When it comes to cricket, all-rounders are the game-changers. They bring balance to a team, excelling with both bat and ball.
Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 best all-round cricketers of all time, who have left an indelible mark on cricket history.
10. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi’s flamboyant style made him one of the most entertaining players in cricket history. Representing Pakistan from 1996 to 2017, Afridi scored 11,196 runs and took 541 wickets in 524 matches, making him a true crowd-puller. He undoubtedly deserves his spot among the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 1996-2017 | 11,196 | 541 |
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9. Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock, another South African great, had an illustrious career from 1995 to 2008. Playing 423 matches, he scored 7,386 runs and took 829 wickets. Pollock’s consistency as an all-rounder made him a vital player for his team and one of the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 1995-2008 | 7,386 | 829 |
8. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya redefined the role of an all-rounder. Between 1989 and 2011, Jayasuriya played 586 matches, scoring 21,032 runs and claiming 440 wickets. His aggressive batting and strategic bowling were pivotal for Sri Lanka, earning him a place among the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1989-2011 | 21,032 | 440 |
7. Ian Botham
England’s Ian Botham was a charismatic all-rounder who dazzled with his performances. Active from 1976 to 1992, Botham scored 7,313 runs and took 528 wickets in 218 matches, becoming a hero for cricket fans worldwide. He remains one of the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Ian Botham | England | 1976-1992 | 7,313 | 528 |
6. Lance Klusener
Known for his explosive batting and consistent bowling, South Africa’s Lance Klusener made waves during his career from 1996 to 2004. In 220 matches, he scored 5,482 runs and took 272 wickets, often rescuing his team in challenging situations. This makes him a noteworthy name among the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Lance Klusener | South Africa | 1996-2004 | 5,482 | 272 |
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5. Richard Hadlee
Richard Hadlee, a New Zealand legend, was known for his deadly bowling and reliable batting. From 1973 to 1990, Hadlee played 201 matches, scoring 4,875 runs and taking 589 wickets. His all-round brilliance made him a cornerstone of New Zealand cricket and one of the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | 1973-1990 | 4,875 | 589 |
4. Kapil Dev
India’s World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, revolutionized Indian cricket. Between 1978 and 1994, he played 356 matches, accumulating 9,031 runs and taking 687 wickets. Kapil’s contributions with both bat and ball cemented his status among the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Kapil Dev | India | 1978-1994 | 9,031 | 687 |
3. Imran Khan
Imran Khan not only led Pakistan to its first-ever World Cup victory in 1992 but also established himself as one of the finest all-rounders. Over a career spanning 21 years, he scored 7,516 runs and secured 544 wickets in 263 matches. His leadership and skill remain legendary, marking him as one of the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Imran Khan | Pakistan | 1971-1992 | 7,516 | 544 |
2. Sir Gary Sobers
Hailing from the West Indies, Sir Gary Sobers was a class apart. Active from 1954 to 1974, Sobers showcased exceptional versatility. In just 94 matches, he amassed 8,032 runs and took 236 wickets, earning the title of cricket’s greatest all-rounder during his time. Truly, he remains one of the best all-round cricketers of all time.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Sir Gary Sobers | West Indies | 1954-1974 | 8,032 | 236 |
1. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as one of the best all-round cricketers of all time. Representing South Africa, his career spanned nearly two decades, from 1995 to 2014. Kallis’s ability to dominate with both the bat and ball is unparalleled. He scored an astonishing 25,534 runs in 519 matches and claimed 577 wickets, making him a true icon of the sport.
| Player Name | Team | Career Span | Total Runs | Total Wickets |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1995-2014 | 25,534 | 577 |
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