history.
11. Jacques Kallis
South Africa’s very own cricketing colossus, Jacques Kallis was the embodiment of consistency & reliability. His impeccable technique and unflappable temperament made him a bedrock in the South African batting line-up for over a decade and a half.
Besides his batting, Kallis was a highly skilled medium pace bowler and an exceptional slip fielder. His all-round abilities made him a priceless asset for the South African team, often being referred to as the “Complete Cricketer”.
Kallis amassed 11,579 runs in One Day Internationals with an average of over 44.36 & a staggering 13,289 runs in Test matches at an average close to 55.
10. Sir Garfield Sobers
Happy birthday to a legend of cricket - Sir Garfield Sobers turns 84 today! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/ZyZ0mSRn1w
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 28, 2020
When one thinks of cricketing greatness, it is impossible to overlook Sir Garfield Sobers. Hailing from Barbados, Sobers was a prodigy who mastered every facet of the game.
As a batsman, his flamboyance, poise and power were unparalleled. A left-hander with an array of shots, his batting was marked by majestic drives and imperious pulls. He could change the complexion of a game in a session with his aggressive yet graceful batting.
Beyond his prowess with the bat, Sobers was an exceptional all-rounder, equally adept at both pace and spin bowling & a fielder of the highest quality. His versatility made him a true cricketing genius.
In Test cricket, Sobers accumulated 8,032 runs at an astonishing average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. One of his most memorable innings was an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, which stood as the highest individual Test score for nearly four decades.
9. AB de Villiers
A modern-day marvel AB de Villiers, also known as “Mr. 360” took the cricketing world by storm with his astonishingly innovative & audacious batting. The South African maestro could decimate any bowling attack with his ability to hit the ball in all directions of the field. His agility, reflexes and sheer inventiveness at the crease made him one of the most exciting batsmen to watch.
De Villiers was not just about flair and flamboyance, he was a highly skilled batsman with a solid technique. He was equally adept at playing the long innings in Tests as he was at accelerating the score in limited-overs formats. His record-breaking 31-ball century in ODIs is still etched in the minds of cricket lovers as one of the most breathtaking innings.
In Test matches, de Villiers scored 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, while in ODIs he accumulated 9,577 runs with an average of 53.50. His versatility across formats and his ability to change gears according to the situation made him a true genius with the bat.
8. Kumar Sangakkara
The elegant left-hander from Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara is synonymous with class & grace. His flawless technique and stylish strokeplay made him one of the most watchable batsmen of his generation. Sangakkara’s poise at the crease and ability to build long innings were a testament to his unwavering concentration and determination.
Known for his articulate and intelligent personality, Sangakkara was not only a genius with the bat but also a great wicketkeeper and a natural leader. His batting was characterized by delightful cover drives, delectable flicks and clinical cuts.
Sangakkara scored a staggering 12,400 runs in Test cricket with an average of 57.14 and 14,234 runs in ODIs with an average of almost 42. His impeccable record includes 38 Test centuries and 25 ODI centuries. His contribution to Sri Lankan cricket is immense and his records speak volumes of his mastery with the bat.
7. Virat Kohli
The epitome of modern-day cricket, Virat Kohli is a force to reckon with. Known for his aggressive style & unyielding determination, Kohli has carved a niche for himself as one of the best batsmen of his generation. His appetite for runs is insatiable & his ability to chase down targets in high-pressure situations has earned him the moniker “Chase Master”.
Kohli’s batting is characterized by a perfect blend of orthodox technique and modern-day aggression. His cover drives are as pleasing to the eyes as his fierce cut shots. Moreover, his fitness levels and running between the wickets set a new benchmark in international cricket.
A natural leader, Kohli’s tenure as the captain of the Indian team witnessed several historic victories. His relentless pursuit of excellence and indomitable spirit make Virat Kohli a modern-day legend and undoubtedly one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
6. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was the epitome of aggression & finesse. With a steely resolve & impeccable technique, Ponting etched his name into cricketing folklore as one of the most accomplished batsmen and successful captains. His pull shots were a class apart and his ability to play on both front & back foot made him a versatile player across all formats.
As captain, he led the Australian team to numerous victories, including two World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007. “Punter” as he was affectionately known, had a competitive spirit and a winning mentality that made him a stalwart in the Australian team for over a decade.
Ponting amassed 13,378 runs in Test matches with an average of over 51.85 and 13,704 runs in ODIs with an average of 42.
5. Sunil Gavaskar
The Little Master is universally accepted as one of cricket’s greatest ever opening batsmen. He had a great eye and patience, which allowed him to excel in both defensive and attacking batting styles.
His nickname Little Master was given to him by the Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, with whom he has gone on to share many memorable partnerships at international level.
Gavaskar became the first player in test history to score 10,000 runs. His exploits against the Mighty West Indies established him as a popular figure in cricket. He scored 10,122 runs in 125 Tests, making him one of the greatest test players of all time.
4. Vivian Richards
Many would say Vivian Richards is among cricket’s best players, having a natural talent and an unrivalled batting eye. In his prime, he scored runs quickly with an unmatched strike rate.
His wrists and forearms were so strong that he could put a lot of power behind the ball with his bat. High coverage on the ball and powerful shots were two of his most notable abilities throughout his career.
King Viv scored 8540 runs in 121 Test matches with an outstanding batting average of 50.23. Aside from that, his high batting strike rate made him a ferocious ball striker and a bowler’s nightmare. His batting prowess sparked a whole new fearless generation of talent.
3. Brian Lara
In the opinion of many, former West Indies batsman Brian Lara is one of the greatest cricketers to ever play. He has a remarkable 400 not out to his name as well as being voted as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Century in 2000.
His most proud achievement was when he scored 501* against England at Antigua in a First-Class Match. Following his retirement from international cricket, he still remained involved in the sport. Lara has scored 11,953 runs in Test matches & 10,405 runs in ODI.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
“The God of Cricket”, Sachin Tendulkar became the only person in cricket history to score 100 international centuries in 2012. He is considered by many to be one of the best or perhaps the best batsman ever to play cricket.
Tendulkar is known for being exceptionally cool-headed and strong, despite being only sixteen years old when he first played for India. In 2014, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna – India’s highest civilian award – and he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Century.
Tendulkar became an inspiration to millions of cricket fans across the whole world. Many modern-day great cricketers regard Sachin as there own idol. Master Blaster has scored most runs ever in international cricket history scoring 34,357 runs in all formats.
1. Sir Donald Bradman
Few would deny that Sir Donald Bradman was the finest cricket player to date. The sport has yielded other notable players and teams, but none were comparable to Bradman’s skills or success.
The Australian opener, who was born in 1908 and died in 2001, is most famous for his Test career, in which he made 6,996 runs at a batting average of 99.94. Across his cricketing career, Bradman scored a century in every game against the opposition – and often this meant that the opposition was excellent, challenging.
FAQ Section
Who is considered the greatest batsman of all time?
Sir Donald Bradman is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time in cricket history. With an astonishing Test average of 99.94, his batting prowess and technique were unmatched. His contribution to cricket set the benchmark for excellence and his records still stand as a testament to his greatness.
Why is Sachin Tendulkar called the 'Little Master'?
Sachin Tendulkar is affectionately called the ‘Little Master’ due to his short stature combined with his masterful batting skills. His ability to dominate bowlers and score runs consistently against the world’s best made him a cricketing giant on the field.
Who are some of the best Australian batsmen in history?
Australia has produced some of the finest batsmen in cricket history. Sir Donald Bradman leads the list, followed by other greats such as Ricky Ponting, who is known for his aggression & finesse, and Steve Smith. These players have been instrumental in Australia’s dominance in world cricket over the years.
Who are some of the best Indian batsmen in history?
India has been home to several legendary batsmen. Sachin Tendulkar, known as the ‘God of Cricket’ is one of the greatest batsmen ever. Sunil Gavaskar, the original ‘Little Master’ was a maestro of the opening batting. Virat Kohli, with his modern day aggression and consistency, is also considered one of the all-time greats.
From the timeless elegance of Sir Donald Bradman to the modern-day mastery of Virat Kohli, these batsmen have redefined the boundaries of cricketing excellence.
Their records, style & passion will continue to inspire generations of cricket enthusiasts. Here’s to celebrating the maestros of the willow – the greatest batsmen in cricket history!
