Over the years, there have been several underrated cricketers in cricket history. The recognition of these most underrated cricketers has been less than that of your typical superstar.
So, what’s the deal with this?
Do they deserve this?
It is a fact that they are underrated heroes of cricket. They do not deserve this. They also deserve fame.
This group includes batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, and bowlers. In their way, they are all underrated heroes. These most underrated cricketers make their country proud in many situations.
Because this was a complex task to analyze, please let me know if I missed any. Here is a list of the 32 most underrated cricketers in history, with no ado.
Table of Contents
25. Kyle Coetzer
- Date of birth: 14.04.1984
- Nation: Scotland
- Role: Batsman
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
Scotland’s Ex-captain Kyle Coetzer is one of the most underrated cricketers. From the junior level to the senior, he was a leader from the Scotland side. This most underrated cricketer made his t20 and ODI debut in 2008. His batting prowess is commendable, as are his leadership qualities.
He made 89 against the Netherlands in his career highest, in the 2019 t20 tri-nations series. In the 2009 World Twenty20, he scored 75 runs at 37.50 against New Zealand and South Africa.
He scored the most runs—333 at an average of 55.50 each—of any player from the four World Cup qualifying tournaments during the 2015 World Cup preparation tour. In the 2015 world cup, he scored 156 against Bangladesh. In his captaincy, Scotland Played 41 games and won 20 games.
Records
Major Records
- 5th most run in a series by a captain (769) in One-Day Internationals.
- 10th Fastest to 2000 runs in ODI Internationals.
- In ODI internationals, he was the 10th oldest player to score a hundred.
ODI
- The eighth most runs in a series (994).
- 5th Most runs scored by a captain in a series.
- Maiden hundred number 50th (133).
- 47th successive innings of the fifties.
T20I
- The 50th most run in his career (1495).
- 33rd most runs scored by a captain in an inning.
- The 32nd most fours in his career (158).
- 49th Most successive matches by a team (35).
24. Ish Sodhi
- Date of birth: 31.10.1992
- Nation: New Zealand
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm leg-break
Ish Sodhi is currently New Zealand’s most underrated cricketer. Despite being of Indian origin, he is a New Zealand citizen and plays for the Kiwis. In 2012-13 he started his first-class career in New Zealand. His performance impressed New Zealand’s selectors enough to award him a Test debut after only one complete season of first-class cricket.
Sodhi impressed everyone with his super flights and turns and made his place on the team. Against Bangladesh, he made his Test Debut in 2013. Next year, he made his t20 debut against the West Indies. In 2015, Sodhi made his ODI international debut against Zimbabwe.
Despite being a high-economy bowler, his wicket-taking ability helped him progress in his career. During adverse times, Sodhi’s batting also plays a vital role in helping the team.
Records
T20I
- 4th most wickets in a Twenty20 International career (112).
- 3rd fastest to 100 wickets in Twenty20 Internationals (78).
- 13th career high for most innings with four wickets in a row (3).
- First most caught and bowled wickets (8).
- 14th highest number of wickets in a calendar year (28).
- 37th highest number of wickets on a single ground (17).
23. Suranga Lakmal
- Date of birth: 10.03.1987
- Nation: Sri Lanka
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm Medium
We know Suranga Lakmal for his fast bowling with bounce and swing. He debuted in the second ODI against India, replacing Dilhara Fernando in 2009. Next year in November, Lakmal debuted against the West Indies in Test cricket.
Lakmal, one of cricket’s most underrated players, was reinforcing the bowling attack. In 2011, he debuted in the t20 international. He grabbed eight wickets in three tests against Australia at home in 2011.
He got 12 wickets in three tests against Pakistan in the UAE in 2014, and he backed it up with six against Bangladesh. Lakmal dominated in the test format in his cricket career. With his bowling skills, he is one of the top attacking medium-fast bowlers. But as per expectations, he does not get a chance on the team.
Records
Test & ODI Cricket
- In a test match, he takes a wicket with the first ball bowled.
- In Tests, Suranga Lakmal recorded hauls of five wickets four times.
- Lakmal took four wickets three times in ODI cricket.
22. Dinesh Chandimal
- Date of birth: 18.11.1989
- Nation: Sri Lanka
- Role: Wicketkeeper Batsman
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Chandimal is a technically solid batsman with strokes all over the wicket. He is a mature batsman at the crease and good at pacing and constructing innings. In age-level cricket, Chandimal consistently showed his talent with bat and glove. At 21, Chandimal debuted in the t20 in 2010 against New Zealand.
