Top 15 Best All Rounders in The History of Cricket

By: Cricbites | October 8, 2025

Cricket has produced countless great batsmen and bowlers, but very few have mastered both the arts. These players are known as all-rounders or cricketers who can change the game with both bat and ball. Over the years, the game has seen many legendary all-rounders whose abilities have made them the center of attention in the game.

Here is a look at the top 15 best all-rounders in the history of cricket, based on performance, impact and legacy.

1. Sir Garfield Sobers (West Indies)

Sir Garfield Sobers is also known as the greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket. A genius with the bat, a great bowler who could bowl either pace or spin, and a superb fielder. In short, Sobers was the package needed to change the flow of the game.

Cricket legend Sir Don Bradman also called him a “five-in-one cricketer”. Because he could do everything except wicketkeeping. Sobers scored over 8,000 Test runs at an average of around 58 and took 235 wickets, often single-handedly and winning matches for the West Indies. He remains an exemplary standard for all-rounders to this day.

2. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Jacques Kallis is also the greatest all-rounder of the modern era. He is the only player to score over 10,000 runs and take over 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs, an achievement unmatched by any cricketer.

Known for his strong technique and calm demeanor, Kallis built South Africa into a powerhouse. His consistency across formats, along with his sharp fielding, make him one of the most complete cricketers of all time. With 13,289 Test runs, 292 wickets and 200 catches, Kallis’ record speaks for itself.

3. Kapil Dev (India)

Kapil Dev, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain of India, is one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. He was the first Indian fast bowling all-rounder who was an expert in both batting and bowling.

Kapil scored over 5,000 runs in Test cricket and took 434 wickets. And of course, this is an amazing feat, especially considering the flat subcontinental pitches. His captaincy in 1983 changed Indian cricket forever. Kapil’s fearless approach and match-winning ability make him a true legend.

4. Ian Botham (England)

Sir Ian Botham, also known as “Beefy”. He was one of the most entertaining players of his time. His heroics during the 1981 Ashes series, where he scored centuries and took wickets, are part of cricketing folklore.

Botham ended his career with over 5,000 Test runs and 383 wickets. This is a record that made him one of the most famous cricketers in England.

5. Imran Khan (Pakistan)

Before becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan was one of the most skilled all-rounders in cricket history. His leadership and performance in the 1992 World Cup was commendable. Since then, he inspired Pakistan to its first title, which is legendary.

Imran was a great fast bowler early in his career, later becoming a reliable batsman. With over 3,800 Test runs and 362 wickets, his all-round abilities helped shape generations of Pakistani cricketers.

6. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

His explosive batting revolutionized ODI cricket in the 1990s. Known for his aggressive bowling during the first 15 overs, he opened a new way for openers to enter the game.

In addition to his aggressive batting, Jayasuriya was also a useful left-arm spinner who took 323 wickets in ODIs. His combination of batting and bowling makes him one of the greatest limited-overs all-rounders of all time.

7. Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)

Sir Richard Hadlee was New Zealand’s first global superstar. The first cricketer to take 400 Test wickets, Hadlee was one of the greatest seam bowlers of all time.

What made him special was that he could also contribute with the bat. He scored over 3,000 Test runs, often helping his team in difficult situations. His 431 wickets and strike rate make him a true legend of the game.

8. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

Shaun Pollock was one of the most consistent performers for South Africa. Known for his long line and length, he was one of the most economical bowlers in world cricket.

Pollock also contributed with the bat, scoring over 3,700 Test runs and maintaining a batting average of over 32. His calm demeanor and leadership made him a key player for the Proteas for over a decade.

9. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

Wasim Akram is often referred to as the greatest left-arm fast bowler in history, but his batting makes him a true all-rounder. Known for his swing and control, Akram took 916 international wickets.

He could hit the ball hard and fast, scoring an unbeaten 257 in a Test. This is one of the highest scores ever by a No. 8 batsman. His contributions with both bat and ball make him an excellent all-rounder.

10. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

Few players have entertained cricket fans like Shahid Afridi. Ravi Shastri also calls him Boom Boom. Afridi was known for his fearless batting and fast leg-spin bowling.

Afridi scored over 8,000 ODI runs and took 395 wickets. His 37-ball century in 1996 stood as a record for 17 years. Although inconsistent at times, Afridi’s ability to change matches in a few overs makes him one of the most exciting all-rounders in cricket.

11. Andrew Flintoff (England)

Andrew Flintoff, or Freddie, was England’s star in the early 2000s. His performance in the 2005 Ashes helped England regain their place after 18 years.

Flintoff’s explosive batting and fiery bowling made him one of the most complete players of his generation. With over 3,800 Test runs and 226 wickets, he was the heartbeat of the England team.

12. Ben Stokes (England)

Ben Stokes is the best all-rounder in world cricket today. Whether it’s the final innings of the 2019 World Cup or his captaincy in Tests, Stokes has become England’s most reliable player.

He is a true “clutch player” who performs when his team needs him most. In short, making him one of the great modern all-rounders.

13. Richie Benaud (Australia)

Before becoming a respected commentator, Richie Benaud was a brilliant all-rounder for Australia. A leg-spinner and lower-order batsman, Benaud took 248 Test wickets and scored over 2,000 runs.

He led Australia to many victories as captain and later became the voice of cricket around the world.

14. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)

In modern cricket, Sikandar Raza has emerged as Zimbabwe’s greatest all-rounder. His consistent performances across all formats, especially in ODIs, have been vital for Zimbabwe. He combines batting and off-spin bowling and is currently a valuable player in international cricket.

15. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Mohammad Nabi is Afghanistan’s most successful all-rounder and a key figure in their cricketing development. With his powerful hitting and off-spin, he has played a vital role in Afghanistan’s triumphs on the world stage. His leadership, experience and match-winning ability make him one of the best all-rounders of the modern era.

Conclusion

From Sobers and Kallis to Stokes and Raza, all-rounders have defined eras and won matches with their hitting prowess. These players not only balance their teams, but also provide the spark that makes cricket exciting to watch. Their legacy inspires future generations who dream of excelling in all aspects of the game.

FAQs

Q1. Who is the best all-rounder in cricket history?

Sir Garfield Sobers is considered the greatest all-rounder in cricket history. His amazing batting, bowling and fielding made him a complete cricketer. Jacques Kallis comes very close, especially in terms of longevity and all-format play.

Q2. Who is the best all-rounder in Indian cricket history?

Kapil Dev is India’s best all-rounder ever. He led India to its first World Cup title in 1983 and became the first Indian fast bowler to take more than 400 Test wickets. His ability to change games with both bat and ball is unmatched.

Q3. Which all-rounder has the best statistics in cricket?

Jacques Kallis holds the most remarkable all-round record. He has scored more than 25,000 international runs and taken 550 wickets in various formats. Their consistency, technique and adaptability to all situations distinguish their stats.