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IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

In this particular article, we will be discussing the IPL facts about 10 batters who have registered the highest strike rate in the cash rich league. These include the players who have scored a minimum of 2000 runs in the tournament history.

Mar 20, 2025, 1:03 PM6 min read

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

In a T20 tournament like IPL, it is important for every team to have a quality set of players who can score runs at a fast pace. Particularly, this is most required in the death overs when the team is looking to score quick runs. These big hitters play a crucial role in the campaign of all the teams in each IPL season.

One of the most basic criteria for judging a batter for his fast scoring is his strike rate.

In this particular article, we will be discussing the IPL facts about 10 batters who have registered the highest strike rate in the cash rich league. These include the players who have scored a minimum of 2000 runs in the tournament history.

Also Read: Best Strike Rate in IPL (Minimum 1000 Runs)

IPL Facts | Highest Strike Rate in IPL History

10. Suryakumar Yadav | 145.32

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

The Indian Cricket Team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav's success on the international stage is built on the foundation of his IPL career, particularly his stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he made his reputation as a versatile and reliable middle-order batter. 

Through his 150 IPL matches, SKY has accumulated 3594 runs while maintaining an outstanding strike rate reaching 145.32. His significant fifty and two double hundred scores have consistently helped Mumbai Indians during crucial moments.

9. Hardik Pandya | 145.61

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain holds the 9th position in this list. In his IPL career of 137 matches, Pandya has scored a total of 2,525 runs with 10 half-centuries. His strike-rate reads 145.61.

Hardik has also contributed to his team's bowling department by taking 64 wickets with an economy rate of 9.09.

Besides representing MI, Pandya also led Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden IPL season (2022). He returned the MI setup following the 2023 season, in a record all-cash trade.

8. Kieron Pollard | 147.32

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

Mumbai Indians legend Kieron Pollard holds the 8th position in this list. Known for striking the ball hard, Pollard was one of the tournament’s finest power hitters.

Since his debut in 2010, Pollard competed in 189 matches while scoring 3412 runs. He managed to put up these numbers at an impressive strike rate of 147.32 with 16 half-centuries.

Pollard was one of Mumbai's batting mainstays throughout his career. His best performances for them came in 2013, where he scored 420 runs in the season, and in 2015, where he smashed 419 runs. Both were seasons where Mumbai lifted the trophy as well.

7. Jos Buttler | 147.92

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

Jos Buttler holds the seventh position in this list. He has been a consistent performer for Rajasthan Royals ever since he signed for the team before the Indian Premier League 2018 season.

Before joining the Royals, Buttler represented Mumbai Indians in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and while he fared decently with them, it was after joining the Royals that the Englishman truly hit his stride in the IPL.

Buttler scored 3582 runs in 107 games at an average of 38.10 and a strike rate of 147.92. His first season with the Royals saw him score 548 runs at an average of 54.80 and strike rate of 155.24. The tally included five half-centuries.

6. Rishabh Pant | 148.93

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

Rishabh Pant, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has played 111 matches in the Indian Premier League so far scoring 3284 runs with an average of 35.31 and strike rate of 148.93. He has one century and 18 half-centuries to his name.

Pant joined the Delhi Capitals in 2016 after he performed exceptionally in the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, where India finished as the runners-up under Ishan Kishan’s leadership. Pant was a teenager then and from there on he did not look back.

During the 2018 Indian Premier League, Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten 128 from 63 balls for Delhi Capitals in IPL. It is Pant's highest-ever individual score in IPL.  

5. Chris Gayle | 148.96

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

Chris Gayle has been the most destructive batter in the T20 set-up. Gayle is the fifth-highest batter with best strike rate in IPL (minimum 2000 runs).

In a career spanning from 2009-2021, the left-handed batsman has amassed 4,965 runs from 142 matches at an incredible average of 39.72. He owns a strike rate of 148.96.

