Top 10 Shortest Cricketers in Cricket History (2025 List)

By: Cricbites | October 27, 2025

Cricket is often called the “gentleman’s game”, but it is also a game of incredible diversity and not just in terms of countries, but also in terms of physical ability. From tall fast bowlers who pose a threat to batsmen to strokemakers who dance gracefully on the field, cricket has seen it all. Height can be an advantage when bowling fast or fielding, but being short has its own advantages. A lower centre of gravity gives shorter cricketers better balance, which is really important for batting.

In this blog, we take a look at the top 10 shortest cricketers in cricket history (list updated as of 2025).

1. Kruger van Wyk (New Zealand)

Standing at just 4 feet 9 inches (150 cm), Kruger van Wyk holds the record for being the smallest international cricketer in history. Born in South Africa, van Wyk later represented New Zealand as a wicketkeeper-batsman. He made his Test debut for the Black Caps in 2012 and played nine matches, scoring 341 runs. His quick reflexes, sharp glove work and fearless attitude behind the stumps prove that height has never been a barrier to success.

2. Tich Cornford (England)

Next on the list is Walter “Teach” Cornford, who was just 5 feet (152 cm) tall. Cornford was an England wicketkeeper in the early 1930s and represented his country in four Test matches. Despite his small frame, Cornford was fast and incredibly reliable behind the stumps. His nickname “Teach” literally means “little” and is a term of endearment given to people of short stature.

3. Sunil Gavaskar (India)

When you talk about greatness in cricket, Sunil Gavaskar’s name shines brightly and height has nothing to do with it. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), this Indian batting legend redefined how cricket was played against fearsome fast bowlers in the 1970s and 1980s. Gavaskar became the first player in history to score 10,000 Test runs and was a master of technique and concentration. His ability to bowl fast without a helmet is still legendary.

4. Tich Freeman (England)

Third on the list with Gavaskar, Alfred Percy “Teach” Freeman was another English player who left a big mark in cricket history. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, Freeman was a leg-spin bowler who played for England between 1924 and 1929. What makes Freeman’s story great is his prowess in first-class cricket where he took 3,776 wickets, the second most of all time! In 1928 alone, he took a record 304 wickets in a single season.

5. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim may be just 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, but he has been one of his nation’s greatest assets. Known for his fierce determination and never-give-up attitude, Mushfiqur has over 8,000 ODI runs. His small stature allows him to move quickly behind the stumps and play late cuts and sweeps with perfection. Mushfiqur’s stamina has made him a symbol of Bangladeshi cricketing pride.

6. Parthiv Patel (India)

Another Indian wicketkeeper on this list, Parthiv Patel, made headlines when he made his debut for India at the age of just 17. Standing at 5’3 inches tall, Parthiv’s agility and sharp reflexes made him a natural behind the stumps. While his international career often went under-the-radar due to rivals like MS Dhoni, he enjoyed a long and successful domestic run, scoring over 11,000 first-class runs.

7. David Boon (Australia)

Australian batsman David Boon was only 5’3″ tall, but he was a great player when it came to batting. Known for his compact build and assertive nature, Boon played 107 Tests and scored over 7,000 runs. Boon’s strengths were his strong defence and ability to play long innings. He was particularly dominant at pull and square cuts, using his short stature against bouncers. He also became a great figure in Australian cricket, known for his personality and stories of hard work during the 1989 Ashes tour. Short but energetic, Boon displayed a true Australian fighting spirit.

8. Gundappa Vishwanath (India)

If beauty had a name, it would be Gundappa Vishwanath. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, “Vishy” was an artist of Indian cricket in the 1970s and early 1980s. His amazing stroke play, perfect timing and humility made him a fan favorite. In 91 Tests, he scored 6,080 runs with 14 centuries. Vishwanath’s ability to rescue India from difficult situations made him one of the most reliable batsmen of his era.

9. Mominul Haque (Bangladesh)

Standing at 5 ft 3.5 in (161 cm), Bangladesh’s Mominul Haque is a mainstay of the country’s Test team. Often referred to as the “Little Master of Bangladesh”, Mominul has scored over 3,700 Test runs, including several centuries at home. As a former Bangladesh Test captain, Mominul is respected for his calm leadership and consistency in the longest format.

10. Prithvi Shaw (India)

At the end of our list is Prithvi Shaw, one of the most exciting young talents in modern cricket. Standing at 5ft 4in (163cm), Shaw is known for his explosive power and quick footwork. He made an immediate impact by scoring a century on his Test debut for India in 2018 at the age of just 18. His calm demeanour and fearless approach remind fans of a young Sachin Tendulkar, proving once again that height is no limit to talent.

Conclusion

The history of cricket is filled with great players, both literally and figuratively. Yet, the true beauty of the game lies in its inclusiveness. From the 4’9″ Kruger van Wyk to the 5’4″ Prithvi Shaw, these players proved that heart and talent matter more than height. Be it Gavaskar or Boon, against the English bowlers, these cricketers showed that size is just a number and passion for the game always wins.

FAQs

Q1. Who is the shortest cricketer in history?

The shortest international cricketer is New Zealand’s Kruger van Wyk, whose height is just 4 feet 9 inches (150 cm).

Q2. Does height affect cricket performance?

Height can influence certain aspects of cricket but does not determine success. Taller players, especially bowlers, may have extra bounce and pace. However, shorter players benefit from better balance, quicker footwork and a smaller strike zone.

Q3. Who is the shortest Indian cricketer ever?

The shortest Indian cricketer in history is Sunil Gavaskar, who stands at 5 ft 2 in (157 cm). Despite his small stature, he became the first player to score 10,000 Test runs and is widely regarded as one of the greatest openers in cricket history.

Q4. Are there any advantages to being short in cricket?

Yes! Short players often have a lower center of gravity, which gives them better balance and agility. This is why many short cricketers are better as batsmen and wicketkeepers than as fast bowlers.

Q5. Which current players under 5’5″ are performing well in 2025?

Players like Mominul Haque (Bangladesh), Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) and Prithvi Shaw (India) were all 5’5 tall. Yet their success shows that cricket is a game where skill is primarily important.