The COVID-19 pandemic broke the harmony of the entire world, and also of cricket. However, before and after the pandemic, many cricketers have delighted us with their skills on the field. This list is dedicated to the best batsmen at present, who have compelled us to watch replays of their games and entertain ourselves. The cricketing world is a community where people of all ages undergo deep emotions while watching a game. These cricketers have brought us memorable knocks that have either saved our teams or as an opponent compelled us to shed tears.
We bring to you the top 15 best batsmen in the world at present.
15. Quinton de Kock
Tests: 3245 runs scored in 53 matches with an average of 39.1% that includes 6 centuries and 22 fifties. This wicketkeeper-batsman also has 11 stumpings, 1 run out and 214 catches to his name.
ODI: 5355 runs in 124 matches with an average of 45.4% that includes 16 centuries and 26 fifties. He also has 9 stumpings, 2 run-outs, and 170 catches to his name.
Despite being very young, Quinton de Kock has made himself known to the world with his batting and wicketkeeping skills. His blistering yet responsible limited over knocks, paired with Test consistency makes him an obvious addition to this list. A batsman that the team and fans can rely on to set a strong opening score and bring the team to a high start with his magnificent batting skills.
14. KL Rahul
Tests: 2321 in 40 matches with an average of 35.2% that includes 6 centuries and 12 fifties.
ODIs: 1509 runs in 38 matches with an average of 48.7% that includes 5 centuries and 9 fifties.
The elegant Bangalorean is one of the highest-rated opening batsmen in the foreseen future of the Indian Cricket Team. From a journey that had a wavering and frustrating beginning, to emerging as the first ever Indian batsman to score a century in his debut ODI match, Rahul has established his position in the team. A remarkable performance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2016 IPL league, enhanced his popularity among the fans and has led him to be the vice captain of the Indian Cricket Team for the T20s, as of 2021.
13. Ben Stokes
Tests: 4631 runs in 71 matches with an average of 37% that includes 10 centuries and 24 fifties.
ODIs: 2871 runs in 101 matches with an average of 40.4% that includes 3 centuries and 21 fifties.
The English all-rounder has amazed fans around the globe with his match-winning performances across numerous leagues. Stokes walked into the dressing rooms as a batsman but has shaped into one of the best all rounders England has ever had. Turning into a refined bowler and a spectacular fielder, he leaves everyone in the stadium including his team players mesmerized.
12. Cheteshwar Pujara
Tests: 6494 runs scored in 90 matches with an average of 45.4% that includes 18 centuries and 31 fifties.
The monk of the Indian team, Pujara’s immense patience has often frustrated bowlers. His habit of not taking risks, and staying on the crease for a very long time has been much appreciated by Test experts. Cheteshwar Pujara is the entire package. To maintain his composure and tackle the innings with stability and determination, he owns the craft of test cricket.
11. Jonny Bairstow
Tests: 4381 runs in 78 matches with an average of 33.7% that includes 6 centuries and 22 fifties. He also has 13 stumpings and 195 catches to his name.
ODIs: 3498 runs in 89 matches with an average of 47.9% that includes 11 centuries and 14 fifties.
The wicketkeeper-batsman from England has many records to his name, his aggressive batting technique makes him indispensable in limited-overs cricket, however, his patience in Test matches has been questioned. However, a talented batsman like him is sure to respond to critics with his bat and put the criticism to rest.
10. Ross Taylor
Tests: 7564 runs scored In 108 matches with an average of 45.8% that includes 19 centuries and 35 fifties.
ODIs: 8581 runs scored in 233 matches with an average of 48.2% that includes 21 centuries and 51 fifties.
Ross Taylor has spent most of his career being an underrated matchwinner, however, he didn’t go unnoticed by the management as the 36-year-old Kiwi batsman won the Richard Hadlee medal for the third time in 2020 after being named New Zealand’s cricketer of the year. Despite moments of distress, Ross Taylor became the backbone of the Kiwi batting lineup and conquered big wins for the team.
9. David Warner
Tests: 7361 runs scored in 86 matches with an average of 48.1% that includes 24 centuries and 30 fifties.
ODIs: 5455 runs scored in 121 matches with an average of 45.5% that includes 18 centuries and 23 fifties.
David Warner’s aggressive yet responsible strokeplay has made him one of the most sought-after batsmen across all the formats. David Warner is extremely dependable as an opener and is one of the outstanding batsmen in the world. A cricketer that breaks the boundaries of the conventional through his style and approach, his talent with the bat stands out. A special cricketer that challenges the best batsmen in the world and has led his country to massive victories.
8. Babar Azam
Tests: 2363 runs in 35 matches with an average of 42.9% that includes 5 centuries and 18 fifties.
ODIs: 3985 runs in 83 matches with an average of 56.9% that includes 14 centuries and 17 fifties.
The Pakistani batsman is called the Kohli of Pakistan. Only 26, he has scored a lot of runs at a brisk pace, and risen up the ranks, making himself an invaluable asset for the Pakistan cricket team. The current captain has left a mark on the t20 and ODI format and is steadily taking capturing test cricket as well. He is bringing in new heights for his team. A brilliant showcase in the t20 worldcup 2021, a classic cricketer to watch out for.
7. Rohit Sharma
Tests: 3047 runs in in 43 matches with an average of 46.9% that includes 8 centuries and 14 fifties.
ODIs: 9205 runs in 227 matches with an average of 49% that includes 29 centuries and 43 fifties.
Kohli’s huge figure doesn’t manage to overshadow another star, Rohit Sharma. With his stylized shot-making and passion for big scores, the HITman is an entertaining watch. Sharma holds the record of the highest individual score (264) in an ODI match. A dominator of the game, has the ability outrun the best cricketers in the world with his clinical performances. Rohit sharma is a match winner and there’s no stopping the hitman.
6.Marnus Labuschagne
Tests: 1885 runs scored in 18 matches with an average of 60.8% that includes 5 centuries and 10 fifties.
ODIs: Played his debut match in the year 2020. 473 runs scored in 13 matches with an average of 39.4% that includes 1 cenntry and 3 fifties.
The Australian batsman is the fourth-ranked Test batsman in the world, at just 26 years of age. Although he still has a lot to improve, Labuschagne has shown us his talent and earned his place in the best 15 batsmen at present. A splendid beginning to his test career, Marnus is in a meteoric form. Setting a new threat to the bowlers, he is an upcoming legend in the future of cricket.
5. Martin Guptill
Tests: 2586 runs in 47 matches with an average of 29.4% that includes 3 centuries and 17 fifties.
ODIs: 6927 runs in 186 matches with an average of 42.2% that includes 16 centuries and 37 fifties.
A magnificent batsman that can treat his audience by tuning the match to his needs. Martin Guptill lost 3 toes at the age of 13 in accident but was determined to break through the pain and has now emerged as a top class cricketer. A balanced batsman that make his dramatic shots look like a mere piece of cake. Martin Guptill is the one we look to to clinch the title, a prominent player for his side.
4. Steve Smith
Tests: 7540 in 77 matches with an average of 61.8% that includes 27 centuries and 31 fifties.
ODIs: 4378 runs in 128 matches with an average of 43.3% that includes 11 centuries and 25 fifties.
Steven Smith, along with Joe Root, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson, has stamped his authority on all formats, amassing a humongous number of runs across all grounds in the world. A cricketer that goes beyond the orthodox, testing the bowlers skill. Steve Smith is a tactical player that can leave everyone on the field awestruck by his unique talent.
3. Joe Root
Tests: 9278 runs in 109 matches with an average of 50.1% that includes 23 centuries and 50 fifties.
ODIs: 6109 runs in 152 matches with an average of 51.3% that includes 16 centuries and 35 fifties.
Joe Root’s composure in the face of adverse situations, and consistency, have marked his career right from the beginning. His reliability has made him an essential asset to the English team. A cricketer with intense clarity and a passive aggressive approach, he ha the ability to push his team forward. The key man for his team, Joe Root’s immense talent makes him one of the top 15 best batsmen in the world at present.
2. Kane Williamson
Tests: 7230 runs in 85 matches with an average of 54.0% that includes 24 centuries and 33 fifties.
ODIs: 6173 runs in 151 matches with an average of 47.5% that includes 13 centuries and 35 fifties.
The soft-spoken Kiwi captain made his presence felt in 2014, with five consecutive fifty-plus scores in the ODIs against India. In 2015, he scored 1172 runs in Tests at an average of 90, and 1376 runs at an average of 57. A calm mind with an excellent leadership ability has helped New Zealand converge into a team that can set a fierce challenge for the best teams in the world.
1. Virat Kohli
Tests: 7765 runs scored in 95 matches with an average of 51.1% that includes 27 centuries and 27 fifties.
ODIs: 12169 runs scored in 254 matches with an average of 59.1% that includes 43 centuries and 62 fifties.
Second only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of ODI centuries and climbing his way up, ICC Cricketer of the decade, Kohli has been coming up fast to join the league of the evergreen greats of cricket. The three-figure mark has eluded him for a while, and he will be eager to fix that soon, so we can expect some big innings from him in the near future. Great leadership skills with an aggression and drive that has shaken bowlers and led him to win big matches for the Indian Cricket Team in crucial stages. Virat Kohli scored 4 centuries in a single IPL season and his technique with the bat is like no other, a true legend that is loved by many across the globe.
The list has 15 of our top choices for the best batsmen in the world at present. Let us know about your top 15 batsmen in the comments.