He was the youngest ODI captain for Sri Lanka in 2013. Chandimal made his test debut against Pakistan in 2011. In His test career, he scored almost 5000 runs till now.
But he is still one of the most underrated cricketers. As a wicketkeeper, he is also a phenomenon. In the test, he caught and stumped 92. In ODI, he made 69, and in the t20, he made 42 till now.
Major Records
- n Twenty20 Internationals, he has the most catches in an inning (4).
- In test matches, he has the 5th highest dismissal in an inning (6).
- He has no ducks in his Twenty20 Internationals career.
Test
- The 27th-highest runs on a single ground.
- As a wicketkeeper, Chandimal made the 26th-highest runs in an inning (162*).
- The 36th highest denials in a match (8).
ODI
- He scored a hundred and four dismissals in an inning.
- The 24th youngest player to score a century (20y 199d).
- 13th Fifty in a row (5).
- He was the 19th Youngest captain (23y 244d).
T20I
- 5th Captains who kept wicket and opened the batting (1).
- 24th highest fifth-wicket partnership (85*).
21.Andile Phehlukwayo
- Date of birth: 03.03.1996
- Nation: South Africa
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: Left Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
The next one is Andile Phehlukwayo, a South African young talented all-rounder. The memory of him is both for his exceptional finishing ability and for his death due to economic bowling. In 2015-16, he was in phenomenal form for the Dolphins in his domestic career. After that, he made it in the ODI against Ireland in September 2016.
Phehlukwayo leads the wickets total in his second ODI series with a 5-0 ODI sweep of Australia. He debuted against Sri Lanka in the t20 international in 2017.
After an injury, one of the most underrated cricketers making a comeback against Sri Lanka in the ODIs, Phehlukwayo evolved into South Africa’s death-over specialist. In 2017, He made his test debut against Bangladesh.
Record
T20I
- 24th highest wickets taken caught by a wicketkeeper (9).
- 42nd Most lbw-taken wickets (6).
20. Adam Zampa
- Date of birth: 31.03.1992
- Nation: Australia
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm leg break
Adam Zampa, an Australian fierce and spirited leg spinner, is one of cricket’s most underrated cricketers. Zampa impresses with his controlled leg-break bowling and variations of pace with low turns on the ground.
His talent in the under-19 world cup and BBL was noticeable. After getting praise for his performance, he debuted In ODI against New Zealand. He made his international t20 debut against South Africa in the same year.
It took Zampa a while to cement his place in the Australian ODI and T20I teams after taking five wickets at an economy of 6.27 in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Since 2019, he has been a regular member of Australia’s ODI and T20 squads. In his career, he already took 120+ wickets in ODI and 80+ wickets in T20 internationals.
Records
Major Records
- 6th highest number of wickets in a series (41) in One-Day Internationals.
- 7th highest wickets taken with lbw (12) in T20 Internationals.
ODI
- 6th highest number of wickets in a series (41).
- 14th successive four wickets in an inning (2).
T20I
- 27th-highest number of wickets in a year (26).
- 35th in the number of player-of-the-match honors (6).
- 8th most stumped wickets taken (10)
19. Vernon Philander
- Date of birth: 24.06.1985
- Nation: South Africa
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
Philander has the power to inswing and outswing the ball. He maintained a rapid speed and continuously bowled at precise lengths to target the stumps. He played a match-winning performance against Ireland in his debut ODI match.
In the same year, he debuted in the t20 Internationals. However, he did not gain enough playing time in the ODI and T20 formats. Philander made his debut in test cricket in 2011 against Australia.
In his first five months of Test cricket, he amassed 50 wickets in only seven matches, the second-fastest in Test history. He almost took 220+ wickets in his test cricket career till now. He is currently one of the most underrated cricketers in world history.
Records
Major Records
- 2nd fastest to 50 wickets in test cricket matches (7).
- Third Best Bowling Evaluations in an Inning (5/7) Test Games.
Test
- Batting and bowling openers for the same game.
- In a single ground, a 53-wicket haul is 37th most.
- 7th quickest to 100 wickets (19).
- 42nd most player-of-the-match honors (8).
- 47th Most player-of-the-series honors (3).
