Cricket has seen many great players, but only a select few have changed the way the game is played. These batsmen mastered technique, conquered pressure situations, and delivered match-winning performances across eras.
Here is the ultimate list of the Top 10 Batsmen in Cricket History, complete with career tables for each player.
1. Sir Don Bradman – The Greatest of All Time
Sir Donald Bradman is universally accepted as the greatest batsman ever. His Test average of 99.94 is one of the most incredible achievements in sports history. Bradman dominated fast bowlers, spinners, and every condition with unmatched consistency.
Why Bradman Is No. 1
- Insane average of 99.94
- Ability to read bowlers early
- Incredible shot placement and footwork
- Dominated the pre-helmet era
Don Bradman Career Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Format | Test |
| Matches | 52 |
| Runs | 6,996 |
| Average | 99.94 |
| 100s / 50s | 29 / 13 |
| Highest Score | 334 |
2. Sachin Tendulkar – The God of Cricket
Sachin Tendulkar played for 24 years, becoming the most complete batsman in history. He carried the expectations of over a billion fans and still delivered consistently.
Why Sachin Is a Legend
- 100 international centuries
- Most runs in Tests & ODIs
- Played against the greatest bowlers in every era
- Icon of discipline and technique
Sachin Tendulkar Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 200 | 463 |
| Runs | 15,921 | 18,426 |
| Average | 53.78 | 44.83 |
| 100s | 51 | 49 |
| Highest Score | 248* | 200* |
3. Virat Kohli – The Modern Era Run Machine
Virat Kohli has mastered all three formats with exceptional averages. His fitness, hunger, and chasing ability make him the most complete modern batsman.
Why Kohli Stands Out
- 75+ international centuries
- Average above 50 across formats
- GOAT of ODI chases
- Dominant in all countries
Virat Kohli Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 113+ | 292+ | 115 |
| Runs | 8,700+ | 13,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Average | 49+ | 58+ | 52+ |
| 100s | 29 | 50 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 254* | 183 | 122* |
4. Brian Lara – The Master of Flair
Brian Lara was a genius capable of playing marathon innings against the best attacks. His shots were elegant, powerful, and unique.
Why Lara Is Special
- Holder of the highest Test score: 400*
- Known for fearless stroke play
- Brilliant against both spin and pace
Brian Lara Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 131 | 299 |
| Runs | 11,953 | 10,405 |
| Average | 52.88 | 40.48 |
| 100s | 34 | 19 |
| Highest Score | 400* | 169 |
5. Ricky Ponting – Australia’s Dominant Run Machine
Ricky Ponting was the backbone of Australia during their golden era. His pull shot and cover drive were iconic.
Why Ponting Is a Legend
- Aggressive stroke play
- 3-time World Cup champion
- Consistent across all conditions
Ricky Ponting Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 168 | 375 |
| Runs | 13,378 | 13,704 |
| Average | 51.85 | 42.03 |
| 100s | 41 | 30 |
| Highest Score | 257 | 164 |
6. Jacques Kallis – The Most Complete All-Rounder
Jacques Kallis combined technical perfection with unstoppable consistency. As a batsman, he rivaled even Sachin and Ponting.
Why Kallis Is Elite
- One of the highest run scorers in Test history
- Incredible consistency
- Ability to play long, match-defining innings
Jacques Kallis Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 166 | 328 |
| Runs | 13,289 | 11,579 |
| Average | 55.37 | 44.36 |
| 100s | 45 | 17 |
| Highest Score | 224 | 139 |
7. Kumar Sangakkara – The King of Elegance
Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most technically gifted batsmen ever. His timing and class made him a nightmare for bowlers.
Why Sangakkara Is Great
- Consistency across all formats
- One of Sri Lanka’s greatest match-winners
- Elegant and reliable under pressure
Kumar Sangakkara Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 134 | 404 |
| Runs | 12,400 | 14,234 |
| Average | 57.40 | 41.98 |
| 100s | 38 | 25 |
| Highest Score | 319 | 169 |
8. Vivian Richards – The Master of Fearless Batting
Sir Vivian Richards revolutionized batting with his fearless, aggressive style. He dominated the fastest bowlers without wearing a helmet.
Why Viv Richards Is a Legend
- Unmatched dominance in the 1970s & 80s
- ODI strike rate over 90 in an era of slow scoring
- Supreme confidence and power
Viv Richards Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 121 | 187 |
| Runs | 8,540 | 6,721 |
| Average | 50.23 | 47.00 |
| 100s | 24 | 11 |
| Highest Score | 291 | 189* |
9. Joe Root – The Modern Test Maestro
Joe Root is the most consistent Test batsman of the last decade. His ability to play spin and pace makes him one of England’s greatest.
Why Root Is Top-Tier
- Incredible Test consistency
- Strong in all conditions
- Superb footwork and timing
Joe Root Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 135+ | 160+ |
| Runs | 11,500+ | 6,200+ |
| Average | 50+ | 48+ |
| 100s | 30+ | 16 |
| Highest Score | 254 | 133* |
10. AB de Villiers – Mr. 360°
AB de Villiers is the most innovative and explosive batsman in cricket history. His ability to play shots all around the wicket earned him the title “Mr. 360°”.
Why ABD Is Iconic
- Fastest ODI 50, 100, and 150
- Incredible versatility across formats
- Match-winner in pressure situations
- Revolutionized T20 batting
AB de Villiers Career Table
| Attribute | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 114 | 228 | 78 |
| Runs | 8,765 | 9,577 | 1,672 |
| Average | 50.66 | 53.50 | 26.12 |
| 100s | 22 | 25 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 278* | 176 | 79* |
Final Thoughts
Each player on this list changed cricket in a different way:
- Bradman set standards nobody could touch.
- Sachin and Lara brought art and elegance.
- Kohli, Ponting, and Sangakkara combined consistency with modern aggression.
- Viv Richards and ABD revolutionized stroke play.
- Kallis proved all-round perfection.
- Joe Root continues to redefine Test batting.
Together, these legends represent the true essence of batting excellence.
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