- A genuine all-rounder is a precision commodity in the game of cricket due to their ability to bat and bowl.
- In cricketing history, we have witnessed a few all-rounders who are gifted enough to be regarded as deadly and versatile weapons.
- Sir Garfield Sobers is one of the finest all-rounders to ever play the gentleman’s game.
All-rounders have been playing a pivotal role in any cricket team, mainly due to their ability to bat and bowl.
A genuine all-rounder is a precision commodity in the game of cricket as they can add runs on the board or bowl crucial spells to help their team in defending.
In cricketing history, we have witnessed a few all-rounders who are gifted enough to be regarded as deadly and versatile weapons.
Here, we pay tribute to the best ten all-rounders of all time.
1. Sir Garfield Sobers – West Indies
Sir Garfield Sobers. Photo/ CricketSoccer.
Described as a “five-in-one cricketer”, Sir Garfield Sobers is one of the finest all-rounders to ever play the gentleman’s game.
Sir Garfield was a dependable fielder who could bowl spin, bowl pace and bat. He could also keep the wickets when the team needed him to.
The West Indies legend is in history as the first cricketer to hit 6 sixes in competitive cricket. He was named one of the five Wisden cricketers in 2000.
2. Jacques Kallis – South Africa
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders of the modern generation of cricket players.
Jacques has jaw-dropping stats, and cricket experts are confused whether to recognize him as a bowling all-rounder or a batting all-rounder.
The South African cricketer was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2020.
3. Sir Ian Botham – England
Sir Ian Botham consistently impressed with the bat and ball during his playing days. The England international left behind an amazing legacy, which Andrew Flintoff and Ben Stokes have carried.
In 1930, Sir Ian Botham played a massive role as England defeated Australia in a test game for the first time.
Sir Ian Botham. Photo/ Sky Sports.
4. Sir Richard Hadlee – New Zealand
Widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in cricket history, Sir Richard Hadlee created numerous records during his playing days.
The New Zealand international was his nation’s pillar during the 1970s.
5. Imran Khan – Pakistan
Pakistan is yet to produce an all-rounder like Imran Khan. The 70-year-old played in an era that had the best all-rounders, like Sir Richard Hadlee, who is ranked fourth on our list.
Imran Khan led Pakistan to their only World Cup title in 1992. As a result, many Pakistani fell in love with cricket.
Imran Khan. Photo/ Herald Magazine – Dawn.
6. Kapil Dev – India
Before the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, India had a legendary cricketer known as Kapil Dev.
He captained the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup and, in the process, became the first Indian captain to win the Cricket World Cup.
7. Andrew Flintoff – England
Andrew Flintoff is undoubtedly the best all-rounder England have had after Sir Ian Botham. He consistently played for England between 2003 and 2010 due to his amazing destructive batting and ability to pick wickets.
Andrew Flintoff won the player of the series award at the 2005 Ashes after scoring 401 runs and picking 24 wickets.
8. Shaun Pollock – South Africa
Shaun Pollock comes from South Africa, a nation with talented pace bowling all-rounders. Shaun was one of the best South African cricketers in the 2000s.
During his playing days, the legend set several records which still stand up to date.
Shaun Pollock. Photo/ ESPNcricinfo.
9. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan happens to be one of the few all-rounders in our list who are still active.
The 35-year-old made his debut in 2006 and is currently the captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team. He is one of the reasons why Bangladesh is no longer seen as a small team in cricket.
Al Hassan is, without a doubt, one of the best players to play for Bangladesh in all 3 formats.
10. Ben Stokes – England
Ben Stokes is the current captain of the England national team. The 31-year-old has been a key player for England in all three formats of the gentleman’s game.
Nicknamed “Clutch-Player”, Ben Stokes is very good as a bowler, just the same way he is as a batsman.
Ben Stokes. Photo/ Sky Sports.
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