Gayle scored 193 runs in ten games in IPL 2021.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

4. AB de Villiers | 151.68

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

AB de Villiers had a 13-year-long career in the IPL where he played for two teams, namely Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

He's counted among one of the greatest players to have played in the tournament, being the fourth-highest batter with best strike rate in IPL.

de Villiers scored 5162 runs in his IPL career from 184 matches (170 innings) at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68 with three hundreds and 40 fifties.

3. Virender Sehwag | 155.44

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

The cricket community is aware of what Virender Sehwag has achieved in his career. He was one of the best openers India ever had. But in the IPL, he had a different aura. 

Sehwag played for teams like Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and scored 2728 runs in 104 games. Indeed, he has also slammed a century in the tournament. Interestingly, his strike rate in the league is 155.44.

2. Glenn Maxwell | 156.73

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

The second name in this list is Glenn Maxwell in terms of keeping the highest strike rate in the IPL.

Maxwell began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils in 2012. The Australian all-rounder then represented Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab, before landing with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 36-year-old has turned out in 134 IPL matches, scoring 2771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73. He has also picked 37 wickets at an economy rate of 8.28.

1. Andre Russell | 174.92

IPL Facts: Highest Strike Rate in IPL History (Minimum 2000 Runs)

Andre Russell has the highest strike rate in IPL for a batter with minimum 2000 runs. His figures are much more impressive considering his long career with KKR and the innings he has played. 

Playing 127 IPL matches, Russell has scored 2484 runs at a commendable strike rate of 174.92. 

He has eleven half-centuries with a high score of 88 not out in the IPL. Russell has many times won games for KKR on his own in very difficult situations.

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Most Sixes for India in T20Is

Over the years India is blessed to have got some big hitters in their line up who are capable of clearing any boundary in the world. In this article we will take a look at those batters with most sixes for India in T20Is.

Aug 27, 2025, 11:23 AM4 min read

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

Cricket today is almost entirely a batsman's game. Flat pitches, small boundaries and bigger bats have tilted the game heavily in favor of the batsmen. The bowlers have got nowhere to hide and, the advent of T20s, where the batsmen go after them from the first ball itself have made it even more difficult.

The T20 format has brought about a revolution where the bowlers are more than grateful to keep the run rate down, rather than to take wickets. India made a wonderful foray into the shortest format of the game, winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Over the years India is blessed to have got some big hitters in their line up who are capable of clearing any boundary in the world.

In this article we will take a look at those batters with most sixes for India in T20Is.

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

5. Hardik Pandya | 95

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

Hardik Pandya debuted in T20I cricket in 2016 and swiftly established himself as a key member of India's preferred playing eleven, serving as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His T20I career reached its peak in 2024, marked by outstanding all-round performances during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, helping India clinch the title. In terms of batting, Pandya has struck 95 sixes across 90 T20I innings.

Pandya has been included in the Men in Blue's 15-member squad for this year's Asia Cup. If Pandya manages to hit five more maximums in the Asia Cup, then he will go on to surpass KL Rahul's tally of 99 sixes in the shortest format. This will see the all-rounder become the Indian player with the fourth-most sixes in T20Is.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

4. KL Rahul | 99

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

KL Rahul, who was once a consistent member of the T20I squad now finds himself out of favour in the T20I setup. Between 2016 and 2022, he played in 72 T20I matches and mostly batted in the top three.

He hit 99 sixes in 68 T20I innings. Following the T20 World Cup 2022, he was excluded from the shortest format due to his outdated approach to T20 cricket, as he did not improve his intent and strike rate.

3. Virat Kohli | 124

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

The Run Machine Virat Kohli has hit 124 sixes in 117 T20I innings for India. He is one of the most consistent players in the Indian team, with an average of 48.69. He made his T20I debut for India in 2010 and since then he has been a cornerstone of India's batting. Kohli also recorded 4,188 runs in T20I format, which included 38 fifties. 

“King Kohli” was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. After winning the trophy, Kohli announced his retirement from the format. 

2. Suryakumar Yadav | 146*

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

Yet another batsman who has made six-hitting look extremely easy is India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Despite making his T20I debut in March 2021 with a match against England, the elegant middle-order batter has already launched 146 maximums in just 79 innings for Team India.

