In the world of cricket, where tall and athletic players often dominate the field, some cricketers have defied expectations and proven that height isn’t a barrier to success. These players, despite their shorter stature, have showcased immense talent and skills, becoming icons in international cricket. Here’s a list of the top 10 shortest cricketers in the world:
10. Sunil Gavaskar – 5.5 ft
Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, is known for his remarkable achievements, including becoming the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Despite his relatively short height, Gavaskar earned the title “Little Master” and remains a legend in Indian cricket.
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9. Temba Bavuma – 5.4 ft
Temba Bavuma, a highly respected cricketer from South Africa, has made a name for himself with his solid batting and excellent fielding. He became South Africa’s captain for white-ball cricket, leading the team with composure, despite being one of the shortest cricketers in international cricket at just 5’4″.
8. Kedar Jadhav – 5.4 ft
Kedar Jadhav, known for his all-round abilities, made his debut in 2014 and was a key member of India’s 2019 World Cup squad. He is famous for his aggressive batting style, achieving a strike rate of 103 in ODIs, and his useful bowling skills. Jadhav’s performances have been a significant contribution to Indian cricket over the years.
7. Prithvi Shaw – 5.4 ft
Prithvi Shaw, a young and talented opener for India, is known for his aggressive batting. Debuting in 2018, Shaw has shown his prowess in both domestic and international cricket. Although he’s faced challenges in recent years, his potential remains high, making him a crucial part of India’s future.
6. Parthiv Patel – 5.3 ft
Parthiv Patel, a former wicketkeeper-batsman for India, made his debut at the young age of 17. Despite playing in the era of MS Dhoni, Patel had a decent career in limited-overs cricket. He is considered one of the shortest cricketers from India, standing at just 5’3″. Patel played in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 2 T20Is.
5. Gundappa Vishwanath – 5.3 ft
Gundappa Vishwanath, a key figure in India’s batting lineup during the 1970s and 1980s, is regarded as one of India’s finest batsmen. His career saw him score over 6,000 runs in Test cricket at an average of over 41. Vishwanath also played 91 Test matches and later became a match referee for the ICC.
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4. Mominul Haque – 5.3ft
Mominul Haque is one of Bangladesh’s best Test batsmen, with an impressive batting average of 38.64. He holds the record for the most consecutive half-centuries by a Bangladeshi player in Test cricket. Along with his batting skills, Haque is also a capable part-time spinner.
3. Mushfiqur Rahim – 5.3 ft
Mushfiqur Rahim, one of Bangladesh’s most dependable batsmen and wicketkeepers, stands at 5’3″. He has been a vital player for Bangladesh, with consistent performances both behind the stumps and with the bat. Rahim also captained Bangladesh and is considered one of the best wicketkeepers the team has produced.
2. Tich Cornford – 5.0 ft
Tich Cornford, standing at just 5 feet tall, is regarded as one of the shortest cricketers ever to play at the international level. His career may have been brief, with just 4 Test appearances, but his height and significant contributions in domestic cricket have made him a memorable figure in the history of the game. Despite being one of the shortest cricketers to represent his country, Cornford’s talent and impact on the field were undeniable.
1. Kruger Van Wyk – 4.9 ft
The shortest cricketers in the history of the game include Kruger Van Wyk, who stands at an astonishing 4’9″. Born in South Africa and later representing New Zealand, Van Wyk made his mark as one of the shortest cricketers to play internationally. Although his international career was limited, playing 9 Test matches, he left a lasting impact in domestic cricket. His unique stature made him a standout figure in the sport, even though his career was short-lived. Kruger Van Wyk is a prime example of the shortest cricketers having a notable presence despite their height.
List of Shortest Cricketers in the World
| Rank | Cricketer | Country | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Sunil Gavaskar | India | 5.5 ft |
| 9 | Temba Bavuma | South Africa | 5.4 ft |
| 8 | Kedar Jadhav | India | 5.4 ft |
| 7 | Prithvi Shaw | India | 5.4 ft |
| 6 | Parthiv Patel | India | 5.3 ft |
| 5 | Gundappa Vishwanath | India | 5.3 ft |
| 4 | Mominul Haque | Bangladesh | 5.3 ft |
| 3 | Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 5.3 ft |
| 2 | Tich Cornford | England | 5.0 ft |
| 1 | Kruger Van Wyk | New Zealand | 4.9 ft |
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