Evaluating the world's top cricketers is a complex task, as it involves balancing a multitude of factors. How does a game-changing five-wicket haul in a Test match stack up against a match-winning 70 in an IPL final? How much weight should we give to versatility—does being a world-class performer across all formats elevate a player's standing? Compiling these rankings requires careful consideration of both long-term achievements and recent form. While we aim to avoid falling into the trap of recency bias, performances from the past year certainly hold significant sway.
All-rounders often have the edge, given their ability to impact the game in multiple dimensions, but there's also immense value in players who excel in a single discipline—whether it's a T20 finisher who can turn a match on its head or a new-ball bowler who consistently provides breakthroughs in Test cricket.
While statistics are more readily available than ever before, rankings like these will always be subjective, and inevitably, there will be players omitted that fans feel deserve a place. Nevertheless, we present our curated list of the 10 top cricketers in the world right now.
Best cricketers in the world 2024
10. Shakib Al Hasan
The ICC rankings certainly don’t tell the whole story, but Shakib Al Hasan's consistent presence in the top three among all-rounders across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is a remarkable feat, especially given the longevity with which he's maintained this elite standard.
With a batting average surpassing his bowling figures in all three formats, Shakib continues to defy age—his mid-thirties notwithstanding—and while his career has been marred by controversy, he undeniably remains one of the finest cricketers in the world today.
9. Kagiso Rabada
Since making his international debut in 2014, Kagiso Rabada has firmly cemented his reputation as one of the game's most potent fast bowlers across all formats. His ability to combine pace, bounce, and pinpoint control ensures he remains a threat, even on the most unresponsive pitches. With an exceptional Test bowling average of just 22, Rabada has also become a key figure in the global T20 franchise scene.
Holding the best Test match strike rate among bowlers who have played more than 18 Tests, he has thrived as the spearhead of South Africa's bowling attack, stepping into the leadership role following the retirements of legends like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
8. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins’ past 12 months have been nothing short of spectacular. After leading Australia to retain the Ashes and clinch the World Test Championship, he guided the team to World Cup victory, highlighted by a match-defining bowling display in the final. In recognition of his stellar year, he was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2023.
His remarkable form continued as he became the second-most expensive IPL player ever in the 2024 auction. Known for his skillful bowling arsenal and handy lower-order batting, Cummins is also showing signs of growth as a captain, further solidifying his place among the game’s elite.
7. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell may have entered international cricket later than most, but he’s quickly made his mark in a big way. With an impressive batting average of over 50 in both Tests and ODIs, the New Zealand all-rounder has also earned several lucrative franchise contracts, including a high-profile deal with Chennai Super Kings for the 2024 IPL season.
Mitchell has delivered both gritty, long-form Test innings and explosive white-ball performances, making him one of the most adaptable batters in the game today. As a result, he's become a cornerstone of the Black Caps' lineup across all formats.
6. Joe Root
Even after a relatively quiet period, England's finest ever batter still earned his rightful place in these rankings. Joe Root, currently ranked third in the Test batting standings, continues to be a formidable force in white-ball cricket as well.
His unforgettable 122* in Ranchi is widely regarded as one of his finest innings, adding to an already impressive tally of 47 international centuries and an average nearing 50 in both Tests and ODIs. With 11,626 runs in Test cricket at just 33 years old, Root is on track to potentially surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most Test runs in history.
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has swiftly made his mark on international cricket, with his remarkable pair of double centuries against England shattering multiple records. But it's not just the runs that stand out—it's the style in which he’s scored them.
Jaiswal has confidently attacked the new ball, shown patience when needed, and displayed the flair that has already made him a force in short-format cricket. At just 22, the potential ahead of him seems boundless. Holding the record for the fastest fifty in IPL history, Jaiswal is set to become an all-format cricket sensation.
4. Heinrich Klaasen
It may raise eyebrows to rank a batter with limited Test experience this highly, but Heinrich Klaasen's extraordinary white-ball hitting power demands recognition among the world's elite players. Having played just four Tests at the time of writing, the South African's impact in limited-overs cricket is undeniable.
Klaasen boasts the second-highest strike rate in IPL history, and among the top 13 players for career ODI strike rates, he's the only one to average 40 with the bat. Known for his ability to dismantle any bowling attack, the Pretoria-born dynamo has become a highly sought-after figure on the T20 circuit, excelling at both attacking the middle overs and finishing games with brutal power.
3. Rachin Ravindra
Much like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rachin Ravindra has made an immediate impact on the international stage. With standout performances in the World Cup and a strong showing with both bat and ball in the Test series against South Africa, Ravindra has quickly become an indispensable all-format player for the Black Caps. While the numbers don't yet fully capture his potential, the 25-year-old is only beginning to hit his stride.
Expect plenty more match-defining performances from this promising all-rounder in the years to come.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is undeniably the best bowler in the world right now, and there’s little room for debate. Whether it’s the opening over of a Test match or the final over of a white-ball decider, Bumrah is the bowler you want in the pressure moments.
His short, unorthodox run-up and distinctive, jerky action make him a nightmare for batters to read, generating awkward angles that they struggle to adjust to. Capable of swinging and seaming the red ball when conditions favour him, Bumrah also boasts a fearsome bouncer and a collection of near-unplayable yorkers, cementing his status as one of the most formidable bowlers in modern cricket.
1. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja stands head and shoulders above the competition at the top of the Test all-rounder rankings, showcasing his all-around brilliance. A superb batter in all formats, Jadeja is equally lethal with the ball, adept at attacking in the subcontinent and playing a more restrictive role on foreign soil. His exceptional fielding abilities also place him among the best in the world.
While his statistics don't always capture the full scope of his influence, his Test batting average—12 points higher than his bowling average—speaks volumes about his impact. Often overshadowed by Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling and never quite the focal point with the bat alongside players like Virat Kohli, Jadeja’s contribution goes beyond the numbers. A fierce competitor, he would be a contender for any world XI, in any format or condition.
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