Having the ability to hit sixes at all parts of the ground with relative ease makes Yadav, a.k.a SKY, draw a comparison with South Africa’s great AB De Villiers who was called Mr. 360 in cricket. His centuries have also come against big teams like England, South Africa, and New Zealand apart from Sri Lanka. He has hit the most number of T20I sixes against West Indies (35).  

1. Rohit Sharma | 205

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

Former Indian T20I captain Rohit Sharma hit the most sixes for India in T20Is, having hit 205 sixes in 159 games he played. He made his debut for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup against South Africa. However, he failed to cement his place in the team. The turnaround came in the 2013 Champions Trophy when MS Dhoni promoted him up the order to open the batting with Shikhar Dhawan.

Also Read: Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

The mighty Australians have been Rohit's favourite opponent in this format against whom he has hit 29 sixes in 23 matches with Bangladesh being the second, conceding 22 sixes off his willow. Fondly called the “Hitman”, Rohit Sharma hung up his boots from T20Is after delivering the 2024 T20 World Cup title for India.   

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Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

Some important questions were answered during the Asia Cup 2025 press conference. Here are five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference.

Aug 19, 2025, 11:15 AM4 min read

Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

BCCI has announced the 15-member Indian team squad for Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar came for the press conference to announce the team. The command of the Indian team has been given to Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill has been made the vice-captain. Meanwhile, some important questions were also answered during the Asia Cup team announcement press conference.

Here are five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference.

Also Read: Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

Why Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal not in the team?

Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal have not got a place in the Asia Cup squad. They set the stage on fire for their franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. However, the duo have yet to receive a T20I call-up. 

Regarding which Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said, "With regards to Yashasvi Jaiswal, I mean it's just unfortunate again. Abhishek Sharma, what he's done over the last few months or a year or so that he's been with the team. Plus, that he can bowl a little bit gives us an option, if required, by the captain.

With regards to Shreyas, I mean, we can replace that. Again, no fault of his. Nor is it ours. It's just that he can pick 15 and, at the moment, he might have to wait for his chance."

Agarkar told why Gill got the chance

Shubman Gill last played a T20I in July 2024 against Sri Lanka. For the three-match series back then, the 25-year-old was made the vice-captain. Keeping the continuity in mind, the management decided to bring him back, considering the right-hander is available for the shortest format of the game.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said in a Asia Cup team announcement press conference, "We will take the call on the best balance for the team. Once we get to Dubai, will have a bit more clarity. More options available now, Shubman has been in great form anyway last few months. So has Sanju. so two good options, along with Abhishek."

Bumrah's workload management

Jasprit Bumrah played just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England owing to workload management. Ever since the series came to an end, the pacer has received flak from some corners for picking and choosing. Amid all the drama, Bumrah made himself available for the Asia Cup.

Agarkar once again confirmed that Bumrah's workload management would continue despite the outside noise, as he spoke about how special the pacer truly is.

"I mean, I don't think there is any written plan at the moment. Obviously, there has been a nice break after the England series as well. The team management, the physios, or the people concerned are always in touch. It's not just now. Even before his injury, we have tried to look after him. Because we know how valuable he is. Clearly, we want him available for all the big games," said Agarkar.

Suryakumar Yadav on T20 WC plans

Suryakumar Yadav said on what lies ahead for the Indian team leading up to the T20 World Cup. "This is the first big tournament that we are playing after the T20 World Cup. We played three-four bilateral series but it's a good tournament to test ourselves. After this too there are many T20s. It starts with the Asia Cup,"

"The preparation is obviously...we had a little bit of idea after the last World Cup, which way we are going to go. But as you get closer, you know who your 16-17-18 are. You want to try and give them the best possible opportunity to be in the best shape going into the World Cup. So yeah, it starts now."

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

End of the road for Samson?

Gill's return might well be the end of the road for Sanju Samson in India’s XI. As vice-captain, there is no way, Gill won't play. And when he does, he of course will open along with Abhishek Sharma. Tilak Varma won’t be moved from the No. 3 position, and neither will Surya or Hardik. So there’s your rough deal.

Asia Cup 2025: India Squad

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

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Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

With the Asia Cup 2025 right around the corner, let's have a look at the highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history.

Aug 14, 2025, 12:03 PM5 min read

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Asia Cup 2025 will be held in UAE from 9 to 28 September. Due to T20 World Cup 2026, this time Asia Cup will also be organized in T20 format. India is being seen as the biggest contender in the Asia Cup this time.

Over the years, there have been many bowlers who have made a significant impact for their sides in the Asia Cup and are even featured in the list of highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history. Players like Muthiah Muralidaran, Lasith Malinga and many more are certified legends for their sides, and they fully deserve the status after their brilliant bowling performances over the years.

With the Asia Cup 2025 right around the corner, let's have a look at the highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History | ODI Format

1. Muthiah Muralidaran

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Muthiah Muralidaran is considered to be one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. He has picked up 30 wickets in 24 Asia Cup matches at an economy of 3.75 and an average of 28.83. He was part of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup titles wins in 1997, 2004 and 2008.

2. Lasith Malinga

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Lasith Malinga is second on the list of best bowlers in Asia Cup history. He has been one of Sri Lanka's greatest pacers, especially in white-ball cricket. Malinga played in 5 editions from 2004 to 2018 and took 29 wickets at an economy of 4.65 and an average of 20.55. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2010 and 2014 editions and won the Asia Cup in 2004 and 2014.

3. Ajantha Mendis

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Former Sri Lanka mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis is third on the list. Mendis took 26 wickets in just 8 matches from 2008 to 2014 at an economy of 3.98 and an average of 10.42. He was the highest wicket-taker at the 2008 edition and helped Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup titles in 2008 and 2014.

4. Saeed Ajmal

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Saeed Ajmal is the only non-Sri Lankan bowler in the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in Asia Cup history. Ajmal took 25 wickets in 12 matches between 2008 and 2014 at an average of 19.25 and an economy rate of 4.21. He was part of Pakistan’s Asia Cup-winning team in 2012.

5. Ravindra Jadeja

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja completes the top 5 list of the bowlers with most wickets in the Asia Cup. He played in the 2010 to 2023 editions of the Asia Cup so far and took 25 wickets at an average of 26.28 and an economy rate of 4.34. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 date announced; BCCI yet to confirm participation against Pakistan

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History | T20 Format

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The top wicket-taker in Asia Cup T20 history is India’s pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has scalped 13 wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 9.46. The 35-year-old, who is currently not part of India’s squad, is also known for his skillful death and new ball bowling.

Bhuvi has an excellent economy rate of only 5.34 and is the only bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the shorter edition of the tournament. The right-arm medium pacer’s best figures of 5/4 — also his T20I best, came against Afghanistan in the 2022 edition of the tournament.

2. Amjad Javed

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The second-highest wicket-taker of this list is Amjad Javed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who has featured only in the 2016 edition of the tournament, where he led the team. In the only edition he played in this format, he has taken 12 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.08.

The 45-year-old has a relatively higher economy rate of 7.34 as compared to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Javed’s best bowling figures in an innings came against Sri Lanka during the inaugural edition of the T20I format of the Asia Cup. The right-arm pacer took three wickets for 25 runs to record his best figures in the tournament.

3. Mohammad Naveed

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The third-highest wicket-taker in the event’s history is also the UAE’s Mohammad Naveed, with 11 wickets to his name in seven matches. Like Amjad Javed, he made only one appearance during the 2016 Asia Cup, where his team advanced after playing qualifying rounds.

The 38-year-old has an excellent average of 13.18 with a reasonable economy rate of 5.24. Naveed’s best bowling figures of 3-14 came against Hong Kong in 2016. With his bowling performance, the UAE restricted Hong Kong to 146-7 in their 20 overs. In reply, the UAE successfully chased down the total and won by nine wickets.

4. Rashid Khan

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan has taken 161 wickets in just 96 T20Is for Afghanistan and is the leading wicket taker in T20 cricket. However, he is unlikely to be fourth on the list by his standards. He has so far taken 11 wickets despite playing eight matches, a number higher than all the top three bowlers.

The leg-spinner has an average of 18.36 and boasts a slightly higher economy rate of 6.51. His best figures of 3-22 came against Bangladesh in 2022, resulting in a thrilling victory over the Tigers.

5. Hardik Pandya

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is fifth on the list. The right-arm pacer has scalped 11 wickets in eight matches so far, with an average of 18.81 and the highest economy rate of (7.01) among the top five bowlers.

Notably, his best figures of 3-8 against arch-rivals Pakistan during the 2016 edition. Thanks to Hardik Pandya’s bowling, India bundled out Pakistan for a modest total of 83 and successfully chased it down in 15.3 overs.

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Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

If Suryakumar Yadav recovers in time, he will not only lead the side but also have a chance to break multiple T20I records in Asia Cup 2025. Let's have a look.

Aug 11, 2025, 11:59 AM3 min read

Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has returned to the nets for the first time since undergoing surgery on his lower right abdomen. Asia Cup 2025 is going to start from 9th September. All the teams have started their preparations. This time the tournament will be played in T20 format. In such a situation, it is very important for Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav to be fit. The Indian skipper is now working hard to be fully fit in time for the tournament, which will also act as a key preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

If he recovers in time, SKY will not only lead the side but also have a chance to break multiple T20I records in Asia Cup 2025. Let's have a look.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests

Records Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

3,000 T20I Runs with 160+ Strike Rate

The 34-year-old is on the verge of becoming the first player in T20I history to score 3,000 runs while maintaining a strike rate above 160. He is currently 402 runs short of the milestone. No batter in history has got to 3,000 T20I runs with a strike rate above 150.

Most Centuries in T20Is

Surya also needs one more century to equal the joint record of five T20I hundreds held by Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell. Batting in the top order will give him a golden opportunity to at least equal, if not surpass, their record. Given his IPL 2025 form, breaking it outright isn’t out of the question.

Players with 150 T20I Sixes

Sky just needs four more sixes to join the elite club of players with 150 T20I sixes, with 146 sixes to his name. Only Rohit (205), Martin Guptill (173), Muhammad Waseem (168), and Jos Buttler (160) have cleared the rope more often. This one could be ticked off within a match or two.

Surya is focused on recovery and fitness

To speed up his recovery, Suryakumar withdrew from the Duleep Trophy 2025 and has been concentrating on strength-building, mobility work, and match fitness at the NCA. His training is aimed at ensuring he can handle the demands of back-to-back matches in the Asia Cup.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Every record Shubman Gill broke in test series

Surya's performance in IPL 2025

Surya was last seen playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. He batted brilliantly this season and won the Most Valuable Player award by scoring 717 runs for Mumbai Indians.

Rohit Sharma retired from the T20 format after the T20 World Cup 2024. After this, Surya is captaining the Indian T20I team. Surya has shown excellent captaincy. He has won 17 matches for India in 22 matches. 

The Indian team will start its campaign in Asia Cup 2025 from September 10, where it will face UAE. Apart from this, the big match between India and Pakistan will be played on September 14.

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Sachin-Sourav, Mahela-Sanga: 5 best cricketing friendships in history

From Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly to Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene, on Friendship Day special, we talk about the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.

Aug 1, 2025, 8:00 AM5 min read

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history - Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly | sportzpoint.com

Cricket is a game played in partnership. No matter how good you are, you can not survive without a partner at the non-striker end. Therefore, cricketers form bonds that extend beyond the cricket field and last a lifetime. On this Friendship Day, we bring you the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history

#1 Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history - Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly | sportzpoint.com
Sachin and Sourav scored 8227 ODI runs together, which is the highest by any pair in ODI history. Image | IndiaTimes

Well, if you talk about partnerships in cricket and do not talk about Sachin and Sourav, you are doing a sin. The Indian pair is one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history. Their cricketing friendship dates back to U-17 days. Sourav and Sachin met each other there and toured with the India U-17 team. Although Sachin went on to represent India at a very young age, their friendship remained the same.