- 15th consecutive game with five wickets in an inning (3).
ODI
- On debut, the 15th-best performance in an inning (4).
18. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Date of birth: 28.03.2001
- Nation: Afghanistan
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Mujeeb is a mixture of off-spin and leg-spin with a googly and carrom balls. So he is a complete package of a spinner. Mujeeb has an exceptional wicket-taking ability with the new ball. He made a sensation in the ACC under 19 cups. As a result, Mujeeb debuted in the ODI in 2017 against Ireland. He had four wickets for 24 runs on his debut. In his career, he already took 70+ wickets in ODI.
He debuted in the t20 international against Zimbabwe. In June, he debuted in the test against India in February 2018. One of the most underrated mystery spinners, he adds flavor to the BPL and IPL.
Records
Major Records
- 1st Youngest player to capture five-wickets-in-an-innings (16y 325d) in One-Day Internationals.
Test
- 17thYoungest player (17y 78d)to debut in test cricket.
ODI
- On debut, he took the 15th four wickets in an inning.
- 19th quickest to 50 wickets (27).
T20I
- 42nd Most lbw-taken wickets (6).
- 38th most four-wicket innings in a career (2).
17.Dimuth Karunaratne
- Date of birth: 21.04.1988
- Nation: Sri Lanka
- Role: Batsman
- Batting Style: Left Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
Karunaratne is a solid opener for the post Dilshan, Jayawardene era. Now he is a leader of the top order. From school-level cricket to domestic-level cricket, he was at his peak form. Everyone was astonished at his batting skills.
As a result, he debuted in the ODI in 2011 against England. On this tour, he played in two games and scored four runs against England in Manchester and sixty runs against Scotland in Edinburgh.
Despite being a talented batsman, he has remained one of the most underrated cricketers in the ODI format. However, he debuted in test cricket in 2012 against New Zealand. So far, he has scored 6000+ runs in his Test career.
Records
Major Records
- 7th Fifties in a row in a Test match’s innings (6).
- Fifty fielding dismissals and 5000 runs in test matches.
- In Test games, carrying the bat through an entire inning (158*).
Test
- 18th-most runs scored on one field (1509).
- The 23rd most runs scored in an inning by a captain (244).
- 26th Most player-of-the-series honors (4).
16. Kraigg Brathwaite
- Date of birth: 01.12.1992
- Nation: West Indies
- Role: Batsman
- Batting Style: Left Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
West Indian calm captain Kraigg Brathwaite is an absolute potential batsman. We know him for his focus and brilliant techniques. His batting sometimes reminded the legendary one of the most underrated cricketers Shiv Narayan Chanderpaul.
He played in the 2010 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. After collecting 335 runs in 6 innings, including four fifties at a respectable average of 67, he became the top run scorer for the West Indies.
In 2011, he debuted in test cricket against Pakistan. He has amassed more than 5000 runs in test cricket during his career, including 212 runs in a single inning. In 2016, he debuted in ODI cricket against Pakistan. However, he did not get enough chances in ODI cricket.
Records
Major Records
- Test matches with two unbeaten fifties.
- 8th youngest player in Test history to score a double hundred (21y 278d).
- A hundred and ninety in a Test match.
Test
- The twenty-first most nineties in a career (5).
- Batting through an entire inning (142*).
- 26th Most youthful captains (25y 8d).
15. Tabraiz Shamsi
- Date of birth: 18.02.1990
- Nation: South Africa
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Left-arm Chinaman
A left-arm spin bowler from South Africa is Tabraiz Shamsi. We know him for his unique celebrations after taking wickets. He is a Chinaman bowler with lots of variations in his stock.
In many franchise crickets, he played brilliantly. As a result, he got a call from the national team in 2016 and debuted in the ODI against Australia. In the same year, he debuted in test cricket. But Shamshi could not secure a spot on the test team because of the wrist spinner Imran Tahir.
In 2017, he debuted in the t20 international against England. In his t20 career, he already took 70+ wickets in 59 games. The first time one of the most underrated cricketers, Shamsi, came into his own was after Tahir retired from ODIs after the 2019 World Cup.
Records
Major Records
- In Twenty20 Internationals, he has the 5th most wickets (36) in a calendar year.
ODI
- He is the 33rd player to take a five-wicket haul in an inning (31y 198d).
T20I
- 13th career high for four-wicket in an inning (3).
- 23rd Highest catches wickets were taken (47).
