
Who Is The Most Famous Cricketer In The World
Cricket is more than just a game it's a global passion. But who is the
2025-06-12
Cricket is more than just a game it's a global passion. But who is the most famous cricketer in the world? With millions of fans, records that defy belief, and legacies that stretch across generations, a few legendary names stand out. Let's explore the cricketers who've risen above the rest to become icons of the sport.
Cricket fame isn't just about playing well. It's about inspiring fans, leading teams, making history, and breaking boundaries. To find the world's best known cricket player, we look at fan base size, social media presence, career achievements, and cultural impact.
Key Takeaways
- Sachin Tendulkar remains the world’s best known cricket player.
- Virat Kohli leads in modern fame with a massive fan base and social media following.
- MS Dhoni is a symbol of calm and success.
- Fame in cricket = stats + personality + public love.
Top 10 Who Is The Most Famous Cricketer In The World
Although there are many of the top cricket players in the world, some stand out in the hearts of the crowd and inspire others with their abilities. The top 13 well-known cricket players worldwide are listed below.
Country names, ages, roles, matches, and highest runs are listed.
Name |
Country |
Age |
Role |
Total Matches |
Highest Runs |
Sachin Tendulkar |
India |
51 |
Batsman |
664 |
248 (Test) |
Virat Kohli |
India |
35 |
Batsman |
500+ |
254 (Test) |
Brian Lara |
West Indies |
55 |
Batsman |
430 |
400 (Test) |
Ricky Ponting |
Australia |
49 |
Batsman |
560 |
257 (Test) |
MS Dhoni |
India |
43 |
Wicketkeeper/Batsman |
538 |
224 (Test) |
Sir Garfield Sobers |
West Indies |
88 |
All-rounder |
93 |
365 (Test) |
Jacques Kallis |
South Africa |
48 |
All-rounder |
519 |
224 (Test) |
Sir Viv Richards |
West Indies |
72 |
Batsman |
507 (FC) |
291 (Test) |
Rohit Sharma |
India |
36 |
Batsman |
450+ |
212 (Test) |
Here are the top 10 cricketers that captivated billions with their batting talents and legendary performances. Now, we'll reveal their playing styles, successes, and current events.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
248 vs Bangladesh (2004) |
ODI |
200 vs South Africa (2010) |
T20 |
71 vs South Africa (2006) |
IPL |
100 vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011) |
As the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar His 1989–2013 Indian career inspires new generations. He has the most Test (15,921) and ODI (18,426) runs. He is the first player to score a double century in ODIs and 100 international hundreds. His rise from youth to cricket hero inspired millions and earned him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Outside of cricket, Tendulkar mentors new players and supports social causes.
2. Sir Don Bradman
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
334 vs England (1930) |
ODI |
N/A (Did not play ODIs) |
T20 |
N/A (Did not play T20s) |
IPL |
N/A (Did not play IPL) |
He is renowned for his unmatched batting average of 99.94 in Test cricket and is frequently referred to as "The Don." In 1930, he defeated England with the greatest score of 334. Bradman's impact on cricket will never be forgotten. Among cricket players, his batting methods and strategies are still well-known. He is a byword for excellence, and cricket greatness is measured against his legacy.
3. Virat Kohli
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
254 vs South Africa (2019) |
ODI |
183 vs Pakistan (2012) |
T20 |
122 vs Afghanistan (2022) |
IPL |
113 vs Rajasthan Royals (2024) |
Millions of fans have been won over by Virat Kohli's aggressive and passionate play. He holds the records for 8,000, 9000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs in record time, as well as the most T20 international runs. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Arjun. Because of his combativeness and fitness, he has a huge global following.
4. Brian Lara
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
400 vs England (2004) |
ODI |
169 vs Sri Lanka (1995) |
T20 |
37 vs South Africa (2007) |
IPL |
N/A (Did not play IPL) |
Brian Lara, known for his batting skills, records the highest individual score in Test cricket, with 400 not out against England in 2004. Lara is cricket's most lovable character because to his personality and fan connection.
The Order of Australia, Trinidad and Tobago's highest honor, and the Order of the Republic were awarded to him. His honors include ICC Hall of Fame and Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Fans know him for his record-breaking and elegant batting.
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5. Ricky Ponting
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
257 vs India (2003) |
ODI |
164 vs South Africa (2006) |
T20 |
98 vs New Zealand (2005) |
IPL |
72 vs Delhi Daredevils (2013) |
He was one of Australia's greatest leaders, leading the team to World Cup triumphs. His best score was 257 against India in 2003. His intensity and aggression shaped the sport. His awards included the Wisden Cricketer of the Year, ICC Player of the Year, and Allan Border Medal. He is famous for his leadership and achievement as Australia's captain.
