Cricket one of the most popular sports in the world, has produced some of the stars and icons who are loved and known worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the records, statistics, and fan following of the top 10 most trending and popular cricketers in the world.
Sachin Tendulkar – The Little Master
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1973
- Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Sachin Tendulkar, widely known as the Little Master, is an Indian cricketing legend. His records and statistics are nothing short of inspiring. Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. With 15,921 runs in Tests and 18,426 runs in ODIs, he stands as the leading run-scorer in the history of both formats.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record of 100 international centuries, an achievement that seems almost unreachable. His consistency, elegance, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him the title of one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.
Known as the ‘God of Cricket, Tendulkar’s fan following is nothing short of a global phenomenon. He is loved and admired by fans of all around the world.
Virat Kohli – The Run Machine
- Date of Birth: November 5, 1988
- Place of Birth: Delhi, India
Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, is often hailed as the Run Machine for his unparalleled consistency across formats. His records in ODIs are staggering; he is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs.
Kohli’s list of achievements includes being the only batsman to average over 50 in all three formats. With a bundle of records and accolades to his name, Kohli is a modern-day cricketing icon.
The captaincy of the Indian team under Kohli has witnessed numerous successes, including historic Test series wins in Australia. With a massive social media following, Kohli is not just a cricketing star; he is a brand in himself. His influence extends to fashion, fitness, and lifestyle, making him a trendsetter on and off the field.
Babar Azam – The Elegant Stylist
- Date of Birth: October 15, 1994
- Place of Birth: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Babar Azam has emerged as one of the brightest talents in international cricket. His graceful stroke play and ability to adapt to different formats make him a versatile batsman. Babar Azam, a stylish and technically sound batsman, made his international debut in 2015. Babar is known for his elegant cover drives and has been a consistent run-scorer for Pakistan in all formats.
Azam’s record for being the fastest to 1,000, 7000, 8000, and 1000 runs, in T20 internationals showcases his impact on the shortest format of the game. As the captain of the Pakistani cricket team, Azam has led from the front, earning praise for his calm demeanor and strategic captaincy.
AB de Villiers – Mr. 360
- Date of Birth: February 17, 1984
- Place of Birth: Pretoria, Transvaal Province, South Africa
South African cricketer AB de Villiers, widely known as Mr. 360 for his ability to play shots all around the ground, is a modern-day batting genius. AB de Villiers is known for his innovative batting style. His ability to play a wide range of shots, coupled with remarkable hand-eye coordination, makes him one of the most exciting and versatile batsmen in cricket.
In Test cricket, de Villiers has amassed over 8,765 runs in 114 matches, including 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries. His highest Test score of 278* against Pakistan in 2010 reflects his capability to play marathon innings. In ODIs, he boasts an impressive record with more than 9,577 runs in 228 matches, striking 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries. Notably, de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs, scoring 100 off just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015.
AB de Villiers has had several record-breaking moments throughout his illustrious career. In 2015, he smashed the fastest fifty in ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls against the West Indies. His amazing knock of 149 off 44 balls against the same opposition in the same series is regarded as one of the greatest ODI innings.
Shahid Afridi – Boom Boom Afridi
- Date of Birth: March 1, 1980
- Place of Birth: Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan
Shahid Afridi, also known as Boom Boom Afridi, is a Pakistani cricketing sensation. His aggressive batting style and explosive performances have made him a household name in the cricketing world. Afridi’s record for the fastest ODI century scored in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to his power-hitting abilities.
Beyond his batting prowess, Afridi has been a valuable all-rounder, contributing significantly with his leg-spin bowling. With more than 5400 runs and over 350 wickets in ODIs, Afridi’s impact on the game is multifaceted.
Afridi’s fan base, often referred to as ‘Lala’ by his teammates, transcends borders. His popularity extends to social media, where fans eagerly follow his posts and cricketing insights.
Brian Lara West Indian legend
- Date of Birth: May 2, 1969
- Place of Birth: Santa Cruz, Trinidad, West Indies
Brian Lara is a West Indian cricketing icon and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings, an unbeaten 400 against England in 2004.
Throughout his career, Lara’s stylish batting captivated audiences worldwide. He was a consistent performer and held the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket before it was surpassed by Matthew Hayden and later Brian Lara himself.
Lara’s popularity in West Indian cricket is immeasurable, and his records continue to inspire young cricketers.
Chris Gayle – Six Machine
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1979
- Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
Chris Gayle, known as the Six Machine, is a West Indian batsman renowned for his explosive power-hitting and ability to clear boundaries with ease. Gayle holds the record for the most sixes in T20 cricket and is the first player to score two triple-centuries in Test matches.
His destructive batting style, particularly in T20 leagues worldwide, has earned him the nickname ‘Universe Boss.’ Gayle’s contributions to the West Indies, including a key role in their T20 World Cup victory, have solidified his status as a cricketing legend.
Gayle’s towering sixes have garnered him a massive following on social media. Fans eagerly await his appearances in the T20 leagues, where he continues to entertain with his entertaining and powerful performances.
Wasim Akram – The King of Swing
- Date of Birth: June 3, 1966
- Place of Birth: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Wasim Akram, known as the King of Swing, remains an immortal figure in the history of cricket. His ability to swing the ball both ways at a lethal pace has left an indelible mark. Akram’s record for the most wickets in List A cricket with 881 is a testament to his dominance.
The left-arm pacer was the first bowler to reach the 500-wicket mark in ODI cricket, achieving this milestone during the ICC World Cup 2003.
Akram’s fan following spans across generations, with cricket analysts acknowledging his contribution to the art of swing bowling. Social media platforms are filled with highlights, and tributes to the King of Swing.
Muttiah Muralitharan – Spin Wizard
- Date of Birth: April 17, 1972
- Place of Birth: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan off-spin bowler, is hailed as the greatest test match bowler ever. Holding the record for the highest number of wickets in Test and ODI cricket, Muralitharan’s spin wizardry is unparalleled.
Muralitharan’s achievements include taking 800 wickets in Test cricket and 534 wickets in ODIs. He is the only player to take 10 wickets in a Test in four consecutive matches, showcasing his consistency and dominance.
His popularity in Sri Lankan cricket and spin bowling globally is immeasurable. Muralitharan enjoys a dedicated fan following, with social media platforms celebrating his magical deliveries and match-winning performances.
Brett Lee – Binga, the Super-Fast
- Date of Birth: November 8, 1976
- Place of Birth: Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Brett Lee, known as Binga, is a former Australian cricketer celebrated as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of world cricket. His super-fast pace and athletic fielding made him a formidable force on the field.
Lee holds the record, alongside Mike Hussey, for the highest 7th-wicket partnership for Australia in ODIs. His aggressive style of bowling and useful lower-order batting made him a valuable asset for the Australian team.
Beyond his cricketing prowess, Lee is admired for his charm and personality. Fans across the globe fondly remember his express pace and iconic celebrations.