- Most lbw-taken wickets, 13th (9).
- 40th quickest to 50 wickets (43).
- 31st most player-of-the-match honors (6).
14. Thisara Perera
- Date of birth: 03.04.1989
- Nation: Sri Lanka
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: Left Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
Perera is known for his explosive lower-order performance and speed variation in medium-pace bowling. His efforts with the 2008 under-19 squad were outstanding. He was in World Cricket in 2009 and is a hero of many battles.
Perera debuted in ODI in 2009 against India in Eden gardens. In 2010, he debuted in the t20 international against Zimbabwe. Perera took 51 wickets and 1204 runs in his t20 career. Next year, he debuted in test cricket against England.
Perera, one of the most underrated cricketers, was brilliant with his performance in ODI and T20I. In 2017, he represented Sri Lanka as a captain.
Records
Major Record
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the tenth-highest career strike rate (112.08).
- In One-Day Internationals, he has scored 1000 runs and taken 100 wickets.
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the 10th-highest sixes in an inning (13).
- Third, most runs in an inning (by batting position) in One-Day Internationals (80*).
- He has 1000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches in One-Day Internationals.
ODI
- 38th Most run scored on the losing team in a match (140).
- 15th in a career for most five-wicket innings (4).
- 27th youngest player to collect five wickets in an inning (21y 141d).
- 49th Most series player of the year honors (3).
T20I
Take support to the next level.
- 24th highest strike rate in his career (151.63).
- 42nd most career sixes (64).
- 13th-highest number of runs an inning (by batting position) (58)
13. Tim Southee
- Date of birth: 11.12.1988
- Nation: New Zealand
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: RightHanded
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
We often regard the New Zealand cricketer Tim Southee as one of the most underrated cricketers in the world. Despite consistently strong performances with both bat and ball, other star players frequently overshadow him. In all game formats, Southee has done remarkably well for New Zealand. He made a vital contribution to many of the team’s victories.
After a brilliant performance in the under-19 World cup, he debuted in T20 International against England in February 2008. He impressed everyone with his pace and outswing delivery. In March 2008, he debuted in test cricket against England. He already took 300+ wickets in his test career. In June 2008, he debuted in an ODI against England. He took 18 wickets in the 2011 World Cup.
Records
Major Records
- First in career Twenty20 International wickets (134).
- 6th in One-Day Internationals for outstanding bowling analyses in an inning (7/33).
- First in Twenty20 Internationals for most wickets caught by a wicketkeeper (18).
- He scored 1000 runs and took 100 wickets in Test cricket.
Test
- The eighth-most sixes in an inning (9).
- Twenty-first-youngest player to grab five wickets in an inning (19y 102d).
- 41st in a career for most five-wicket innings (14).
- 49th Highest tenth-wicket partnership (84).
ODI
- The 25th quickest to 200 wickets (149).
- The 35th fastest to 150 wickets (110).
- The 27th highest five-wicket innings in a career (3).
- 38th Youngest player in history to grab five wickets in an inning (22y 42d).
- He took the 31st most LBW wickets (27).
T20I
- 23rd most number of wickets on a single ground (19).
- 38th Best number by a skipper in an inning (3).
- 47th highest maidens in a career (3).
- 47th highest number of wickets in a calendar year (24).
12. Mahmudullah
- Date of birth: 04.02.1986
- Nation: Bangladesh
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: RightHanded
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Mahmudullah is one of the world’s most underrated cricketers, despite his impressive record. In addition to serving as captain, he is an essential member of their middle-order batting lineup and spin-bowling assault.
He was at his peak in under-19 and first-class cricket. As a result, he made his One-Day International debut in July 2007 against Sri Lanka. He dominated the limited-overs format.
Mahmudullah made a century against England during the 2015 ICC World Cup while playing for Bangladesh. He scored another century against New Zealand in the quarterfinals. He scored 4800+ runs and 80+ wickets in his ODI career so far.
In September 2007, he made his T20 debut against Kenya. However, after taking eight wickets on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2009, he became more driven (including a five-wicket haul).
Records
Major Records
- In Twenty20 Internationals, he has the most runs on a single ground (750).
- In Twenty20 Internationals, this is the fourth-best bowling analysis in an inning (2/1).
- The 4th seventh-wicket partnership (148) in One-Day Internationals.
- 7th in One-Day Internationals for outstanding bowling analyses in an inning (3/4).
