Cricket, a game celebrated globally, thrives on the performances of its stars. However, numerous players who consistently deliver outstanding performances seldom receive the recognition they deserve. This article aims to highlight the most underrated players in cricket, focusing on those whose significant contributions have frequently been overlooked in favor of more high-profile athletes. From tactical bowlers to resilient batsmen, let’s delve into the careers of these ten exceptional players.
10. Tim Murtagh – The Seam Precisionist from Ireland
Tim Murtagh is one of the most underrated players in cricket whose career with Ireland has been stellar yet underappreciated. Murtagh’s skill in seam bowling, particularly in swinging conditions, has consistently put top batting line-ups in trouble. Despite Ireland’s status as a relatively smaller cricketing nation, Murtagh’s performances have been nothing short of world-class. His five-wicket haul in Ireland’s test debut against Pakistan showcased his capability to perform against top-tier teams under pressure.
- Key Achievements:
- Over 100 international wickets, showcasing his skill across formats.
- Vital role in some of Ireland’s most significant victories on the international stage.
Murtagh’s mastery with the ball makes him a quintessential figure among the most underrated players in cricket.
9. Asad Shafiq – Pakistan’s Resolute Middle-Order Pillar
Asad Shafiq has been the backbone of Pakistan’s Test middle order for over a decade, yet his consistent performances have often flown under the radar. Known for his ability to bat for long durations under pressure, Shafiq has carved out crucial innings when Pakistan needed them the most. His technical soundness and quiet perseverance make him a classic example of the most underrated players in cricket.
- Notable Performances:
- Notched up 12 Test centuries, several under challenging conditions against top bowling attacks.
- Stellar performance in the 2016 Brisbane Test, where his century nearly led to a historic win against Australia.
Shafiq’s dedication and resilience highlight his underrated stature in international cricket.
8. Neil Wagner – New Zealand’s Tireless Warrior
Neil Wagner’s commitment to New Zealand’s cricket success is palpable in every spell he bowls. Known for his relentless stamina and ability to bowl long spells, Wagner specializes in delivering short-pitched deliveries that have rattled many batsmen. Despite his key role in lifting New Zealand to new heights in Test cricket, Wagner’s contributions often remain underappreciated, overshadowed by more flamboyant figures in the team.
- Impactful Bowling Spells:
- Played a decisive role in New Zealand’s journey to the 2019 ICC World Test Championship final.
- Consistently high wicket-taker in both home and away series, using his aggressive bowling style to great effect.
Wagner’s fierce competitive spirit and pivotal performances make him one of the most underrated players in cricket.
7. Roston Chase – The West Indies’ Versatile All-Rounder
Roston Chase is a testament to versatility, contributing with both bat and ball in a West Indies team that has seen its share of ups and downs. His ability to switch roles between a dependable middle-order batsman and a part-time off-spinner makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Despite his crucial performances, including a memorable Test match-saving century against India, Chase’s abilities have not been as celebrated as those of his contemporaries.
- Memorable Performances:
- Key centuries in testing conditions, showcasing his batting resilience.
- Significant wickets in spin-friendly conditions, highlighting his utility as a bowler.
Chase’s all-round performance solidifies his place among the most underrated players in cricket.
6. Henry Nicholls – New Zealand’s Dependable Middle-Order Bat
Henry Nicholls has been a model of consistency for New Zealand, particularly in the Test arena where his calm and composed batting has rescued his team numerous times. Nicholls has the ability to play the long innings as well as adapt to the shorter formats, making him a versatile player in the New Zealand squad. Despite his consistent run-scoring, Nicholls has often been overlooked in discussions about the world’s leading batsmen.
- Consistent Performances:
- Regularly scores half-centuries and centuries in crucial matches.
- Key player in New Zealand’s lineup during their ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
Nicholls’s reliability and adaptability mark him as one of the most underrated players in cricket.
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5. Chris Woakes – England’s Dual-Threat Dynamite
Chris Woakes has proven himself as a dual-threat player for England, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. As a fast bowler, Woakes has the ability to swing the ball both ways, and as a batsman, he has played several crucial knocks in the lower order. His performances in England, especially during the English summer, have been instrumental in many of England’s victories, yet they often go unlauded compared to those of his teammates.
- Key Skills and Achievements:
- Stellar all-round performances in England’s home series and major tournaments.
- Played pivotal roles in England’s recent successes, including their 2019 World Cup win.
Woakes’s ability to impact games in multiple ways secures his spot among the most underrated players in cricket.
4. Colin Munro – The Kiwi Powerhouse
Colin Munro is known for his explosive batting in the limited-overs format. His ability to score quickly and turn games around within a few overs makes him a crucial player for New Zealand. Despite holding records for some of the fastest fifties and hundreds in T20 internationals, Munro’s prowess is often overshadowed by other international stars.
- Explosive Innings:
- Holds the record for the second-fastest fifty in T20 internationals.
- A consistent match-winner in various T20 leagues around the globe, bringing flair and firepower to the top order.
Munro’s dynamic batting prowess places him firmly among the most underrated players in cricket.
3. Craig Overton – England’s Consistent Performer
Craig Overton’s performances in both domestic and international cricket have shown him to be a reliable and skilled cricketer, especially in English conditions. His ability to bowl long spells and his knack for picking up crucial wickets have been vital for England, yet he is not as frequently discussed as other English pacers.
- Noteworthy Contributions:
- Strong performances in the County Championship leading to national selection.
- Impressive spells against top international sides, showcasing his potential in Test cricket.
Overton’s skill and tenacity make him a true but unsung hero among the most underrated players in cricket.
2. Mehidy Hasan – Bangladesh’s Spin Sensation
Mehidy Hasan, since his debut, has been a revelation for Bangladesh, particularly in Test cricket. His ability to bowl long, economical spells and his knack for picking up key wickets have made him a cornerstone of the Bangladeshi bowling attack. Despite his young age, Hasan’s performances are on par with some of the best spinners in the world, yet he does not always receive the recognition he deserves.
- Impressive Stats:
- Among the top wicket-takers for Bangladesh in recent years.
- Played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic Test win against England in 2016.
Mehidy Hasan’s contributions are vital, yet he remains one of the most underrated players in cricket.
1. Ishant Sharma – India’s Lanky Pace Spearhead
Ishant Sharma has been a mainstay in the Indian cricket team, especially in Tests, where his ability to exploit conditions and generate bounce has made him a formidable opponent. With a career spanning over a decade, Sharma has delivered some of cricket’s most memorable spells. Despite his longevity and crucial wickets in key series, Sharma is often overlooked when discussing India’s pace revolution.
- Career Highlights:
- Key player in India’s overseas victories, particularly in Australia and England.
- Notched up over 300 Test wickets, placing him among the elite Indian pacers.
Ishant Sharma’s unwavering dedication and impact make him the epitome of the most underrated players in cricket.
Conclusion
The most underrated players in cricket are often the backbone of their teams, delivering consistent performances without the acclaim accorded to their more celebrated counterparts. This list celebrates these players, whose dedication and skill have significantly contributed to their teams’ successes. It’s crucial for fans and analysts alike to recognize and appreciate these unsung heroes who, through their resilience and prowess, help shape the narrative of international cricket.
