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While cricket is often known for batters and bowlers making headlines, all-rounders have often played massive roles in giving teams some of the finest and most memorable victories over time.
There are some players who are great batters, while others are simply magnificent bowlers. However, there are only a few cricketers who have mastered or excelled in both aspects, thus widely regarded as the best all-rounders of the game.
What makes their role in a team so important? Well, they bring the key balance as all-rounders, with their ability to contribute with both the bat and the ball. The presence of an all-rounder in the side often gives the team the luxury to alter the combination as per the conditions and opposition.
The sport of cricket has seen some of the finest and greatest all-rounders in history who have not only embraced the game but also left behind a lasting legacy. From the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers to a big name in the modern era - Jacques Kallis, let us take a look at the 10 greatest men's all-rounders of all time.
10 greatest men's all-rounders of all time
#10 Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock is one of the best cricketing talents to have emerged from South Africa. The former Proteas international displayed remarkable skills during his exceptional career.
The fast-bowling all-rounder went on to represent his country in 108 Test matches, 303 ODIs, and 12 T20Is. Known for his bowling, Pollock amassed 3781 Test runs along with 3519 ODI runs. Moreover, he registered three centuries across Tests and ODIs.
He also scalped 421 Test wickets, 393 ODI wickets, and 15 T20I wickets. His exceptional stats helped him to be regarded as one of the finest all-rounders.
#9 Andrew Flintoff
Andrew Flintoff, the dynamic English all-rounder known for his presence on the field, was a dominant figure in cricket during the 2000s. Flintoff’s most celebrated performances came in the legendary 2005 Ashes series, where his heroics were key in securing England’s first Ashes victory over Australia in 19 years.
His career numbers highlight his all-round excellence. Across 79 Test matches, Flintoff scored 3,845 runs, including five centuries, while also claiming 226 wickets In ODIs, he played 141 matches, amassing 3,394 runs with three centuries to his name, and picked up 169 wickets.
Though his T20I career was short, Flintoff still made an impact in the seven games he played, scoring 76 runs and taking five wickets.
#8 Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya, a Sri Lankan cricket legend, is also among the sport's greatest all-rounders. Jayasuriya's aggressive left-handed batting as an opener transformed how the role was played in ODI cricket.
Accumulating over 13,000 runs and 28 centuries in ODIs, along with close to 7,000 runs and 14 centuries in Test matches, he was a game-changer who could shift the momentum in his team's favor with the bat alone.
In addition to his destructive batting, Jayasuriya’s skills as a spin bowler made him an invaluable asset. He claimed 323 wickets in ODIs and 98 wickets in Tests, providing crucial breakthroughs when needed.
#7 Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced. Shakib has held the top spot in the ICC all-rounders ranking for ODIs for a long time, and he has also claimed the number one position in the Test and T20I all-rounder rankings on several occasions.
Since making his debut in 2006, Shakib has accumulated more than 14,000 international runs and taken over 700 wickets for Bangladesh.
One of his key achievements came during the 2019 World Cup, where he delivered a spectacular performance, amassing 606 runs in just eight innings with two centuries and five half-centuries, along with claiming 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.39.
#6 Richard Hadlee
Richard Hadlee played in 86 Test matches, accumulating 3,124 runs at an average of 27.16, and notched up two centuries. Hadlee became the first bowler to take 400 wickets in Test cricket. By the end of his career, he had claimed an impressive 431 wickets.
In ODIs, Hadlee was equally excellent. In 115 matches, he scored 1,751 runs and took 158 wickets. Considered one of the greatest swing bowlers in the history of the game, Hadlee's prowess as a brilliant bowling all-rounder, combined with his reliable left-handed batting, established him as a renowned name in the cricketing world.
#5 Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev left a lasting legacy in Indian cricket over his 16-year-long international career. In Test cricket, Kapil played 131 matches, scoring 5,248 runs, including eight stunning centuries. With the ball, he was equally impactful, taking 434 wickets.
Kapil's excellence was not limited to Tests alone. In ODIs, he played 225 matches, amassing 3,783 runs while also bagging 253 wickets. He is remembered for his achievement came as captain, leading India to their first-ever World Cup victory in 1983, a moment that forever changed Indian cricket.
#4 Sir Ian Botham
Sir Ian Botham, a legendary figure in English cricket during the 1980s, played a crucial role in reviving the sport for his nation. Across his illustrious Test career, spanning 102 matches, Botham accumulated 5,200 runs including 14 centuries. As a bowler, he was equally formidable, picking up 383 wickets.
In ODIs, Botham played 116 matches, scoring 2,113 runs while also taking 145 wickets. His most iconic contribution came during the 1981 Ashes series, famously dubbed "Botham's Ashes," where he was instrumental in England’s 3-1 series win over Australia. Botham’s brilliance saw him claim 34 wickets at an average of 20.58, with three five-wicket hauls, while also scoring 399 runs at a 36.27 average, including two centuries.
#3 Imran Khan
Imran Khan, the legendary former captain of Pakistan, is among cricket's greatest all-rounders. His leadership instilled a fearless and resilient mindset within his team. In his Test career, he played 88 matches, scoring 3,807 runs, with six centuries to his name. As a bowler, he claimed 362 wickets.
In ODIs, Imran Khan played 175 matches, where he accumulated 3,709 runs and took 182 wickets. His greatest achievement came in the 1992 World Cup, where he guided Pakistan from early setbacks to ultimate victory. Imran's legacy as a potent bowler, intelligent batter, and visionary leader made him an influential figure.
#2 Sir Garfield Sobers
Sir Garfield Sobers is widely considered among the legends of West Indies cricket. Renowned for his superb batting, dynamic left-arm fast-medium bowling, and sharp fielding, Sobers was a true all-rounder. Over his remarkable Test career, he played 93 matches, accumulating 8,032 runs, including 26 centuries. As a bowler, he took 235 wickets.
While Sobers only featured in one ODI, where he claimed a wicket, his reputation as the finest cricketer of his generation remains unchallenged. Many top-tier bowlers of his era regarded him as the toughest batter to dismiss.
Sobers left an impressive mark on cricket history and has a legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.
#1 Jacques Kallis
South Africa's most distinguished all-rounder, Jacques Kallis rightfully claims the top spot on the list of cricket's greatest all-rounders. His career is defined by jaw-dropping statistics and unmatched versatility. In Test cricket, Kallis played 166 matches, scoring 13,289 runs, while notching 45 centuries. With the ball, he took 292 wickets.
In the ODI format, Kallis played in 328 matches, where he compiled 11,579 runs, hitting 17 centuries, and took 273 wickets. His T20I career saw him score 666 runs at an average of 35.05 and pick up 12 wickets with an average of 27.75.
Kallis is arguably the greatest all-rounder in the history of the game.