- Second highest partnership for the ninth wicket in Test matches (191).
Test
- 5th highest number of runs scored in an inning (by batting position) (150*).
- 35th-best number of wickets in a game for a debut (8).
ODI
- 49th most wickets on one field (31).
- He scored 1864 runs in a single ground, the 11th-most.
T20I
- 13th most successive match for a team (54).
- 11th most career catches (46).
- 12th-most games played in a row as squad captain (29).
- 42nd in career sixes (64).
11. Tamim Iqbal
- Date of birth: 20.03.1989
- Nation: Bangladesh
- Role: Batsman
- Batting Style: Left Handed
Tamim Iqbal is one of the finest opening batsmen in Bangladesh cricket history. He is recognized for his aggressive opening style of play and has achieved various records in Bangladeshi cricket. Despite his many achievements, Tamim is usually one of cricket’s most underrated cricketers and does not get the recognition he deserves.
In 2007 he debuted against Zimbabwe in an ODI. We know him for his hard-hitting batting and excellent straight drive. He debuted in test cricket against New Zealand in 2008. His highest score was 158 against Zimbabwe in his ODI career at Sylhet.
Tamim got captaincy in 2020. After the retirement of Mortaza, he won eight matches in ODI as a captain. In September 2007, he debuted in the T20 International against Kenya. In March 2016, his highest score was 103* against Oman at Dharamshala.
Records
Major Records
- He leads all players in One-Day Internationals for runs scored on a particular ground (2795).
- Third-highest first-wicket partnership (292) in One-Day Internationals.
- In One-Day Internationals, he has 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals.
Test
- 31st and youngest player to score a century (20y 111d).
- 13th highest first-wicket partnership (312).
- Most sixes in an inning (19th) (7).
- Twenty-first century in a row (3).
ODI
- 8th most runs scored by a captain in a series (624).
- The 5th-youngest player to achieve a century (19y 2d).
- 13th fifty in successive innings (5).
- 13th Most player-of-the-series honors (6).
T20I
- 17th-highest second-wicket partnership (132*).
- 22nd on most fours in Tamim’s career (188).
10. Chris Woakes
- Date of birth: 02.03.1989
- Nation: England
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
English all-rounder Chris Woakes is one of the most underrated cricketers. Woakes has made significant contributions with both bat and ball while representing England. Despite his contributions to the team, Woakes remains a vital part of it.
His precision and swing make him a challenging bowler for batters to face. Woakes can also move the ball in both directions, making him a versatile pacer in different circumstances. Aside from his bowling skills, Woakes is well known for his agility and fielding skills.
In January 2011, he debuted in the ODI and T20 Internationals against Australia. He debuted in test cricket against Australia in 2013. Woakes already took 150+ wickets in his ODI career. In 2018, Woakes made 137 against India at Lords.
Records
Major Records
- In Test matches, he has scored 1000 runs and taken 100 wickets.
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the second most catches in an inning (4).
- In Twenty20 Internationals, this is the fourth-best bowling analysis in an inning (3/4).
- In ODI matches, he has scored 1000 runs and taken 100 wickets.
Test
- He has the 28th-highest strike rate in an inning (7.6).
ODI
- Third, most runs scored per inning (by batting position) (95*).
- The 27th most five-wicket innings in a career (3).
- The 11th most four-wicket innings in a career (13).
- The 34th-youngest player to capture five wickets in an inning (21y 334d).
T20I
- An Outstanding bowling evaluation number four in an inning (3/4).
- In an inning, Woakes had the 20th most catches (3).
9. Mashrafe Mortaza
- Date of birth: 05.10.1983
- Nation: Bangladesh
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
We all know that Mortaza is one of the best fast bowlers in Bangladesh. Despite his injury-prone career, he has been a vital player for Bangladesh in limited-overs cricket, serving as captain for many years. Mortaza’s skill, leadership, and passion for the game make him famous among fans and teammates.
In November 2001, one of the most underrated cricketers debuted in test cricket. He took 78 wickets in his test career. In the same year, he debuted in ODI cricket against Zimbabwe. Over 200 matches, he took 270 wickets in his ODI career. In 2006, he debuted in T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe.
Records
Major Records
- In One-Day Internationals, he has scored 1000 runs and taken 100 wickets.
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the fourth most wickets (94) on a single ground.
