Best Asia XI Cricketers of All-Time
Apr 7, 2020 at 6:09 PM
The limited-overs format has produced some electrifying and memorable moments since its introduction. Asia has remained a Cricketing powerhouse in terms of quality in the limited-overs format. Many Legendary names in Asia will be remembered for their dominance in One Day Cricket. Cricket is like a religion in Asia were Cricketers are worshipped like gods for their stand out performances.
In this piece, we have picked up the best Asia XI in One Day Cricket. These players have stepped up for their respective teams during critical situations. Besides, the legends have showcased their supremacy time and again. Further, the stars have taken pride in their performances.
Although ODI has changed since the last few years some of the players who have retired from the sport long back will be irreplaceable in terms of their calibre. The list consists of players who have achieved legendary status in world cricket with some remarkable achievements and milestones.
Based on their performances we have picked Best Asian XI Cricketers of All-Time:
# 1 Sachin Tendulkar:
The legendary batsman doesn’t need any introduction. The master blaster has always stepped up whenever his team required him to deliver. The champion batsman has many records to his name, and his determination on the field was simply unmatchable. Tendulkar made batting look easy.
The right-hander scored 18426 runs in 463 One day Internationals in the 50 overs format. Tendulkar punched the ball gracefully on the offside and was equally strong on the leg side. Watching him drive through the off side was soothing to every fan’s eyes. Tendulkar showed excellent footwork on any kind wicket. Tendulkar worked the ball well in the gaps and drove superbly straight down the ground with his perfect timing.
# 2 Sanath Jayasuriya:
The left-hander changed the concept of batting in the 50 over format with his aggressive and attacking style of play. The Sri-Lankan legend would clear the boundary with his powerful hitting abilities and timed the ball superbly.
Jayasuriya’s exquisite yet elegant drives would split the field easily. The former captain showed tremendous resolve and batted brilliantly under pressure. Jayasuriya was a shrewd operator while running between the wickets.
Anything short and the left-hander would cut the ball powerfully or pull the ball if it would be in the middle and leg area. Jayasuriya scored 13430 runs in 445 One Day Internationals. Jayasuriya didn’t hesitate to play the big shots against the spinners. Jayasuriya was also a wily off-spinner and got crucial breakthroughs with his off-spin.
# 3 Virat Kohli:
The skipper has an imposing track record when it comes to chasing big targets. Kohli has scored 11792 runs in 245 games in the 50 over format. The 31-year-old has shown tremendous resolve and courage during pressure situations.
The right-hander has shown a fearless approach while batting and has led his team with determination. Kohli can split the gap wonderfully with his beautiful cover drives and glorious timing. Kohli is equally strong at his pads. Kohli doesn’t hesitate to attack the bowlers when the required run rate is high and is confident with his all-round stroke-play.
# 4 Kumar Sangakarra:
Kumar Sangakarra will be known for his elegant yet powerful cover drives. The left-hander was strong on both sides of the wicket and looked comfortable while facing the spinners. Lazy elegance would be the perfect word when we talk about Sangakkara’s batting.
The left-hander amazed everyone with his wristy flicks and classy on-drives. Sangakkara was sharp while playing on the back-foot, but his ability to find the gaps in the field was simply fascinating to watch. Sangakkara punched the ball on the off-side effortlessly with precise timing.
The Sri-Lankan holds the record for highest dismissals in test cricket as well as one day cricket. Sangakkara had this knack of changing his game as per the nature of a wicket. Sangakarra is known for his neat glovework behind the stumps. Sangakkara has 501 dismissals to his name in the limited-overs format. Sangakkara scored 14234 runs in One Day Internationals in 404 games.
# 5 Inzamam Ul-Haq:
The “Gentle Giant” as he was called made batting look so easy with his effortless timing. The former skipper took the attack to the opposition’s bowling with his fearless batting. Inzamam was strong on both sides of the wicket and could play big shots with his powerful batting.
The right-hander didn’t hesitate to attack the spinners and showed great footwork on both sides of the wicket. Inzamam placed the ball in the gaps with his wonderful cover drives. The right-hander looked graceful with his sublime wrist work and showcased his strength while playing the pull shots. Inzamam scored 11739 runs in 378 One Day Internationals. Inzamam was equally strong square of the wicket.
