Cricket has lengthy been celebrated as a sport that values ability, willpower, and technique above all else. Whereas peak and bodily presence could give gamers an edge in sure points, many cricketers have defied stereotypes, utilizing their shorter stature to their benefit. Over time, these gamers have confirmed that expertise and arduous work are way more vital than bodily attributes.
These cricketers have proven that bodily attributes like peak don’t outline one’s success in cricket. From Sunil Gavaskar’s legendary profession to Temba Bavuma’s management and Mushfiqur Rahim’s constant brilliance, these gamers have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their tales encourage numerous aspiring cricketers to imagine of their talents, no matter bodily limitations.
Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at the highest 10 shortest cricketers within the historical past of the sport and their exceptional contributions.
10 shortest cricketers of all-time
Kruger van Wyk (4’9″)
Standing at simply 4 toes 9 inches, South Africa-born Kruger van Wyk is the shortest cricketer to play on the worldwide degree. Representing New Zealand, Van Wyk excelled as a wicketkeeper-batter, impressing along with his agility and willpower. Regardless of his diminutive body, he was a reliable participant behind the stumps and sometimes contributed very important runs within the decrease order. He performed 9 Exams for the Black Caps, scoring 341 runs, together with a half-century.
Tich Cornford (5’0″)
Walter ‘Tich’ Cornford was a legendary English wicketkeeper from the Thirties. His nickname ‘Tich’ was a nod to his stature, nevertheless it was his unbelievable reflexes and consistency behind the stumps that earned him respect. Cornford proved that peak was by no means a barrier when it got here to excelling as a wicketkeeper. He performed 4 Exams for England and scored 36 runs. Although he was a legend in top quality, scoring 6554 runs from 496 video games.
Mushfiqur Rahim (5’3″)
A pillar of Bangladeshi cricket, Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of many nation’s most constant performers throughout all codecs. Regardless of standing at simply 5 toes 3 inches, Mushfiqur’s sharp cricketing thoughts, excellent wicketkeeping abilities, and batting prowess have made him a key participant. Over time, he has change into one of many best cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced. He has performed 94 Exams, 272 ODIs, and 102 T20Is, having amassed 6007, 7793 and 1500 runs respectively.
Mominul Haque (5’3″)
Generally known as Bangladesh’s “Mr. Reliable”, Mominul Haque is a technically sound batter who thrives in strain conditions. His peak of 5 toes 3 inches hasn’t stopped him from taking part in a few of the most memorable innings for Bangladesh, particularly within the longer format of the sport. He has performed 68 Exams, 28 ODIs, and 6 T20Is through which Mominul has scored 4412, 557 and 60 runs respectively.
Gundappa Viswanath (5’3″)
An Indian batting legend, Gundappa Viswanath is remembered for his beautiful wristwork and talent to adapt to difficult situations. In the course of the Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties, Viswanath’s 5’3” body by no means hindered him from going through a few of the quickest bowlers of his period with class and composure. He stays a revered determine in Indian cricket historical past. Viswanath scored 6080 runs in 91 Exams and 439 runs in 25 ODIs.
Additionally READ: Prime 10 tallest cricketers of all-time
Parthiv Patel (5’3″)
Parthiv Patel made his debut for India on the age of 17, turning into the youngest wicketkeeper to play Check cricket. Standing at 5 toes 3 inches, Patel used his agility and fast reflexes to change into a dependable keeper and batter. His means to adapt to totally different roles within the staff showcased his versatility and resilience. He represented India in 25 Exams and 38 ODIs, scoring 934 and 736 runs respectively.
Prithvi Shaw (5’4″)
Prithvi Shaw is a younger Indian cricketer identified for his explosive batting model. Regardless of his peak of 5 toes 4 inches, Shaw has proven exceptional power-hitting means, significantly within the shorter codecs of the sport. His fearless method has drawn comparisons to legends, and he continues to be a promising expertise for India. In a younger profession, Shaw has performed 5 Exams and 6 ODIs for India, through which he scored 339 and 189 runs, respectively.
Kedar Jadhav (5’4″)
Kedar Jadhav has been an unsung hero for India in limited-overs cricket. His 5’4″ body didn’t cease him from delivering match-winning performances with each bat and ball. Identified for his unorthodox off-spin and ending talents, Jadhav turned a invaluable asset in India’s center order. He scored 1389 runs in 75 ODIs and 122 runs in 9 T20Is for Crew India.
Temba Bavuma (5’4″)
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma has carved a distinct segment for himself as a reliable batter and galvanizing chief. Regardless of his shorter stature, Bavuma’s grit and willpower have made him a standout participant for the Proteas. His means to anchor innings and adapt to totally different situations has earned him respect worldwide. Bavuma has thus far scored 3102 runs in 59 Exams, 1611 runs in 42 ODIs and 670 runs in 36 T20Is for the Proteas.
Sunil Gavaskar (5’5″)
A real icon of Indian cricket, Sunil Gavaskar was a trailblazer within the artwork of opening the innings. Standing at 5 toes 5 inches, Gavaskar fearlessly took on a few of the most fearsome bowlers in cricket historical past. His impeccable approach and psychological power made him one of many biggest batters of all time. Gavaskar attained magnificent numbers in his profession, particularly within the longest format. He scored 10,122 runs in 125 Exams and 3092 runs in 108 ODIs for India.