14 Most Famous Cricketers in the World (2025 List)
Imagine the thunderous roar echoing through Eden Gardens as Sachin Tendulkar edges closer to his historic 100th international century in 2011, or Virat Kohli's intense glare silencing a roaring MCG crowd during a nail-biting 2025 IPL thriller against Mumbai Indians, where his unbeaten 89 steered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory. These moments capture cricket's electric soul—a sport that pulses through the veins of 2.5 billion fans worldwide, from bustling streets in Mumbai to quiet villages in rural Australia. In 2025, amid a whirlwind calendar packed with the World Test Championship finals and explosive T20 leagues, these players rise above mere statistics, evolving into cultural icons who embody resilience, joy, and national pride. This updated 2025 list spotlights 14 such legends, celebrating their record-shattering feats, distinctive styles, and enduring legacies that continue to mold the game's future.
Fame in cricket isn't just about towering scores or match-winning spells; it's a blend of raw talent, cultural resonance, prestigious awards like the ICC Hall of Fame induction, and lasting influence echoed in global fan polls and social media buzz. Our selection draws from a diverse tapestry across eras—nine masterful batsmen, three versatile all-rounders, one spin wizard, and a wicketkeeping maestro—highlighting icons from Test purists to T20 trailblazers. From Sir Don Bradman's impregnable 99.94 average to Rohit Sharma's blistering ODI explosions, these players dominate 2025's top global searches, proving their timeless appeal. Which legend ignites your passion the most? Vote in our interactive poll below and join the conversation.
To amplify the thrill, embed a short video clip of Tendulkar's iconic "Desert Storm" century in Sharjah or an infographic tracing cricket's shift toward T20 dominance in 2025. Modern fame surges through social media, where stars like Kohli command over 341 million followers across platforms, turning personal milestones into worldwide spectacles.
Overview: Top 14 Famous Cricketers
This 2025 snapshot examines fame through a mix of significant achievements and their enduring resonance today – consider Kane Williamson holding the #2 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings after his 251 during the World Test Championship run. The table consolidates the essentials, updated with the most recent statistics through October 2025, covering Tests, ODIs, and T20Is where applicable. It's no surprise that five spots go to Indian players; cricket runs deep in the subcontinent, shaping the lives of over 1.4 billion people there. Catch any curveballs here, like Kohli's strong showing in shorter formats since stepping away from Tests? Let's see what sets each of these guys apart.
| Name | Country | Age (Oct 2025) | Role | International Matches | Highest Score (Key Format) | Key Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 52 | Batsman | 664 | 248* (Test) | 100 Intl. Centuries |
| Sir Don Bradman | Australia | — (d. 2001, 92) | Batsman | 52 | 334 (Test) | 99.94 Test Avg |
| Virat Kohli | India | 37 | Batsman | 550+ | 254* (Test) | Most T20I Runs |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 56 | Batsman | 430 | 400* (Test) | Highest Test Score |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 50 | Batsman | 560 | 257 (Test) | 2x World Cup Captain |
| MS Dhoni | India | 44 | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | 538 | 224 (Test) | 2011 WC Winner |
| Sir Garfield Sobers | West Indies | 89 | All-rounder | 93 | 365* (Test) | Greatest All-Rounder |
| Shane Warne | Australia | — (d. 2022, 52) | Bowler | 339 | 99 (Test Bat) | 1,001 Test Wickets |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 50 | All-rounder | 519 | 224 (Test) | 25,000+ Runs & 500+ Wkts |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 47 | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | 594 | 319 (Test) | Most ODI Runs (Sri Lanka) |
| Sir Viv Richards | West Indies | 73 | Batsman | 308 | 291 (Test) | Fastest 1,000 ODI Runs |
| Sunil Gavaskar | India | 76 | Batsman | 233 | 236* (Test) | First 10,000 Test Runs |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 38 | Batsman | 514+ | 264 (ODI) | 3x ODI Double Tons |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 35 | Batsman | 350+ | 251 (Test) | NZ's Top Test Scorer |
Player Profiles
1. Sachin Tendulkar (God of Cricket)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 248* vs Bangladesh (2004) |
| ODI | 200* vs South Africa (2010) |
| T20I | 10 vs South Africa (2006) |
| IPL | 100* vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011) |
| Total International Runs | 34,357 |
When a 16-year-old from Mumbai stepped onto the international stage in 1989, few could predict the legend that would unfold. Sachin's career spanned 24 years, during which he rewrote cricket's record books with his 100 international centuries and became the first player to score a double century in ODIs. That magical six to seal India's 2011 World Cup victory remains etched in every cricket fan's memory – a fitting finale to his ODI career.
