Cricket is a game of heroes, celebrated with roaring crowds and media hype. Yet, in its illustrious history, many deserving players have slipped under the radar, their contributions overshadowed by bigger names or overlooked altogether. These unsung heroes often exhibit immense skill and resilience, playing crucial roles for their teams. Here, we highlight 10 underrated cricket players who deserve more recognition.
1. Fawad Alam (Pakistan)
Fawad Alam’s story is one of resilience and patience. Despite scoring prolifically in domestic cricket, he was inexplicably left out of Pakistan’s Test squad for over a decade. When he returned, he displayed his class with several gritty centuries in challenging conditions. Fawad’s unorthodox batting style and perseverance epitomize the unsung hero’s spirit.
2. Rahmat Shah (Afghanistan)
Rahmat Shah has been a pillar for Afghanistan in both Tests and ODIs. A technically sound batsman, Rahmat is often the backbone of his team’s batting lineup. His consistent performances, particularly in tough international games, have solidified his reputation as one of Afghanistan’s most reliable players. Yet, he rarely gets the global recognition he deserves.
3. Kyle Mayers (West Indies)
Kyle Mayers announced himself with a sensational double century on debut against Bangladesh in 2021. Since then, his all-round capabilities have been vital for the West Indies. Mayers combines aggressive batting with handy medium-pace bowling, yet he remains in the shadows compared to his more established teammates.
4. Colin de Grandhomme (New Zealand)
Colin de Grandhomme is a quintessential team player who quietly contributes with both bat and ball. Known for his hard-hitting lower-order batting and disciplined medium-pace bowling, he has been a key figure in New Zealand’s successes over the years. However, his achievements are often overlooked in a team packed with stars like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult.
5. Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)
Rassie van der Dussen is one of the most dependable batsmen in South African cricket. With a cool head and a solid technique, he has delivered under pressure in both ODIs and T20Is. Despite his consistent performances, he remains underrated, overshadowed by the star power of his teammates.
6. Ishant Sharma (India)
Ishant Sharma’s Test career spans over 100 matches, yet he is often underappreciated compared to other Indian bowlers. Known for his tireless spells and ability to deliver breakthroughs on unresponsive pitches, Ishant has been the workhorse of India’s bowling attack. His contributions in India’s overseas Test victories deserve more credit.
7. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
Sikandar Raza has been a shining light for Zimbabwe in international cricket. A versatile all-rounder, Raza has delivered with both bat and ball in crucial matches. His heroic performances in ICC qualifiers have kept Zimbabwe competitive on the world stage. However, playing for an underperforming team often means his efforts go unnoticed.
8. Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Tamim Iqbal is Bangladesh’s all-time leading run-scorer across formats, yet he rarely receives the global accolades he deserves. A fearless opener, Tamim has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive cricketing nation. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him one of the most underrated batsmen in modern cricket.
9. Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lanka)
Suranga Lakmal has been a reliable pace bowler for Sri Lanka over the years. Often operating in tough conditions for fast bowlers, Lakmal has delivered critical spells, particularly in Tests. Despite his pivotal role in rebuilding Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, he remains overshadowed by more celebrated bowlers.
10. Chris Woakes (England)
Chris Woakes is England’s unsung hero. Whether with the new ball or the bat in the lower order, Woakes has delivered time and again. His all-round capabilities were crucial during England’s 2019 World Cup triumph. Despite his consistent performances, he often takes a backseat to the likes of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
Why They Deserve More Recognition
The players listed above share one common trait: they excel in silence. Their contributions might not always make headlines, but their impact on the game and their teams is undeniable. These underrated cricketers remind us that cricket is not just about superstars; it’s a team game, and every player has a role to play.
How Recognition Impacts Players
Recognition often translates into opportunities—be it in franchise leagues, endorsements, or leadership roles. For these underrated players, more visibility could mean better financial security and chances to further enhance their careers.
In a sport dominated by superstars, it’s crucial to celebrate the unsung heroes who often form the backbone of their teams. The cricketing world owes these players the recognition they deserve, not just for their performances but also for the inspiration they provide to aspiring cricketers worldwide.
As fans, it’s our responsibility to appreciate their efforts and ensure that their contributions are not forgotten. After all, cricket is a game of passion, and these underrated players embody the spirit of the sport.
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