- He has 1000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches in One-Day Internationals.
Test
- 44th Most youthful captains (25y 277d).
- youngest players, 42nd (18y 34d).
- Fourth-most catches made by a replacement in an inning (3).
- In a game, a replacement had the seventh-most catches (3).
ODI
- 4th most wickets on one field (94).
- 40th Best innings figures (6/26).
- 20th highest wickets in a calendar year (49).
- 49th youngest player in history to collect five wickets in an inning (22y 314d).
T20I
- 20th highest catches in an inning (3).
- 40th in career balls bowled (1139).
8. Moeen Ali
- Date of birth: 18.06.1987
- Nation: England
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: Left Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
One of today’s most underrated cricketers is Moeen Ali. Even though he has consistently performed well across forms, he has often gone unnoticed.
Moeen Ali has an outstanding all-round record for England, having made over 2900 runs and taken over 190 wickets in his test career since making his debut against Sri Lanka. He was also a member of England’s World Cup-winning side in 2019.
One of the most underrated and graceful batters made his ODI debut against the West Indies in February 2014. He already scored 2100+ runs and 96 wickets in his ODI career. Next month, he debuted in the t20 Internationals against West Indies.
In 2022, he was also a t20 World cup champion team member. As Graeme Swann retired, the England team relied on their all-round performance.
Records
Major Records
- He scored 250 runs and took 20 wickets in a Test match series.
- In Test matches, he has the eighth most catches (6).
- Ninth-highest strike rate (238.88) in an inning during a test match.
- Fifth-highest strike rate in an inning in one-day international cricket (344.44).
- Tenth-highest third-wicket partnership (135 runs) in Twenty20 international games.
Test
- 18th highest caught and bowled wickets (10).
- The eighth most catches in a game (6).
ODI
- 50th most number of sixes in an inning (8).
- 28th highest stumped wickets (12).
- 16th Highest seventh-wicket partnership (117).
T20I
- 12th Highest player-of-the-match honors (9).
- 14th-highest eighth-wicket partnership (57*).
- 49th Highest runs in a calendar year (515).
7. Lockie Ferguson
- Date of birth: 13.06.19
- Nation: News Zealand
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is one of the game’s most underrated cricketers. The fast bowler’s brilliant pace and swing have not garnered him the same attention as his other fast bowlers.
Ferguson’s ability to create pace and swing has helped him become a vital component of New Zealand’s cricket squad, particularly in the limited-overs game.
Taking 21 wickets in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, he was crucial to New Zealand’s success. The world’s fastest bowlers sometimes overlook Ferguson as he performs well. He is more famous for playing T20 competitions than Test matches, perhaps because he has only played a few Test matches. He has taken over 40 wickets in T20s and 80 wickets in ODIs career.
Records
Major Records
- First in Twenty20 Internationals for most wickets taken hit wicket (2).
ODI
- He took the 35th-fastest to 50 catches (29).
T20I
- The 38th highest four-wicket innings in a career (2).
- The 24th most number of wickets caught by a wicketkeeper (9).
6. Mohammad Hafeez
- Date of birth: 17.10.1980
- Nation: Pakistan
- Role: All-rounder
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Mohammad Hafeez, often known as “Professor” owing to his cerebral and unconventional batting approach, is a highly competent and accomplished cricketer. He is a versatile player who can bat first, bat in the middle order, and bowl spin.
Both internationally and locally, Hafeez has been a consistent performer for Pakistan. Despite this, he is frequently overlooked by cricket fans and experts, making him one of the sport’s most underrated cricketers.
Hafeez’s contribution to the games cannot be judged just by his stats. Hafeez is an integral part of the Pakistan cricket squad, giving steadiness and experience. In his career, he scored over 12,000 international runs and over 250 wickets across all forms, and he has established himself as one of the top all-rounders in the world.
Records
Major Records
- He scored a hundred and ninety runs in Test matches.
- In Test matches, the opening pair bats and bowls simultaneously.
- In One-day Internationals, the opening pair bats and bowls simultaneously.
- Third-highest number of player-of-the-series honors (four) in Twenty20 Internationals.
- Sixth most series of three hundred in One-Day Internationals.
- Seventh fifty in 3 consecutive innings in Twenty20 International games.
- Third-most wickets taken in Twenty20 Internationals by caught and bowled (6).
Test
- 21st century in a row (3).