Today, Tendulkar's influence extends far beyond his playing days. Through his foundation, he continues shaping young lives while mentoring upcoming talents in Indian cricket. His 34,357 international runs still tower above all others, and polls consistently rank him as cricket's most beloved figure. Fun Fact: Virat Kohli has often credited Tendulkar's 1998 Chennai knock against Australia as his inspiration to take up cricket seriously.
2. Sir Don Bradman (The Don)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 334 vs England (1930) |
| ODI | N/A (Did not play ODIs) |
| T20I | N/A (Did not play T20Is) |
| IPL | N/A (Did not play IPL) |
Bradman's batting average of 99.94 remains cricket's most untouchable record, a number that defied logic and continues to amaze statisticians today. His 334 against England at Headingley in 1930 showcased technique so pure that it survived the brutal Bodyline tactics designed specifically to stop him.
Nearly a century later, modern players still chase his benchmark. No batsman has come close to averaging 99 in Test cricket, making Bradman's achievement almost mythical in 2025's data-driven era. Quote: "Bradman was a phenomenon that cricket may never see again" – Sir Garfield Sobers.
3. Virat Kohli (King Kohli)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 254* vs South Africa (2019) |
| ODI | 183 vs Pakistan (2012) |
| T20I | 122* vs Afghanistan (2022) |
| IPL | 113 vs Kings XI Punjab (2016) |
Kohli's aggressive batting style and unmatched chase mastery made him the fastest to reach multiple ODI milestones, including 12,000 runs. His 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup remains one of cricket's greatest chase masterpieces, delivered under immense pressure.
The fitness revolution Kohli brought to cricket continues influencing players worldwide in 2025. With over 340 million social media followers, he's cricket's most globally recognized active player. His Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and multiple ICC awards cement his legacy. Anecdote: Royal Challengers Bangalore's 2024 playoff surge was powered by Kohli's vintage form, reminding fans why he's called the chase master.
4. Brian Lara (Prince of Port of Spain)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 400* vs England (2004) |
| ODI | 169 vs Sri Lanka (1995) |
| T20I | 37 vs South Africa (2007) |
| IPL | N/A (Did not play IPL) |
Lara's 400 not out against England stands as Test cricket's highest individual score, a record built on artistic strokeplay and incredible mental strength. His first-class 501 not out for Warwickshire showed batting could be poetry in motion.
The Trinidadian's charisma and ability to single-handedly change match dynamics earned him fans worldwide. His ICC Hall of Fame induction and Wisden recognition reflect respect from cricket's establishment. Fun Fact: Lara once outscored entire opposition teams, including his famous 153* when the West Indies made just 252 total against Australia.
5. Ricky Ponting (Punter)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 257 vs India (2003) |
| ODI | 164 vs South Africa (2006) |
| T20I | 98* vs New Zealand (2005) |
| IPL | 72 vs Delhi Daredevils (2013) |
Ponting's leadership during Australia's golden era resulted in two World Cup victories and countless bilateral series wins. His 257 against India in 2003 epitomized his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks through sheer determination.
His coaching influence continues in 2025, with current players often citing his competitive spirit as inspiration. The Allan Border Medal winner's legacy lives through his mentoring of young Australian talent. Quote: "Ricky led by example every single day" – former teammate Adam Gilchrist.
6. MS Dhoni (Captain Cool)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 224 vs Australia (2013) |
| ODI | 183* vs Sri Lanka (2005) |
| T20I | 56 vs England (2017) |
| IPL | 84* vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019) |
Dhoni's calm demeanor under pressure became legendary during India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs. His finishing ability in tight situations earned him the "Captain Cool" nickname that perfectly captured his approach to cricket.