6. MS Dhoni
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
224 vs Australia (2013) |
ODI |
183 vs Sri Lanka (2005) |
T20 |
56 vs England (2017) |
IPL |
84* vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019) |
MS Dhoni, “Caption Cool,” is India's national hero. He is respected for his strategic thinking and calmness. His captioning won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup for India. His popularity is seen in IPL matches. He sponsors brands and has a huge social media following outside of cricket.
He was awarded Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna. ICC ODI Player of the Year and Wisden Leading Cricketer internationally were also awarded to him.
7. Sir Garfield Sobers
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
365 vs Pakistan (1958) |
ODI |
N/A (Did not play ODIs) |
T20 |
N/A (Did not play T20s) |
IPL |
N/A (Did not play IPL) |
He is regarded as one of cricket's top all-round players. He set a new world record in 1958 when he played against Pakistan and scored 365 runs. In recognition of his services to cricket, he was inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame by the International Cricket Council.
He has significantly influenced cricket as a sport. His contributions to cricket governance and player welfare have earned him recognition, but he also uses his skills and flexibility to inspire others.
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8. Shane Warne
Format |
Wicket Taken/Best Performance |
Test |
8/71 vs England (1994) |
ODI |
5/33 vs West Indies (1996) |
T20 |
4/21 vs New Zealand (2005) |
IPL |
4/21 vs Deccan Chargers (2008) |
Renowned spin bowler Shane Warne was renowned for his vivacious demeanor. In 1994, he scored 8/71 against England, which was his greatest Test result. Following his retirement, he continued to impact cricket as a commentator and ambassador while entertaining fans with his game-winning performances.
9. Jacques Kallis
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
224 vs Sri Lanka (2012) |
ODI |
139 vs West Indies (1998) |
T20 |
73 vs Zimbabwe (2010) |
IPL |
89 vs Chennai Super Kings (2010) |
Jacques Kallis is renowned for being a superb cricket player overall. He demonstrated his batting ability in 2012 when he amassed 224 runs against Sri Lanka. Kallis was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame and won the ICC Player of the Year award.
He set the standard for future all-rounders and gained admiration from his colleagues for his ability in bowling and batting.
10. Kumar Sangakkara
Format |
Best Performance |
Test |
319 vs Bangladesh (2014) |
ODI |
169 vs South Africa (2013) |
T20 |
78 vs India (2009) |
IPL |
94 vs Mumbai Indians (2011) |
The Sri Lankan player with the most ODI runs, Kumar Sangakkara, is renowned for his graceful batting. In 2014, he recorded his highest Test score of 319 against Bangladesh. Sangakkara is a renowned pundit and the recipient of the ICC Cricketer of the Year award. He is a well-liked span in the cricket community since he advocates for cricket all around the world and speaks out regarding player welfare and cricket governance.
Social Media Stats Of Cricketers
Rank |
Cricketer Name |
Country |
Reason for Fame |
Social Media Followers (Approx.) |
1 |
Virat Kohli |
India |
Consistent batting, former India captain, massive fan base worldwide. |
270M+ (Instagram) |
2 |
Sachin Tendulkar |
India |
Legendary "Master Blaster", regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time |
45M+ (Facebook) |
3 |
MS Dhoni |
India |
Captain Cool, won all ICC trophies for India |
45M+ (Instagram) |
4 |
Chris Gayle |
West Indies |
Known as "Universe Boss", explosive batting and T20 legend |
15M+ (Instagram) |
5 |
AB de Villiers |
South Africa |
Mr. 360, admired for innovative shots and humble personality |
25M+ (Instagram) |
6 |
Rohit Sharma |
India |
Indian captain, multiple double centuries in ODIs |
35M+ (Instagram) |
7 |
Babar Azam |
Pakistan |
Current Pakistan captain, technically solid batsman |
8M+ (Instagram) |
Final Thoughts:
To truly understand who is the most famous cricketer in the world, we must look beyond numbers. It’s about how a player makes us feel. For me, Sachin was my first cricketing hero, Kohli keeps me excited, and Dhoni reminds me to stay calm in chaos.
FAQs:
Q1: Who is the most famous cricketer in the world currently?
A: Virat Kohli. He dominates social media and performance charts.
Q2: Who is considered the greatest cricketer of all time?
A: Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “God of Cricket.”
Q3: What are MS Dhoni's major achievements?
A: Winning all three ICC tournaments and being one of the calmest captains.
Q4: Which cricketer has the biggest fan base?
A: Virat Kohli, with the highest number of followers on social media.
Q5: Are ICC cricket rankings a reliable way to measure fame?
A: Not entirely. They show performance, but not fan love or legacy.