
Explore the elite league of cricket’s top 10 best batsmen worldwide, from Virat Kohli’s consistency to Steve Smith’s genius. Discover their impact on the game and their incredible records.
Cricket, often called the gentleman’s game, has witnessed a plethora of remarkable talents with the bat. In this article, we’ll explore the world of cricket’s top 10 best batsmen, each an artisan in their own right. From the powerhouse Virat Kohli to the unconventional genius Steve Smith, these players have not only dominated the cricket arena but have also etched their names in the annals of history. But what makes a batsman the best? Let’s find out.
What Makes the Top 10 Best Batsmen?
Becoming one of the top 10 best batsmen in the world is no small feat. It requires a combination of skill, technique, temperament, and consistency. Here are some key attributes that define the best of the best:
- Consistency: A great batsman is reliable and consistently scores runs across formats and conditions.
- Technique: Sound batting technique is the foundation of a top batsman’s game.
- Mental Toughness: Dealing with pressure and maintaining focus, especially in high-stake matches, is crucial.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust to different formats and conditions is a hallmark of the best batsmen.
- Innovation: Innovations in shot-making and strategies set them apart.
- Leadership: Many of these batsmen lead their respective teams and exhibit leadership qualities.
- Impact: Their performances often directly correlate with their team’s success.
Top 10 Best Batsmen in the World
With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into the profiles of the top 10 best batsmen in the world.
1. Virat Kohli

The Indian Run Machine
Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team, needs no introduction. His exceptional batting prowess has made him one of the modern greats. Known for his remarkable consistency and unwavering determination, Kohli is often referred to as the “Run Machine.” He has set numerous records and is the epitome of excellence in contemporary cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Batting Stats
Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
Test | 111 | 8,676 | 254 | 49.30 | 29 | 28 |
ODI | 278 | 13,024 | 183 | 57.63 | 47 | 65 |
T20I | 115 | 4,008 | 122 | 52.74 | 1 | 37 |
T20 League | 237 | 7,263 | 113 | 37.25 | 7 | 50 |
2. Steve Smith

The Unconventional Genius
Steve Smith, the former Australian captain, is an unconventional genius with the bat. His unorthodox technique baffles bowlers, and he consistently delivers under pressure. Smith’s ability to read the game and play unexpected shots makes him a standout performer.
Steve Smith Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 102 | 181 | 22 | 9320 | 239 | 58.62 | 17292 | 53.9 | 32 | 4 | 39 | 1026 | 52 |
ODI | 142 | 126 | 15 | 4939 | 164 | 44.5 | 5643 | 87.52 | 12 | 0 | 29 | 435 | 47 |
T20I | 63 | 51 | 11 | 1008 | 90 | 25.2 | 805 | 125.22 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 85 | 24 |
IPL | 103 | 93 | 21 | 2485 | 101 | 34.51 | 1940 | 128.09 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 225 | 60 |
3. Kane Williamson
The Silent Maestro
Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand cricket team, is a silent maestro of the sport. He combines classical elegance with unmatched consistency. Williamson’s calm and composed demeanor on the field is a testament to his batting prowess.
Kane Williamson Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 94 | 164 | 16 | 8124 | 251 | 54.89 | 15785 | 51.47 | 28 | 6 | 33 | 897 | 21 |
ODI | 161 | 153 | 16 | 6555 | 148 | 47.85 | 8094 | 80.99 | 13 | 0 | 42 | 595 | 51 |
T20I | 87 | 85 | 11 | 2464 | 95 | 33.3 | 2005 | 122.89 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 230 | 57 |
IPL | 77 | 75 | 17 | 2101 | 89 | 36.22 | 1667 | 126.03 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 181 | 64 |
4. Joe Root

The English Captain Fantastic
Joe Root, the captain of the English cricket team, is a versatile batsman who can adapt to all formats of the game. His stylish strokes and ability to anchor the innings make him a valuable asset for his team.
Joe Root Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 135 | 247 | 20 | 11416 | 254 | 50.29 | 20113 | 56.76 | 30 | 5 | 60 | 1247 | 43 |
ODI | 160 | 149 | 23 | 6213 | 133 | 49.31 | 7157 | 86.81 | 16 | 0 | 36 | 496 | 46 |
T20I | 32 | 30 | 5 | 893 | 90 | 35.72 | 707 | 126.31 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 92 | 16 |
IPL | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10.0 | 15 | 66.67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
5. Babar Azam

Pakistan’s Young Sensation
Babar Azam, the young sensation from Pakistan, has taken the cricketing world by storm with his elegant batting style. He is often compared to the legends of the game and has a bright future ahead.
Babar Azam Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 49 | 88 | 9 | 3772 | 196 | 47.75 | 6835 | 55.19 | 9 | 0 | 26 | 441 | 23 |
ODI | 107 | 104 | 12 | 5380 | 158 | 58.48 | 6034 | 89.16 | 19 | 0 | 28 | 485 | 56 |
T20I | 104 | 98 | 14 | 3485 | 122 | 41.49 | 2714 | 128.41 | 3 | 0 | 30 | 371 | 53 |
6. David Warner

The Australian Powerhouse
David Warner, the explosive opener from Australia, is known for his aggressive batting style. He can single-handedly demolish opposition bowling attacks and has been instrumental in Australia’s success.
David Warner Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 109 | 199 | 8 | 8487 | 335 | 44.43 | 12058 | 70.38 | 25 | 3 | 36 | 1005 | 65 |
ODI | 145 | 143 | 5 | 6214 | 179 | 45.03 | 6488 | 95.78 | 20 | 0 | 28 | 661 | 98 |
T20I | 99 | 99 | 11 | 2894 | 100 | 32.89 | 2048 | 141.31 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 296 | 105 |
IPL | 176 | 176 | 22 | 6397 | 126 | 41.54 | 4572 | 139.92 | 4 | 0 | 61 | 647 | 225 |
7. Rohit Sharma

The Hitman of India
Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman” in India, is a master of limited-overs cricket. His ability to score big hundreds and double centuries in ODIs makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Rohit Sharma Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 52 | 88 | 9 | 3677 | 212 | 46.54 | 6534 | 56.27 | 10 | 1 | 16 | 394 | 77 |
ODI | 248 | 241 | 36 | 10031 | 264 | 48.93 | 11111 | 90.28 | 30 | 3 | 51 | 922 | 286 |
T20I | 148 | 140 | 15 | 3853 | 118 | 30.82 | 2767 | 139.25 | 4 | 0 | 29 | 348 | 182 |
IPL | 243 | 238 | 28 | 6211 | 109 | 29.58 | 4776 | 130.05 | 1 | 0 | 42 | 554 | 257 |
8. Quinton de Kock

The South African Dynamite
Quinton de Kock, the South African wicketkeeper-batsman, is a dynamo at the crease. His aggressive approach and fearless strokeplay make him a crowd favorite.
Quinton de Kock Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 54 | 91 | 6 | 3300 | 141 | 38.82 | 4652 | 70.94 | 6 | 0 | 22 | 411 | 33 |
ODI | 143 | 143 | 7 | 6104 | 178 | 44.88 | 6347 | 96.17 | 17 | 0 | 30 | 705 | 97 |
T20I | 80 | 79 | 9 | 2277 | 100 | 32.53 | 1658 | 137.33 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 235 | 86 |
IPL | 96 | 96 | 6 | 2907 | 140 | 32.3 | 2166 | 134.21 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 287 | 114 |
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9. Shai Hope

The West Indian Hope
Shai Hope, representing the West Indies, is a promising young talent. He has displayed remarkable consistency and has the potential to become one of the greats of West Indian cricket.
Shai Hope Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 38 | 72 | 3 | 1726 | 147 | 25.01 | 4124 | 41.85 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 199 | 6 |
ODI | 118 | 113 | 14 | 4940 | 170 | 49.9 | 6425 | 76.89 | 15 | 0 | 24 | 401 | 82 |
T20I | 21 | 19 | 1 | 371 | 55 | 20.61 | 293 | 126.62 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 36 | 13 |
10. Faf du Plessis

The Proteas’ Stalwart
Faf du Plessis, a stalwart of South African cricket, is known for his tenacity and leadership. He has been a pillar of strength for the Proteas and is admired for his resilience.
Faf du Plessis Batting Stats
M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 69 | 118 | 14 | 4163 | 199 | 40.03 | 8986 | 46.33 | 10 | 0 | 21 | 516 | 21 |
ODI | 143 | 136 | 18 | 5507 | 185 | 46.67 | 6218 | 88.57 | 12 | 0 | 35 | 495 | 66 |
T20I | 50 | 50 | 7 | 1528 | 119 | 35.53 | 1137 | 134.39 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 140 | 50 |
IPL | 130 | 123 | 11 | 4133 | 96 | 36.9 | 3081 | 134.14 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 374 | 145 |
Factors for Ranking (Top 10 Best Batsmen)
What exactly determines a batsman’s rank in the world of cricket? While there isn’t a definitive formula, several factors come into play:
- Performance: Consistent high-performance in matches is paramount.
- Records: Breaking and setting records often elevates a batsman’s status.
- Team Impact: How much a batsman contributes to their team’s victories.
- Versatility: The ability to perform well in all formats.
- International Success: Excelling in international matches and tournaments.
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Statistics and Records
Cricket is a sport of numbers, and the statistics associated with these top batsmen are mind-boggling. From centuries scored to runs accumulated, here are some jaw-dropping numbers:
- Centuries: Most of these batsmen have a plethora of centuries in international cricket.
- Run Milestones: They have crossed significant run milestones.
- Batting Averages: Maintaining consistently high batting averages is a hallmark.
- Records Broken: Many have broken records set by legends of the game.
Cricket’s Top 10 Best Batsmen in the World Related FAQ’s
Who is considered the best batsman in the world?
What qualities make a batsman one of the best in the world?
Who is known as the “Run Machine” in cricket?
What sets Steve Smith apart as a batsman?
How does Kane Williamson’s batting style differ from others?
Who is considered the “Hitman” of Indian cricket?
Which young sensation from Pakistan is making waves in international cricket?
What is the significance of T20 dominance among these top batsmen?
Who are some notable honourable mentions among top batsmen?
Conclusion
The world of cricket’s top 10 best batsmen is a testament to the beauty of the sport. From different countries, backgrounds, and playing styles, these players have enriched the game and given fans countless memories to cherish. As cricket continues to evolve, so will the list of top batsmen, but the legacy of these extraordinary players will endure.