In cricket’s storied history, all-rounders have stood out as rare gems—masters with both bat and ball. A select few not only excelled in both departments but also reigned supreme in the ICC rankings for remarkably long stretches. Their dominance at the top reflects exceptional consistency, match-winning ability, and lasting impact across formats. Here’s a tribute to the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest:
5. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Format: Primarily Tests & ODIs
ICC No.1 Rank Duration: 2017–2024 (intermittently)
Span as Top All-Rounder: Over 1152 days in ICC Test rankings
From a flamboyant white-ball spinner to one of India’s most reliable match-winners in Test cricket, Ravindra Jadeja has undergone a remarkable all-round evolution. Renowned for his lightning-quick fielding, accurate left-arm spin, and crucial lower-order runs, Jadeja has consistently influenced games across formats.
In the longest format, he’s frequently vied for the No 1 ICC all-rounder spot with the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Ben Stokes. Yet, it’s his unwavering ability to change matches—be it breaking stubborn partnerships or rescuing innings—that keeps him in the conversation among the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
| Stat | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 72 | 197 |
| Runs | 3,072 | 2,756 |
| Wickets | 293 | 220 |
| Batting Avg | 36.56 | 32.22 |
| Bowling Avg | 24.31 | 36.05 |
4. Kapil Dev (India)
Format: Tests & ODIs
ICC No.1 Rank Duration: 1980–1987
Span as Top All-Rounder: ~1300 days
India’s first true all-rounder and a World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev was a game-changer who led by example. While his defining moment came with the 1983 World Cup triumph, it was his unwavering consistency throughout the 1980s that kept him among the elite in the ICC All-Rounder rankings.
Renowned for his explosive batting and lethal swing bowling, Kapil was India’s crisis man—delivering with both bat and ball when it mattered most. His long-standing impact firmly places him among the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
| Stat | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 131 | 225 |
| Runs | 5,248 | 3,783 |
| Wickets | 434 | 253 |
| Batting Avg | 31.05 | 23.79 |
| Bowling Avg | 29.64 | 27.45 |
3. Imran Khan (Pakistan)
Format: Tests & ODIs
ICC No.1 Rank Duration: 1982–1989
Span as Top All-Rounder: 1500+ days cumulatively
Before leading Pakistan to a World Cup win and later becoming Prime Minister, Imran Khan was one of cricket’s most formidable all-rounders. Blending fiery pace with graceful batting, he often served as the backbone of Pakistan’s Test team—anchoring both the bowling and batting units.
His golden years came in the 1980s, a period when he regularly featured among the top three all-rounders and frequently held the No. 1 ICC spot, especially in Tests. His exceptional leadership and match-winning prowess ultimately peaked with the 1992 World Cup triumph, securing his legacy among the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
| Stat | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 88 | 175 |
| Runs | 3,807 | 3,709 |
| Wickets | 362 | 182 |
| Batting Avg | 37.69 | 33.41 |
| Bowling Avg | 22.81 | 26.61 |
2. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Format: ODIs, Tests & T20Is
ICC No.1 Rank Duration: 2009–2023 (intermittently across all formats)
Span as Top All-Rounder: 4000+ days cumulatively
Arguably Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan has been a global all-round force. With his crafty left-arm spin and fearless middle-order batting, Shakib has consistently delivered on the biggest stages—from World Cups to gritty Test series in challenging conditions.
Remarkably, he’s the only player to hold the No. 1 ICC all-rounder ranking across all three formats for extended periods. His unmatched consistency, especially in ODIs and T20Is, cements his place among the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
| Stat | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 66 | 247 | 120 |
| Runs | 4,643 | 7,384 | 2,382 |
| Wickets | 233 | 317 | 146 |
1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Format: Tests & ODIs
ICC No.1 Rank Duration: 2002–2008 (sporadically in both formats)
Span as Top All-Rounder: Over 2500+ days across formats
Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, Jacques Kallis epitomized balance and reliability for South Africa. A technically brilliant top-order batter and a skillful seamer, Kallis amassed over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs, along with more than 500 international wickets.
His all-round excellence saw him regularly occupy the No. 1 ICC All-Rounder spot, particularly during the mid-2000s. Kallis didn’t just contribute—he dominated, often turning matches single-handedly, earning his place among the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
| Stat | Tests | ODIs |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 166 | 328 |
| Runs | 13,289 | 11,579 |
| Batting Avg | 55.37 | 44.36 |
| Wickets | 292 | 273 |
| Bowling Avg | 32.65 | 31.79 |
Conclusion
The legacy of these all-rounders goes far beyond stats—they were match-winners, leaders, and pillars of their teams. From Jacques Kallis’s unmatched balance to Shakib Al Hasan’s multi-format dominance, and from Imran Khan’s fierce charisma to the consistency of Kapil Dev and Ravindra Jadeja, each carved their own path to greatness. Their prolonged reigns at the top of the ICC rankings are a testament to their rare ability to influence games with both bat and ball—making them true giants of the game. These legends will forever be remembered among the Top 5 All-Rounders Who Ruled the No 1 ICC Rank the Longest.
Read More: Top 10 Greatest Left-Handed Batsmen in Cricket History
FAQ`s
Q1:Who held the No. 1 ICC all-rounder ranking the longest in cricket history?
A: Jacques Kallis holds the record for spending the most cumulative time as the No. 1 all-rounder across formats, especially in ODIs and Test.
Q2: How long did Imran Khan stay as the top-ranked all-rounder?
A: Imran Khan was regularly among the top-ranked all-rounders during the 1980s, often holding the No. 1 Test spot due to his dominant performances with both bat and ball.
Q3: What makes these all-rounders stand out in ICC ranking history?
A: Their ability to maintain peak performance in both batting and bowling over long periods set them apart, allowing them to dominate the ICC all-rounder rankings across formats.