Top 7 Greatest All-Rounders in the Cricket History

Cricket is a world-famous sport with millions of fans following all across the world. An all-rounder is not only good at batting but also incredible at bowling. Some of the greatest all-rounders in cricket with their tremendous dedication and hard work have flourished the sport to what it is today.  

All these all-rounders play a vital role in the success of their teams. Their minor mistakes can lead to a great loss of the team. But these genuine all-rounders are said to be like gold dust because they are very difficult to produce but once they learn to manage the load, there is nobody who could surpass them. 

Greatest All Rounders in Cricket History in 2024

Let’s have a look at the top 7 of these incredible all-rounders who made history in cricket. 

7. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev is India’s greatest all-rounder and indeed one of the fastest bowlers India has ever produced. He was also recognized as the ‘Haryana Hurricane. His tremendous performances speak for his immense dedication and hard work towards cricket.  

Kapil was the first ever Indian captain who lifted the World Cup Trophy in 1983. He was also the second bowler in history to achieve 400 wickets surpassing Richard Hadlee’s world record in his final test. With his bat, he managed to score 31.05 including eight centuries and 27 half centuries. His 175 not out against Zimbabwe in ODI makes him the greatest ODI all-rounder of all time. 

6. Richard Hadlee 

Richard Hadlee was New Zealand’s fast bowling all-rounder. His incredible performances throughout his career make him one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. He made a world record of achieving 431 wickets at an average of 22.29 which is his best-remembered achievement.  

Richard was a handy lower-order batsman too who would often come and throw his bat at the ball. He ended up securing two centuries and 15 half centuries at an average of 21.16. He was not only a bowling all-rounder but also a capable batsman who would give unmatchable defeats to opponents.  

5. Ian Botham 

Ian Botham, an Englishmen’s greatest all-rounder of all time stands fifth on the list. He made his debut in the year 1976 and is said to be the greatest ever all-rounder to have played for England. His outstanding performances have revived cricket. 

Botham single-handedly achieved England’s success in the year 1981 in the Ashes Series with his incredible all-around performance which includes 399 runs and 34 scalps. the average score he made in his career was 33.54 with the bat. But he also showed on various occasions that he is nonetheless a champion in cricket and there is nothing he isn’t capable of doing.  

4. Keith Miller

Keith Miller was the greatest Australian all-rounder of the post-war era. He was mainly famous for batting high in the order at number three. He stands top on the list of powerful hitters due to his natural striking ability. 

Miller with his ability to vary his pace, line, and length while bowling gave a hard time to the batsmen. He also made full use of slower deliveries and managed to bowl his fastest deliveries from a short run-up. He has earned massive success both as a batsman and a bowler and scored 2958 runs along with 170 wickets.  

3. Imran Khan

Imran khan, my personal favorite, is Pakistani greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket. He is said to be an incredible right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast bowler. He not only served Pakistan as a cricketer but also as a great politician.  

Imran won the World Cup for Pakistan in 1992. He managed to score 362 test wickets at an average of 22.81. He is undoubtedly an amazing player and no one could ever compete with him. He finished his test career with an average rate of 37.69 including six centuries and 18 half centuries. He became one of the only eight players to have achieved the all-rounder triples of 300 wickets and 3000 runs. 

2. Jacques Kallis 

Jacques Kallis is a South African greatest all-rounder in cricket history and stands second on the list. As a batsman, he averaged 57.02 which includes 41 centuries and 55 half centuries. This average rate is the highest ever rate to date and no one has ever surpassed it.  

Kalli in his batting career achieved 274 wickets at an average of 32.51 which might not be as high as some of the batting records but is still very impressive. He is also said to be one of the greatest ever ODI all-rounders.  

1. Sir Garfield Sobers

Lastly, I have Sir Garfield Sobers, a West Indian player who stands first on the list of greatest all-rounders ever to exist in cricket history. His incredible performances have been a threat to the opponents with bat and ball. He achieved his place in the West Indian team as the best spin bowler.  

Sobers achieved 235 wickets at an average of 34.03 and his average of 57.78 is said to be the 10th best of all time on the list. He also managed to score 26 centuries along with 30 fifties but his all-time famous feat remains the 365 not out which he scored against the Pakistani team in 1958. 

Conclusion 

I hope you enjoyed reading about all these greatest all-rounders ever to exist in the history of cricket. If you feel like something has been missed, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Also, do leave your remarks and let me know who is your favorite all-rounder. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you! 

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