- 25th-highest second-wicket partnership (287).
ODI
- 30th Highest runs in a calendar year (1301).
- The eleventh most hundreds in a calendar year (5).
- 47th quickest run to 6000 (196).
- The 18th-highest wickets in LBW (41).
T20I
- 47th in career maidens (3).
- 12th Most consecutive games as a team captain (29).
- Sixth highest matches in a career (119).
- 33rd most bowled wickets (16).
- 15th Excellent bowling analysis in an inning (2/3).
- 43rd scoring, the highest number of runs as a captain (86).
5. Brandon Taylor
- Date of birth: 06.02.1986
- Nation: Zimbabwe
- Role: Wicketkeeper Batsman
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Brandon Taylor was an integral part of Zimbabwe’s cricket team. He is one of the most underrated cricketers in the world. His quick reflexes and exceptional hand-eye coordination made him a superb wicketkeeper-batsman. Brandon Taylor is a top-order batsman who can score runs fast, providing the squad with much-needed top-of-the-order impetus.
Many of Zimbabwe’s victories have come from his contributions to the team. Taylor works tirelessly to achieve his full potential despite his underappreciation. Throughout his career, he scored over 9800 runs.
Records
Major Records
- Each inning in a Test match is worth a hundred runs.
- He scored 200 runs and ten wicket-keeping dismissals in a One-Day International series.
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the seventh most runs on a single ground (2165).
Test
- 36th Most youthful captains (25y 179d).
- 27th captain to record a wicket (1).
- 41st highest runs scored on the losing team in a match (216).
ODI
- 15th highest stumpings in a career (29).
- Eleventh most catches in an inning (5).
- 36th quickest run to 6000 (184).
- Fifty-seventh innings in a row (4).
- 34th-highest fifth-wicket partnership (156).
T20I
- Twenty-first most catches in an inning (3).
- 34th highest catches in a career (17).
4. Martin Guptill
- Date of birth: 30.09.1986
- Nation: New Zealand
- Role: Batsman
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Martin Guptill is a New Zealand cricketer known for his aggressive hitting style and exceptional fielding talents. As a batter, he has regularly contributed to New Zealand’s success.
Guptill made his international debut in 2009 and has since established himself as a stalwart in New Zealand’s batting order.
In his career, he has scored over 7,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He has also played a vital role in New Zealand’s T20 international side and scored over 3500 runs in T20. However, he still scored over 2500 runs despite not getting more test cricket chances.
Despite his superb accomplishments and consistent record, Guptill sometimes goes one of the most underrated cricketers. However, he remains a crucial figure in New Zealand cricket because of his contributions to the win.
Records
Major Records
- One-Day International debut with century (122*).
- 7th quickest in One-Day Internationals to 7000 runs (186).
- Second-most runs scored on a single field in Twenty20 International games (626).
- Second-most career sixes in Twenty20 International matches (173).
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the second most runs in an inning (by batting position) (237*).
- Sixth-highest sixth-wicket partnership (339) in Test matches.
- In Twenty20 Internationals, this is the ninth-highest partnership for the third wicket (137).
ODI
- Most player-of-the-match honors (24th) (22).
- 18th highest first-wicket partnership (236*).
- The fourth-highest fours in an inning (24).
- 9th Highest runs in a calendar year (1489).
T20I
- Second, most runs on a single field (626).
- 9th in the number of player-of-the-match honors (10).
- Fifth in career fours (309).
- 2nd in career catches (68).
3. Kagiso Rabada
- Date of birth: 25.05.1995
- Nation: Sri Lanka
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Kagiso Rabada is a South African, one of the greatest fast bowlers in the world. He has constantly been among the best wicket-takers in international cricket. Rabada has been crucial to South Africa’s recent success.
Despite his superb track record and achievements, he is cricket’s one of the most underrated cricketers. It is crucial to highlight that Rabada’s talent and ability are well acknowledged and praised by cricket fans and specialists. We believe he will have a long and successful career as one of the world’s best fast bowlers.
He made his T20 International debut against Australia in 2014. The following year, he made his ODI and test debuts against Bangladesh and India, respectively. Rabada has collected over 260 wickets in test cricket and 130+ wickets in ODIs. In T20 cricket, he has also got 90+ wickets over the years.
Records
Major Records
- In Test matches, he is the seventh fastest to 250 wickets (53).
- 1st most number of wickets in debut innings (6) in One-Day Internationals.
