Cricket has always been fascinated by the aspect of a player who can deliver with both bat and ball; such players are called all-rounders. These individuals possess the rare ability to influence the game in multiple ways, providing balance and versatility to their teams. All-rounders in cricket are players who bring balance to their teams. They possess a diverse skill set, enabling them to contribute in various match situations. All-rounders play a vital role in the team's success, providing depth and flexibility to the batting and bowling lineup. Cricket, known for being a team sport, has always celebrated the presence of all-rounders. These exceptional athletes possess the rare ability to contribute with both bat and ball, making them crucial assets for their teams. In this article, we will be talking about the all-rounders, set to shine on the big stage of cricket:
1. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib al Hasan is regarded as the greatest all-rounder in ODI and T-20 formats. The Bangladeshi legend is set to play his last world cup, and we expect him to go out in style by delivering a standout performance. His crafty left-arm spin causes trouble to the batsman. He delivers with the bat also and has played many crucial innings for his teams, like the T-20 world-up match against Pakistan in 2012, where he scored 84 out of just 50 balls, saving his side. He can single-handedly change the game’s pace and shift the tide in his country’s favor. He scored over 7000 runs while taking over 300 wickets in ODI. He is considered Bangladesh’s best player ever, and he is set to narrate his own story at the 2023 world cup.
2. Ben Stokes
We Can’t rule him out yet; Ben Strokes has a history of shining on the big stage. ICC World Cup, the Ashes, and more. He saves England when all hope is lost. He is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to provide crucial breakthroughs for the team on numerous occasions. He took Steve Smith’s wicket in the 2023 ashes breaking a long-going partnership. His inside swing causes trouble and adds that with the bounce, he is a lethal foe to any batsman. He has over 5000 runs in test cricket while having played just 92 games. He also has 200 wickets in the same 92 games. He is England’s most significant asset when I come to the ICC championships.
3. Mitchell Santner
He may not be as flashy as other all-rounders, but his value for his team is unimaginable. He has been an essential pillar for the New Zealand team, helping them to 2 ICC finals and one test world championship. His off-spin and lower-order finishing make him crucial for the team’s success. Mitchell doesn’t exceed in stats, having a batting average of only 30 in all three formats and under 100 wickets, but he makes up for it by shining at crucial stages. He is an essential gear in that team’s system that would fall apart in case of his absence. He is sure to put on a show in the next world cup.
4. Chris Woakes
He is another Englishmen who has made players admire him everywhere he plays. Skilled with both bat and ball, he makes quite a pair with ben stokes. His inswing and change of pace are deadly weapons, accompanied by his ability to add on runs in the last quarter. He has been integral to England’s success. His stats in test cricket are quite the achievements: A batting average of 30 and more than 150 wickets. His best spell is 6/17. Consistency is the key to him. His line length and accuracy are near perfect, and he can read batsman footwork well. He has proven to be a potent wicket-taker, providing crucial breakthroughs. He will be important for England’s chances at the world cup.
5. Rashid Khan
He is on his way to becoming one of the best all-rounders. His IPL performance is a testament to that. His leg spin keeps troubling the batsman, and add that with his googly, and you got a massive weapon. He speaks with his bat, also adding runs in the last few overs, as he did many times for GT in IPL 2023. He possesses excellent control over length, accuracy, and turns. He has a quick arm action, and offs spin inside is a charm. He has achieved an eight 5W haul over the course of his short career. He is Afghanistan’s ace and would look to help advance his team into the competition. He is undoubtedly going to be one of the standout players.
6. Shardul Thakur
Dubbed Lord by the Indians fans, he has proved his worth as a valuable all-rounder for the Indian cricket team. He has 30 wickets in tests while having played only nine matches and 50 in ODI with 35 games under his cap. While Thakur's primary skill lies in his bowling, he has also shown his ability with the bat. He can score quick runs in the lower order, which adds depth to India's batting lineup. He has a strike rate of 180 in T20 cricket which helps in the high run chase. Thakur's aggressive stroke play and ability to hit big shots make him a valuable lower-order batsman.
7. Mehidy Hasan
In a short period, Mehidy has shown his class and will surely get better with time. He has a knack for Red Ball cricket than other formats. Mehidy variations and control over line and length make him a challenging bowler, particularly in subcontinent conditions. His batting technique and ability to occupy the crease have helped Bangladesh overcome severe odds. His performance in the latest edition of BPL shows him as a potential match-winner. He adds versatility to the team’s depth. With his talent and dedication, he can prove to be a massive asset for Bangladesh and prove his worth in the 2023 world cup.
8. Dhananjaya de Silva
He bats, he bowls, and he tops the charts with both. Known for his elegant batting, he averages over 40 runs in test cricket. He is resilient, has a sound temperament, and is a dependable middle-order batsman. His ability to counter attacks attracts praise. He has scored nine hundred in his test career yet. As a bowler, he can break long-standing partnerships. His slow ball works like a charm every time. With work on his skills and experience under the proper guidance, he will undoubtedly show his worth on the big stage and become a pivotal player for Sri Lanka. He contributes with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset to the team in all formats.
9. Aiden Markram
He is a young prodigy who shot through the ranks, Aiden Markram. A future opener for his side, he is an off-side player. Markram brings a broader repertoire of shots to a generally conservative South African top-order. He averaged over 50 in the 2017 season. He offers stability as an opener and a good combination of defensive techniques along with an aggressive stroke play. While Markram has been primarily recognized for his batting, he has also contributed with occasional off-spin bowling. Although not a regular bowler, he can provide a breakthrough or contain the opposition when required.
10. Alzarri Joseph
Joseph’s rise to his fame occurred in 2016 when he carried his team to the U-19 World Cup finals. He has a smooth bowling action and can consistently bowl around 140km/ranked 14th in the ODI bowling. His aggressive bowling has earned him praise from the experts. His stats are also impressive, bagging 95 wickets in only 55 matches. His pace is his weapon which keeps the batsman on the back foot. His bouncers and ability to turn the ball make him an exciting prospect. Through hard work and dedication, he can create a new path for his country and show a new West Indie side in the coming world cup.