Read Also: Sourav Ganguly Records

In fact, it was Sachin and Sourav who transformed the Indian team post the match-fixing scandal. They both scored 6609 runs as an opening pair in ODI cricket, which is a record in itself. Also, they scored the most number of hundred-run partnerships in ODI cricket, with 21 as an opening pair and 26 overall.

They scored 8227 ODI runs as a pair in ODI cricket, a record that might not be broken ever.

#2 Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history - Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene | sportzpoint.com
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have the record for the highest partnership in test and first-class cricket (624). Image | ICC on X

These two Sri Lankan stalwarts dominated world cricket as a pair throughout their career. In fact, they were the only reason, along with Muralitharan, that Sri Lanka ruled cricket in the mid-2000s. Sri Lanka became unbeatable on their home soil on the banks of partnerships of Sanga and Mahela.

Read Also: Most international sixes in Cricket by Captains

They both piled up runs with ease in international cricket. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene scored 6554 runs together in test cricket, which is only second to Dravid and Tendulkar's 6920 runs. Their 624-run partnership against South Africa in 2006 is still the highest at any batting position in test cricket.

Kumar and Mahela now own restaurants together. Also, they are trying to help Sri Lankan cricket get back on their feet.

Read Also: Top 10 teams with the most wins in T20I cricket

#3 Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history - Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath | sportzpoint.com
Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are one of the grestest bowling pairs in cricket history. Image | ICC on X

Probably the greatest bowling pair in cricket history, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath played together and ended their cricket careers together. Perhaps it was because of them that Australia would win against any opposition and at any place.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to dust, If McGrath can't get you, Warne must.

This old saying about Warne and McGrath reveals their greatness. Moreover, it talks about how they used to hunt in pairs. Though Warne was a bit flamboyant in his life, this duo's cricketing friendship ended many batsmen's careers. Warne is the highest wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 wickets, while McGrath is the second highest with 157 wickets. They both played 104 Tests in tandem and took 1,011 wickets. In fact, Wisden has stated them to be the greatest bowling pair of all time.


Read Also: Most Wickets in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup

#4 AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history - AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn | sportzpoint.com
Styen and ABD is known as one of the best friends in cricket alongside Faf du Plessis. Image | RCB

The only batting-bowling pair on our special list of best cricketing friendships. Dale Styen and AB de Villiers started their career together and literally made South Africa the best cricket team in the world. 

Though the pair could not win any major ICC trophies for South Africa, they were the best Test team in the world during their time. Steyn finished his career as the highest test wicket-taker for South Africa (439), beating Shaun Pollock's record of 421 test wickets. Meantime, AB Deviliers is known as one of the most complete batters ever.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

#5 Waqar Yunis and Wasim Akram

Waqar Yunis and Wasim Akram - 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history | sportzpoint.com
Wasim and Waqar took 1,147 wickets while playing together. Image | ICC on X

Waqar and Wasim are probably the most lethal bowling pair in modern cricket. The duo from Pakistan dominated the world with sheer pace and swing. Perhaps, Waqar is said to be the best reverse-swing bowler ever, while Wasim Akram is said to be the "sultan of swing" (king of swing).

If Waqar could break your toes, Wasim could too. They both complemented each other so well that they took 500 test wickets in 61 test matches together. They are both probably the best pacers that Pakistan has ever produced.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Wasim finished as the bowler with the most wickets in ODI cricket, alongside being the highest wicket-taker in international cricket as a left-arm pacer.

Other than these pairs, the world has seen many great friendships like Virat-ABD, Bravo-Pollard, Dravid-Kumble and Smith-Marnus over the years. We have chosen the best from 5 separate countries.

Note: The article was first published on Aug 1, 2021 and then got updated over time.

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