Buckle up, cricket enthusiasts! As we gear up for an electrifying year of cricket, with the Asia Cup and the Cricket World Cup on the horizon, one burning question ignites the excitement: Who are the true superstars dominating the cricketing universe at this very moment? The stage is set, and the world awaits to witness the most significant players on the planet showcase their talent, skill, and passion for the game. Get ready to see cricketing brilliance like never before! Read the full article to know more about the Top 10 best Cricket Players in the World in 2023.
Who are the Top 10 Best Cricket Players?
As of 2023, the cricketing world is witnessing a magnificent array of talent, and the Top 10 Best Cricket Players stand out as true icons of the sport. These extraordinary individuals showcase their mastery in every facet of the game, leaving fans in awe of their abilities.
1. Ben Stokes
Who else comes close to Ben Stokes? While he may not hold the title of the best batsman or bowler in the world, nor boast the top all-rounder statistics, Stokes emerges as the go-to man when the stakes are highest. With bat or ball in hand, he shines brightest under pressure. From the exhilarating World Cup triumphs to the jaw-dropping heroics at Headingley in 2019, Stokes has etched his name in cricketing history. Beyond these iconic moments, his consistent match-turning performances for his team have solidified his reputation as a game-changer.
In 2022, the Test captaincy was handed to the all-rounder from Christchurch, who transformed England from one of the world’s weakest teams into an unstoppable force. His remarkable leadership reinvented the perception of the five-day game, inspiring exceptional performances and reshaping the way the world viewed Test cricket.
Despite his not particularly impressive statistics and recent retirement from ODI cricket, Stokes has consistently been a match-winner in every format throughout his career. Furthermore, his leadership qualities have proven transformative. When it comes to selecting a team to win a crucial match in any format, Stokes is a must-have player. Few cricketers can boast such an accolade. He is not only considered the best cricketer in the world but also stands as a giant in the sport.
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2. Rashid Khan
Despite not relying on significant spin, Rashid Khan’s leggies have evolved into one of the most potent weapons in white-ball cricket. His red-ball career has been equally impressive, with Afghanistan recently earning Test status, and Rashid showcasing remarkable performance right from the start.
Rashid Khan’s accuracy and deceptive googly have led him to thrive in various short-form leagues, boasting an outstanding record in over 150 white-ball matches for Afghanistan. Additionally, he showcases his batting prowess by swinging hard and contributing valuable runs whenever the opportunity arises.
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan’s career has seen him as one of cricket’s most underrated players. Using a traditional measure of an all-rounder, his batting average surpasses his bowling average in Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Impressive ICC rankings place him as the number one all-rounder in T20Is and ODIs, and third in Tests.
Amidst controversies, Shakib’s true value as a player will likely be recognized only after his retirement. Nevertheless, he stands out as Bangladesh’s standout performer.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, when in top form, stands as the epitome of a complete fast bowler in the world of cricket. With his distinctive, jerky action and a short, brisk run-up, he becomes an enigma that perplexes batters. The sheer variety in his bowling arsenal allows him to torment batsmen in numerous ways, making him a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field.
Bumrah’s red-ball prowess lies in his ability to swing and seam the ball, creating awkward angles that trouble batsmen. When equipped with the white ball, he unleashes a hostile bouncer to complement his variations and precision in delivering pinpoint Yorkers. Though unorthodox, Bumrah’s diverse skillset positions him as the quintessential modern pace bowler.
5. Joe Root
Joe Root’s averages may not be as impressive as those of some other top batters globally, but this can largely be attributed to him playing a significant portion of his cricket on demanding English pitches.
One of the best players of his generation, Root is perhaps England’s all-time best hitter. While his exclusion from England’s white-ball squads may be considered a disadvantage, it speaks more to the quantity of batting talent present in the shorter forms than it does to his abilities in those games.
6. Babar Azam | 10 Best Cricket Players in the World
Initially making a name for himself as a star in Pakistan’s white-ball formats. Babar Azam has grown into one of the nation’s greatest-ever batters. His remarkable statistics in Tests, ODIs, and T20s showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Despite being part of a subpar Pakistan batting line-up, Azam has shouldered significant pressure and consistently delivered stellar performances.
In the company of the Fab Four, Babar Azam has not only held his own but also surpassed several members of that illustrious quartet in recent years. With his 30th birthday approaching in October 2024, he is well on track to carve out an all-time great career, drawing comparisons to past Pakistani cricketing icons such as Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Yousuf. Azam’s rise to cricketing stardom continues to impress, leaving fans and critics alike eager to witness the remarkable legacy he will undoubtedly leave behind.