In 2025, Chennai Super Kings' loyalty to their former captain continues paying dividends, with Dhoni's brand endorsements still commanding premium rates. His Padma Bhushan and Khel Ratna awards recognize contributions beyond cricket. Anecdote: The helicopter shot originated during Dhoni's childhood in Ranchi, where he adapted his tennis technique to clear cricket's boundary ropes.
7. Sir Garfield Sobers (World's Greatest All-Rounder)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 365* vs Pakistan (1958) |
| ODI | N/A (Did not play ODIs) |
| T20I | N/A (Did not play T20Is) |
| IPL | N/A (Did not play IPL) |
Sobers' 365 not out held the Test record for 36 years, but his versatility truly set him apart – batting elegantly, bowling fast-medium and spin with equal skill, and fielding brilliantly anywhere. His six sixes in an over against Malcolm Nash became cricket folklore.
His contributions to cricket governance and the ICC Hall of Fame inspire current all-rounders. Modern players like Ben Stokes often mention Sobers when discussing the complete cricketer's role. Fun Fact: Sobers remains the only player to score 8,000 Test runs, take 200 wickets, and hold 100 catches.
8. Shane Warne (The Wizard)
| Format | Best Performance (Bowling) |
|---|---|
| Test | 8/71 vs England (1994) |
| ODI | 5/33 vs West Indies (1996) |
| T20I | 4/21 vs New Zealand (2005) |
| IPL | 4/21 vs Deccan Chargers (2008) |
Warne's "Ball of the Century" to Mike Gatting in 1993 announced leg-spin's return to world cricket. His charismatic personality and match-winning spells made him appointment television for cricket fans globally.
Even after his passing in 2022, tributes pour in from players worldwide, showing his lasting impact on cricket culture. His commentary career brought the same passion he showed as a player. Fun Fact: Warne was the first bowler to reach 1,000 Test wickets, finishing with 1,001.
9. Jacques Kallis (The Complete Package)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 224 vs Sri Lanka (2012) |
| ODI | 139 vs West Indies (1998) |
| T20I | 73 vs Zimbabwe (2010) |
| IPL | 89 vs Chennai Super Kings (2010) |
Kallis achieved the rare feat of scoring over 25,000 runs while taking 500+ wickets across formats, making him statistically cricket's greatest all-rounder. His consistency across two decades set benchmarks modern players chase.
His ICC Player of the Year awards and Hall of Fame induction recognize contributions that paved the way for today's all-rounders. Current players study Kallis' approach to balancing batting and bowling workloads.
10. Kumar Sangakkara (Sanga)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 319 vs Bangladesh (2014) |
| ODI | 169 vs South Africa (2013) |
| T20I | 78 vs India (2009) |
| IPL | 94 vs Mumbai Indians (2011) |
Sangakkara's elegant batting technique and wicketkeeping skills made him Sri Lanka's most consistent performer across formats. His 319 against Bangladesh showcased the classical technique that earned worldwide respect.
His 2025 role as an ICC commentator brings the same intelligence he displayed as a player. Sangakkara's advocacy for cricket governance reforms continues shaping the game's future direction.
11. Sir Viv Richards (Master Blaster)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 291 vs England (1976) |
| ODI | 189* vs England (1984) |
| T20I | N/A (Did not play T20Is) |
| IPL | N/A (Did not play IPL) |
Richards' fearless batting without a helmet against the world's fastest bowlers epitomized the West Indies' dominance in the 1970s and 1980s. His record-setting fastest 1,000 ODI runs in just 21 innings showed early limited-overs mastery.
His aggressive approach echoes through 2025's T20 cricket, where power-hitting has become the norm. Current Caribbean players often cite Viv as their inspiration for fearless cricket.
12. Sunil Gavaskar (Little Master)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 236* vs West Indies (1983) |
| ODI | 103 vs New Zealand (1987) |
| T20I | N/A (Did not play T20Is) |
| IPL | N/A (Did not play IPL) |
Gavaskar's technique against pace bowling laid the foundation for India's batting culture. As the first player to reach 10,000 Test runs, he proved subcontinental batsmen could dominate world cricket.
