Who Are the Three Biggest Stars in World Cricket Right now?

Judging who are the best cricket players in the world at the moment is not as easy as it is in other sports. For example, it’s very difficult to compare a bowler with a batsman, as both have crucial roles in the team.

We’ve taken into account many factors, though, including rankings, form and having something unique about them, to determine who are the best three players in the sport right now across the different formats of the game.

1. Virat Kohli

We start with arguably the biggest name in world cricket. If this was judged on fanbase alone, Virat Kohli would be number one by some distance. The India captain is an idol in his home country for what he has achieved in the sport.

Kohli is a master of his craft at the crease. Whether it is Test cricket, one-day action or the explosive T20 format, the Indian makes the game look so easy with the bat. His averages across international cricket are very impressive.

In 2018, Kohli was named in the Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He goes far beyond cricket when it comes to his appeal and reach. The 32-year-old is as dedicated as anybody in the sport and, once he retires, he is likely to be one of the most successful batsmen of all time.

2. Steve Smith

Steve Smith tops the ICC Test Batting rankings ahead of Kohli and Kane Williamson respectively, which says a lot about how well the Australian is playing. He is also second behind his compatriot Don Bradman in the all-time Test rankings, quite an achievement when you look at some of the greats he is ahead of on that list.

It is in the Test format where Smith is really excelling. His wicket is probably the most important to take in international cricket. The man from Sydney showed how he can dominate a series during the Ashes in England in 2019. He was instrumental in helping his side retain the urn. With Smith in such good form, it is no surprise Australia are the odds-on favorites at -188 in the cricket betting for their upcoming series in 2021.

Smith has helped Australia to get back to the top of the world rankings in Test cricket. They are also one of the front runners for the T20 World Cup on their home soil next October.

3. Ben Stokes

All-rounders in cricket tend to be some of the most exciting players to watch in the sport and that is definitely the case with Ben Stokes. The England international was the hero for his national team at the 2019 World Cup where he produced a fantastic innings which helped force a Super Over with New Zealand. His side went on to lift the trophy for the first time in history.

Stokes is a phenomenal striker of the ball. When he is at the top of his game, he is thrilling to watch. He has also proved to be very dangerous as a bowler. The consistency in his game has helped him to become a huge star in various domestic leagues around the world.

All three of the above should be in contention for being named the various ICC player of the year awards in 2020.