# 6 Yuvraj Singh:
Yuvraj Singh was a champion in true sense. The 38-year-old made a comeback in International Cricket after fighting a deadly disease like cancer. Although his form got affected after making a comeback, the 2011 World Cup hero will remain an inspiration for millions of fans worldwide for his fighting spirit. Yuvraj Singh could bat at any position from at no 4 to no 6 for team India which made him a match-winner.
The left-hander stroked the ball wonderfully with his elegant and graceful drives. Yuvraj Singh pulled the ball powerfully with excellent hand-eye coordination. Yuvraj Singh punched the ball well on the back foot as well as the front foot. The left-hander had the ability to change the situation of a game with his determined approach. Yuvraj Singh scored 8701 runs in 304 One Day Internationals. Yuvraj Singh was a clever left-arm off-spinner who had this knack of picking crucial wickets.
# 7 MS Dhoni:
The former skipper has bailed the team out of danger many times with his calm and composed batting. Dhoni was known as the finisher as he maintained ice-cool temperament while batting in challenging situations. Dhoni would hit the ball powerfully if it was a full-length delivery and would terrorize the bowlers with his destructive striking abilities.
Dhoni was a quick runner between the wickets and rotated the strike intelligently. The wicket-keeper batsman would cut the ball powerfully if it was just short of a length. Dhoni was a perfect number 7 for India, and his spirited approach gave Indian fans many happy memories. If the ball was in the middle and leg area, Dhoni would clear the front leg to dispatch the ball out of the park.
The strongly built right-hander had the power to hit the ball over extra cover even on fast wickets. Dhoni’s keeping was one of his most valuable features, and his efficiency behind the stumps won India many games. Dhoni Scored 10773 runs in 350 One Day Internationals. Dhoni has 444 dismissals to his name in the 50 over format.
# 8 Kapil Dev:
India is still trying to find its next Kapil Dev, but every Indian fan knows it is a difficult task. The legendary all-rounder would hammer the best bowling attacks on his day with his aggressive style of play. The former skipper would punch the ball powerfully on the front foot as well as the back foot and was a sharp puller of the ball on fast wickets.
Kapil Dev judged the length of delivery very quickly and was strong while playing square of the wickets. The “Haryana Hurricane” as he was nicknamed was renowned for his exceptional bowling. Kapil Dev had this knack of changing his bowling as per the conditions. He would outsmart the batsmen with his clever outswingers and in-dippers. Kapil Dev bowled fantastic leg cutters to outfox the batsmen.
Kapil Dev scored 3783 runs in 225 One day Internationals and took 253 wickets. His 175 not out against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup was simply outstanding. The former skipper batted with resolve under immense pressure.
# 9 Wasim Akram:
A legend like Wasim Akram is always a valued addition for any side. Akram toyed with the opposition’s batsmen when he was on a roll. Akram would bowl fast outswingers which were challenging to play. The former skipper showcased his prowess in reverse swing alongside his bowling partner Waqar Younis.
The left-arm fast bowler had a short run-up but generated enough pace and speed with his quick action. The all-rounder bowled quick Yorkers in death overs and swung the ball both ways even with the old ball. Akram was a handy batsman lower down the order. Akram took 502 Wickets in 356 One Day Internationals.
# 10 Anil Kumble:
The former skipper will be remembered as one of the best all-time spinners of Indian Cricket. Jumbo, as he was nicknamed, wasn’t a big turner of the ball but his length was absolutely accurate. The leg spinner had a beautiful googly which kept the batsmen guessing.
It was his ability to produce wicket-taking deliveries during critical situations that made him a penetrative option. Kumble bowled with subtle variations, and his faster ones would hurry the batsmen. He could outthink the batsmen. Kumble took 337 wickets in 271 One day Internationals.
# 11 Muttiah Muralitharan:
Muttiah Muralitharan will be remembered as a precious gem of Sri-Lankan Cricket. Muralitharan was a magician with the ball as his wrist spin was just unplayable when he was on song. The off-spinner was a big turner of the ball even on wickets which didn’t favour the spinners.
Muralitharan has outclassed the opposition’s batting with his brilliance. Muralitharan’s line, combined with his ability to deceive the batsmen in the air made him deadly. The Sri-Lankan great took 534 wickets in 350 One Day Internationals.