His 2025 commentary career continues educating fans about cricket's technical aspects. Gavaskar's opening partnership with Krishnamachari Srikkanth remains a template for modern openers.
13. Rohit Sharma (Hitman)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 212 vs South Africa (2019) |
| ODI | 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014) |
| T20I | 121* vs Afghanistan (2024) |
| IPL | 109 vs KKR (2012) |
Rohit's three ODI double centuries remain unmatched, showing his ability to convert starts into massive scores. His calm captaincy style has brought stability to India's leadership across formats.
Mumbai Indians' five IPL titles under his captaincy prove his tactical acumen. His leadership of India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory cemented his legacy. Anecdote: Rohit's 264 against Sri Lanka came off just 173 balls, including 33 fours and nine sixes.
14. Kane Williamson (The Anchor)
| Format | Best Performance |
|---|---|
| Test | 251 vs West Indies (2020) |
| ODI | 148 vs West Indies (2019) |
| T20I | 95 vs India (2020) |
| IPL | 89 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2018) |
Williamson's technical excellence and calm temperament have made him New Zealand's highest Test run-scorer with over 9,200 runs at an average exceeding 54. His 251 against the West Indies showcased the patience that defines his batting.
Leading New Zealand to the World Test Championship final victory and maintaining his #2 ICC Test ranking through 2025 proves his continued excellence. His approach remains a masterclass in building Test innings.
What Makes These Players Famous?
Records like Sachin Tendulkar's 34,357 international runs or Brian Lara's unbeatable 400 not out in Tests leave fans in awe, turning ordinary innings into cricket legend. In 2025, Virat Kohli's lead in T20I runs with over 4,188 keeps him at the top, pushing boundaries in the format's explosive era. These milestones not only shatter stats but spark endless debates among enthusiasts worldwide.
Cricketers like MS Dhoni become national symbols, uniting diverse crowds during India's World Cup triumphs and turning matches into cultural events. In India, where cricket feels like a religion for over a billion people, players such as Tendulkar and Kohli inspire street games to stadium roars, bridging generations and regions.
Charisma sets stars apart – Kohli's fiery intensity on the field draws massive cheers, while Shane Warne's cheeky flair made every delivery entertaining. Social media amplifies this, with Rohit Sharma's fun reels connecting him to young fans, unlike the more reserved Chris Gayle whose party vibe still captivates.
Awards cement their status, validating years of grind and inspiring the next wave through the ICC Hall of Fame:
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Jacques Kallis earned ICC Player of the Year for his all-round dominance.
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Dhoni's multiple Padma honors reflect leadership beyond the pitch.
Conclusion
From Sir Don Bradman's pure, almost mathematical batting elegance to Kane Williamson's poised, unflappable technique under pressure, these 14 cricketers capture the very essence of the game – its drama, skill, and heart. They represent cricket's evolution across eras, from timeless Tests to modern T20 fireworks. Yet, standing tallest among them is Sachin Tendulkar, whose 34,357 international runs, 100 centuries, and the adoration of billions cement him as cricket's ultimate icon. His journey from a teenage prodigy to global ambassador continues inspiring awe in 2025.
These legends have connected billions through shared victories and heartbreaks, laying the groundwork for today's rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who holds the #5 ICC Test batting rank after his breakout 2025 performances. Their influence ensures cricket's vibrant future while honoring its roots. Who's your favorite from this list? Drop your pick in the comments below. For more rankings and cricket insights, subscribe to our newsletter today.
FAQs
Who has scored the most runs in international cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 34,357 runs across all formats.
Which cricketer has the highest batting average in Test cricket?
Sir Don Bradman tops the list with a 99.94 average among players with significant innings.
Who has taken the most wickets in international cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan leads with 1,347 wickets across all formats.
Who is considered the best all-rounder in cricket history?
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as the greatest, thanks to his 25,000+ runs and 500+ wickets across formats.
Who tops ICC Test batting in 2025?
Joe Root leads the ICC Test batting rankings in 2025 with a rating of 908 , though Kane Williamson's enduring fame often ranks him higher in fan favorites.