7. Kagiso Rabada
Much like Afridi, Kagiso Rabada burst onto the international cricket scene at a tender age and has continued to shine ever since. His versatility and prowess have been evident across all three formats, where his pace and bounce make him a formidable force even on surfaces that offer little assistance to fast bowlers.
Following a golden era of South African fast bowling, led by the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada has stepped up as the leader of the attack. His outstanding performance across the board, including a historically great Test match strike rate, cements his status as a true asset to the South African cricket team.
8. Steve Smith | 10 Best Cricket Players in the World
Steve Smith’s record is a testament to his brilliance on the cricket field. With an average of over 60 in Test cricket, he stands as a true stalwart of the longest format. While he may not be as prolific in white-ball cricket, Smith boasts an impressive record in ODIs. After a remarkable average of over 110 during the 2019 Ashes. The Sydney native has shown a slightly lower output in Test cricket since then. Nonetheless, he continues to be counted among the elite batters in the world’s longest format.
Steve Smith’s success transcends all types of playing surfaces. His ability to perform exceptionally well in various conditions solidifies his place as one of the greatest batters of the 21st century. As he continues to etch his name in cricketing history. There is no doubt that when Smith eventually retires, he will be remembered as a legend of the sport, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers to come.
9. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav’s reputation as a T20 genius is well-established, especially during his time with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. However, ranking him becomes a challenge due to the limited number of ODIs under his belt and his absence from Test cricket. Despite being the best T20 batsman globally, he has only played 20 ODIs, and his Test debut is yet to happen.
SKY’s journey to the world stage has taken place in his 30s, partly due to being a late bloomer and partly because India delayed his international call-up. Nevertheless, his performances in the IPL and his brief stint in international cricket showcase his true potential as a 360-hitter. Once he finds his rhythm, he becomes an impossible player to bowl to, leaving opposition bowlers struggling to contain him.
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi | 10 Best Cricket Players in the World
Shaheen Shah Afridi has quickly ascended to become one of the best bowlers in international cricket after making his Pakistan debut at a young age. Even on relatively flat wickets in Pakistan and the UAE, Afridi can bowl with terrific velocity and produce troublesome bounce with his towering 6 feet 6-inch stature.
Afridi’s versatility as a left-arm bowler extends across all three formats. In Test matches, he showcases excellent control and swing, effectively limiting scoring opportunities and keeping batsmen under pressure. In white-ball cricket, he remains a formidable force with his ability to deliver yorkers and hostile short deliveries. By posing a significant challenge for batsmen both at the start and toward the end of an innings.
Influence beyond the field
These cricketing luminaries, often regarded as the best players in the world, extend their impact well beyond the boundary ropes. Ben Stokes, recognized as one of the best players globally, serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, championing charitable causes such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and gender equality. Rashid Khan, another player often touted as among the best, is a UNICEF Cricket Ambassador, actively raising awareness for child rights and education. Shakib Al Hasan, consistently ranked among the best all-rounders globally, advocates against child labor and environmental protection. Joe Root, one of England’s best-ever batters in cricket, is vocal about child poverty and mental health.
Although not as active off the field, the rest of the best players in the world inspire countless young cricketers through their unwavering dedication to the sport. Their influence transcends statistics, making them not only the best on the field but also exemplary role models beyond the boundary.
Injuries and comebacks
In the grueling world of cricket, injuries are an inevitable part of a player’s journey, even for the best cricket players in the world. Ben Stokes, often considered one of the best all-rounders globally, has faced challenges like a broken finger and a fractured wrist but consistently bounces back stronger. Shakib Al Hasan, recognized as one of the best all-rounders in the world, has shown unwavering determination amidst a string of setbacks, including a broken finger and hamstring strain. Kagiso Rabada, often hailed as one of the best fast bowlers in cricket globally, overcomes challenges, including a stress fracture in his back and a side strain, with resilience that sets him apart as one of the best.
Others, like Jasprit Bumrah and Babar Azam, both considered among the best in the cricket world, deal with minor setbacks but maintain their resolve, showcasing the mettle of the best players in the world. Injuries may test them, but these cricketers, recognized as the best players in the cricket world, prove that comebacks are a testament to their unwavering spirit and love for the game.
Wrapping Up!
Get ready for an electrifying year of cricket as the world’s top 10 best players dominate the sport in 2023. From Ben Stokes to Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan to Joe Root, and Babar Azam to Steve Smith. These icons showcase brilliance. Kagiso Rabada, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shaheen Shah Afridi add to the excitement. Let’s celebrate cricketing magic! In this article, we already have discussed the Top 10 Cricket Players in the 2023 world.
