Top 10 most underrated cricketers in the world

Cricket is a sport where fame often goes to players with aggressive styles, big sixes, or viral moments. However, many cricketers quietly deliver match-winning performances for years without getting the recognition they deserve. These players are consistent, reliable, and crucial to their teams, yet they remain underrated on the global stage.

In this article, let's look at the top 10 most underrated cricketers in the World.

1. Michael Hussey (Australia)

Michael Hussey was one of the most dependable batters Australia ever produced. He played crucial innings in pressure situations and was known for finishing matches calmly. Hussey performed consistently in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, especially in the middle order.

Despite playing in a star-studded Australian team, he often did the hard work while others took the spotlight. His ability to adapt to different conditions and formats makes him one of the most underrated cricketers of his era.

2. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Hashim Amla was one of the most elegant batsmen in modern cricket. He combined classical technique with consistency and scored runs across all formats. Amla holds multiple records for fast centuries and thousands of international runs.

Even with such achievements, he is rarely mentioned among the greatest batsmen of all time. His quiet personality and humble approach often kept him away from media attention, making him truly underrated.

3. Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)

Angelo Mathews has been a key figure in Sri Lankan cricket for more than a decade. As an all-rounder, he contributed with both bat and ball and often played match-saving or match-winning innings.

He also captained Sri Lanka during a difficult transition period after many senior players retired. Injuries and team struggles affected his visibility, but his importance to Sri Lankan cricket cannot be ignored.

4. Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

Misbah-ul-Haq took charge of Pakistan cricket when the team was facing serious challenges. He brought stability, discipline, and a calm mindset. As a batsman, he was reliable in pressure situations and played many responsible innings.

Despite improving Pakistan’s performance across formats, he often faced criticism instead of appreciation. His leadership and contribution remain undervalued by many fans.

5. Jason Holder (West Indies)

Jason Holder is one of the finest all-rounders of the modern era. He consistently contributed with the ball, especially in Test cricket, and also played valuable innings with the bat.

As captain, he led West Indies during a rebuilding phase, which limited team success. However, his individual performances, leadership qualities, and commitment to the game make him one of the most underrated players in world cricket.

6. Ross Taylor (New Zealand)

Ross Taylor was one of New Zealand’s most reliable match-winners. He performed consistently in both Tests and ODIs and played several crucial innings against top teams.

Despite his long and successful career, he rarely received the same global recognition as other star batsmen. His calm approach and consistency often went unnoticed.

7. Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

Tamim Iqbal played a major role in changing Bangladesh’s batting mindset. As an opener, he played fearless cricket against strong bowling attacks and gave his team solid starts.

He has been one of Bangladesh’s most consistent performers across formats. However, due to Bangladesh’s limited global exposure, his achievements are often underrated.

8. Cheteshwar Pujara (India)

Cheteshwar Pujara is known for his patience and discipline in Test cricket. He played a key role in India’s historic overseas Test victories, especially in challenging conditions.

While his style may not be entertaining for all fans, his importance to the team’s success is undeniable. Pujara’s contributions often go unnoticed because they do not appear in highlight reels.

9. Alastair Cook (England)

Alastair Cook is England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket. As an opener, he faced the toughest bowlers in difficult conditions and delivered consistently over a long career.

Despite his records and achievements, he is often not discussed among the greatest openers in cricket history. His calm temperament and consistency make him highly underrated.

10. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Kumar Sangakkara is widely respected as a great batsman, but his full contribution to cricket is often underestimated. Apart from scoring runs, he was an exceptional wicketkeeper and a thoughtful leader.

His influence on Sri Lankan cricket, team culture, and professionalism went far beyond statistics, making him underrated in terms of overall impact on the game.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports