Top 10 Greatest Batsmen in Cricket History (Updated 2025)

Cricket has witnessed generations of extraordinary batsmen who have defined eras with elegance, dominance, and consistency. From the classical stroke play of Sir Vivian Richards to the modern-day brilliance of Virat Kohli, these players have not only amassed runs but also shaped the way the game is played. In this article, we rank the Top 10 Greatest Batsmen in Cricket History (as of 2025) based on their international stats across formats, trophies won, records, and legacy.

10. Rohit Sharma (India)

Career: 2007–present
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Total Intl. Runs: 18,700+
• Major Trophies:
  • ICC T20 World Cup (2024, Captain)
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2013, 2025)
  • Asia Cup (2016, 2018, 2022, 2023)
• Records: Most centuries in T20Is (5), 3 ODI double centuries

Legacy:
Rohit Sharma’s timing, elegance, and six-hitting prowess make him one of the most dangerous openers ever. Captaining India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy elevated him from a modern great to an all-time legend. He remains a pillar of Indian white-ball dominance.

9. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Career: 2004–2018
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Total Intl. Runs: 20,000+
• Major Trophies: None
• Records: Fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in ODIs

Legacy:
AB de Villiers revolutionized modern-day batting with his 360° strokeplay and innovation. He redefined T20 cricket and brought flair to ODIs and Tests. While trophies eluded him, his influence on the game’s evolution is unmatched.

8. Steve Smith (Australia)

Career: 2010–present
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Major Trophies:
  • ICC World Cup (2015, 2023)
  • ICC Test Championship (2023)

Legacy:
Steve Smith’s unorthodox style baffled critics but delivered elite Test performances. His consistency in Ashes and ICC events has made him Australia’s post-Ponting era batting backbone. In Tests, few match his appetite and average.

7. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Career: 2000–2015
Batting Style: Left-hand bat

• Total Intl. Runs: 28,000+
• Major Trophies:
  • ICC T20 World Cup (2014)
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2002 – joint)
• Awards: ICC Cricketer of the Year (2012)

Legacy:
Sangakkara’s cover drives and consistency made him one of the game’s most elegant run-machines. Beyond his runs, his leadership and sharp glove-work shaped Sri Lanka’s golden generation. His legacy is defined by class, intelligence, and longevity.

6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Career: 1995–2014
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Total Intl. Runs: 25,534
• Intl. Wickets: 577
• Major Trophies:
  • ICC Champions Trophy (1998)

Legacy:
Kallis was the ultimate all-rounder: equally dominant with bat and ball. His ability to win games across formats and conditions for nearly 20 years puts him in a league of his own. Statistically, he may be the most complete cricketer ever.

5. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Career: 1995–2012
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Major Trophies:
  • ICC World Cup (1999, 2003, 2007 – 2 as captain)
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2006, 2009)

Legacy:
Ponting was the anchor of Australia’s golden era. As a batsman, he was aggressive, composed, and ruthless. As a captain, he led the most dominant team in modern cricket history.

4. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Career: 1990–2007
Batting Style: Left-hand bat

• Major Trophies:
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2004)

Legacy:
Lara was cricket’s artist, a genius capable of playing the greatest innings ever witnessed. His 400* is cricketing Everest. He inspired an entire generation of Caribbean cricket fans with pure, expressive brilliance.

3. Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies)

Career: 1974–1991
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Major Trophies:
  • ICC World Cup (1975, 1979)

Legacy:
Viv Richards was the original batting intimidator. Playing without a helmet, he dominated attacks with swagger and power. He was not just a great batsman. He was a symbol of West Indian confidence, rebellion, and dominance.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Career: 2008–present
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Total Intl. Runs: 26,970+
• Major Trophies:
  • ICC T20 World Cup (2024)
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2013, 2025)
  • ICC U19 World Cup (2008)

Legacy:
Virat Kohli is the benchmark for modern cricketing excellence. His intensity, fitness, and hunger for success changed Indian cricket forever. He is the only batter to average over 50 in all formats and remains a true all-format giant.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Career: 1989–2013
Batting Style: Right-hand bat

• Total Intl. Runs: 34,357
• Intl. Centuries: 100 (World Record)
• Major Trophies:
  • ICC Cricket World Cup (2011)
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2002 – joint)

Legacy:
Sachin Tendulkar is the heartbeat of Indian cricket. From his debut at 16 to retiring as the highest run-scorer in the game’s history, he carried a nation’s hopes on his shoulders. His records are monumental, but his humility and love for the game are eternal.

Q1: Who is the No.1 batsman in cricket history?

A: Statistically and in legacy, Sachin Tendulkar is considered the greatest batsman of all time.

Q2: Who has scored the most centuries?

A: Sachin Tendulkar, with 100 international centuries (51 Tests, 49 ODIs).

Q3: Is Virat Kohli still playing in 2025?

A: Yes. As of May 2025, Kohli is active in limited-overs formats and remains a top-tier ODI batsman.

Q4: Who has the highest individual Test score?

A: Brian Lara holds the record with 400 not out against England in 2004.