Five Greatest Allrounders in Cricket History

Allrounders are usually accomplished batsmen who can contribute effectively to the team’s batting line-up. They have good technique, shot selection, and the ability to score runs consistently. All-rounders often bat in the middle order and are capable of playing long innings or accelerating the run rate as per the match situation. 

They are also skilled bowlers who can take wickets and restrict the opposition’s scoring. They have a good repertoire of bowling variations, including pace, swing, spin, or even medium-pace cutters. All-rounders can bowl in different phases of the game, ranging from opening the bowling to providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

All-rounders provide balance to the team by adding depth to the batting and bowling line-up. They offer options to the captain and provide a cushion in case one aspect of the team’s performance falters. In this article, we have compiled a list of 5 of the greatest allrounders in cricket history.

1) Sir Garfield Sobers

West Indies‘ Sir Garfield Sobers is the greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket and a legendary figure in the sport. Sobers was an exceptional batsman who possessed immense talent and skill. With a graceful left-handed batting style, Sobers had a wide range of shots. He also had remarkable footwork and timing, which was combined with his superior hand-eye coordination. He was part of 93 Test matches in 20 years of his career and scored 8032 runs at an average of 57.78 with 26 centuries. Sobers also picked up 235 wickets in his career at a bowling average of 34.03,

2) Imran Khan

Imran Khan is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of Pakistan and is known for his exceptional all-round skills. He was known for making significant contributions to cricket in Pakistan. Imran scored 3,807 runs in Test cricket at an average of 37.69, including six centuries and 18 half-centuries. He also picked up 362 wickets in his Test career. Imran Khan played 175 ODIs and scored 3709 runs and picked up 182 wickets. It is because of Imran’s sheer dedication towards sport, Pakistan won the world cup in 1992.

3) Kapil Dev

One of the greatest Indian cricketers, Kapil Dev, was known for his talent in international cricket. Kapil Dev’s contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and a leader, have had a profound impact on the sport and still inspire the young generation. His exceptional skills, leadership abilities, and iconic 1983 World Cup victory have made him an enduring symbol of Indian cricketing success. In 131 Test fixtures, Kapil Dev picked up 434 wickets and scored 5248 runs and in 225 ODIs, Kapil Dev scored 3783 runs and picked up 253 wickets.

4) Sir Ian Botham

Sir Ian Botham was a truly exceptional all-rounder, excelling in both batting and bowling. He had a powerful and aggressive batting style, capable of scoring quick runs and playing impactful innings. Botham scored 5,200 runs in Test cricket at an average of 33.54, including 14 centuries and 22 half-centuries. As a bowler, he was a fast-medium swing bowler who could generate significant movement and take crucial wickets. England’s legend claimed 383 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 28.40, including 27 five-wicket hauls.

5) Jaques Kallis

Jaques Kallis was an outstanding batsman known for his solid technique, impeccable temperament, and consistency. He had a compact and classical batting style, combining solid defence with elegant stroke play. Kallis scored a staggering 13,289 runs in Test cricket at an average of 55.37, including 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he amassed 11,579 runs at an average of 44.36, including 17 centuries and 86 half-centuries. He was also a skillful medium-pace bowler who could swing the ball both ways. The South African picked 292 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 32.65, including five five-wicket hauls.