- 9th in One-Day Internationals for outstanding bowling analyses in an inning (6/16).
Test
- Most player-of-the-match honors (42nd) (8).
- 13th youngest player to collect ten wickets in a match (20y 242d).
ODI
- 26th Most caught and bowled wickets (11).
- The 45th highest in a career with five wickets in an inning (2).
- The 44th highest in a career with four wickets in an inning (8).
T20I
- The 20th highest catches in an inning (3).
- 35th most catches by a fielder (34).
- The 32nd quickest to 50 wickets (42).
2. Lasith Malinga
- Date of birth: 28.08.1983
- Nation: Sri Lanka
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Lasith Malinga is no doubt one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. He is well-known for his unusual and tricky bowling action, which has garnered him countless honors and acclaim throughout his career.
He has represented Sri Lanka in all formats of the game. Malinga has been personally credited with many of its victories.
His fast yorkers have made him a difficult bowler to face, especially in the death overs of a limited-overs match. Malinga got 338 wickets in ODIs and 107 wickets in T20 Internationals. He played a few test games and took 101 wickets during his career.
It is debatable if Lasith Malinga is one of the most underrated cricketers. So, it may be argued that his contributions to the game are not respected enough.
Records
Major Records
- First place in Twenty20 International wickets taken (43) bowled.
- Second quickest in Twenty20 Internationals to 100 wickets (76).
- 5th quickest to 300 wickets in One-Day Internationals.
- In One-Day Internationals, he has (8) the fifth-most five-wicket innings in a career.
- 9th highest career wickets in One-Day Internationals (338).
- The second-best totals in innings by a skipper in Twenty20 international matches are (5).
ODI
- Fifth-highest career total of five wickets in an inning (8).
- Sixth-highest four-wicket innings in a career (19).
- 17th oldest player to collect five wickets in an inning (35y 46d).
- Twenty-first most wickets in a calendar year (48).
- 14th highest wickets on a single ground (52).
T20I
- 14th-highest ninth-wicket partnership (44).
- 13th most caught and bowled wickets (4).
- 7th most LBW wickets (12).
- 18th most wickets caught by a fielder (45).
1. Dale Steyn
- Date of birth: 27.06.1983
- Nation: South Africa
- Role: Bowler
- Batting Style: Right Handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Dale Steyn is a former South African cricketer who was a world-class fast bowler throughout his career. We all know him for his extreme pace with swinging the ball both ways made him special. Steyn had a lithe and wiry frame, a pressing run-up, and a strong outswing at the peak of his abilities.
He smashed several international records and was South Africa’s all-time highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Despite this, he is considered to be one of the most underrated cricketers in the world.
He grabbed his 300th Test wicket against New Zealand after helping the side win the Test championship in England in 2012. In his test career, he took 439 wickets and 196 wickets in ODI.
Records
Major Records
- In One-Day Internationals, he has the best numbers in an inning when on the losing side (6).
- In Test matches, fourth-best bowling analysis in an inning (6/8).
- 4th most successive ten-wicket hauls in a Test match (2).
- In Test matches, he is the third fastest to 400 wickets (80).
- 5th highest number of wickets caught by a wicketkeeper in Test matches (109).
Test
- 9th highest number of wickets in a calendar year (74).
- 12th most number of wickets on a single ground (74).
- Tenth most five-wicket innings in a career (26).
- 12th Most player-of-the-series honors (5).
- 34th Most player-of-the-match honors (9).
ODI
- 32nd in most caught wickets (144).
- 29th most catches by a fielder (103).
- The 17th quickest to 150 wickets (96).
- The 27th most five-wicket innings in a career (3).
T20I
- 11th quickest to 50 wickets (35).
- 47th in career maidens (3).
- 28th Excellent bowling analysis in an inning (4/9).
- The 16th most wickets caught by a wicketkeeper (10).
- 21st most wickets bowled (18).
Last Words
Many talented cricket players have been underrated and overlooked in recent years. They have consistently delivered exceptional performances and have played a vital part in the success of their respective teams.
They deserve recognition for their dedication, hard work, and tenacity in the sport. Watch out for these underrated players the next time you watch a cricket match. They might surprise you.
I admire your perseverance while reading. In the future, I’ll try to go into more depth about this and give you something new. Be sure to follow Sports Dribble on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter if you enjoy reading it.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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