List Of Cricketers To Achieve No. 1 Spot In ICC Rankings In All Three Formats
Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler to top ICC rankings across formats
Since the inception of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in 2005, cricket has evolved dramatically, placing a premium on players who possess the flexibility and skill set to excel across all three formats of the game. This evolution has led to a new breed of cricketers, capable of adapting their game to meet the demands of Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20Is alike.
Among this elite group, Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah recently recorded his name in history books by becoming the first bowler to achieve the number-one ranking in all three formats. This remarkable achievement shows not just Bumrah's brilliant skill and consistency but also the significant impact of versatile players in the modern era of cricket.
However, Bumrah's historic accomplishment places him among a select cadre of cricketers who have similarly reached the top of the game in their respective roles. These players have not only demonstrated their brilliance in a single format but have also consistently dominated across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, securing the top spot in the rankings through their outstanding performances.
Here’s the list of cricketers to achieve No. 1 spot in ICC rankings in all three formats.
1. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting (Twitter)
Former Australian batting powerhouse, Ricky Ponting is revered for his formidable presence at the crease and his unparalleled ability to dominate bowling attacks around the globe. His aggressive style and tactical brilliance not only made him an indispensable asset for the Australian cricket team but also led them to numerous victories under his captaincy. In December 2005, he ascended to the top of Test cricket, securing the number one position in the ICC Test Rankings, a position he held with distinction until November 2007.
His supremacy in the Test arena was complemented by his dominance in the One-Day International (ODI) format, where he climbed to the number one spot in the ICC ODI Rankings in March 2005. Moreover, Ponting's influence extended to the burgeoning format of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), where he etched his name in history as the first batter to secure the number one position in the ICC T20I Rankings for batters.
2. Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden (Twitter)
Former Aussie opener, Matthew Hayden, who is recognized as one of the most formidable opening batters in cricket history, consistently unleashed his ferocity with the bat, leaving a lasting impression on opponents with his explosive performances. The left-hander's illustrious career is filled with 30 Test centuries and 10 ODI hundreds, which is proof of his dominance at the crease in the longer formats of the game. In addition to his achievements in Tests and ODIs, Hayden also made a significant impact in the shortest format, amassing 308 runs from just nine T20 International innings at an impressive average of 51.33 and a strike-rate of 143.9, which includes four half-centuries.
The southpaw’s consistent performances earned him the rare distinction of being ranked number one in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, highlighting his standing as one of the game's greats.
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan (Twitter)
Shakib Al Hasan’s contribution to Bangladesh cricket goes beyond numbers; his leadership, experience, and performance under pressure have made him a central figure in Bangladesh's rise in international cricket. With a plethora of achievements, Shakib leads the wicket-taking charts for Bangladesh across all formats, boasting 233 wickets in Tests, 317 in ODIs, and 140 in T20Is. His contributions in ODIs and Tests are monumental. He holds the third-highest run tally for Bangladesh in both ODIs, with 7,570 runs, and Tests, with 4,454 runs, showcasing his ability to score runs and play pivotal innings across different formats.
Shakib has amassed 2,382 runs in T20Is, making him the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in the format. This incredible balance of skill with both bat and ball highlights his versatility and importance to the team. His remarkable all-round performances saw him achieving a historic milestone in June 2015, when he became the second player ever to rank number one in the all-rounder category across all three formats.
4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli (Twitter)
Indian stalwart, Virat Kohli etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first Indian to achieve the prestigious number-one ranking in all three formats of the game. His journey to the top began in the Test arena in August 2018, following a remarkable performance against England. Notably, this performance came after a disappointing tour of England in 2014. Kohli's ascendancy in the ODI format is equally impressive; he first claimed the world number one spot in November 2013.
Although he briefly relinquished it, Kohli dominated the ODI rankings from 2017 to 2021, holding the top position for over 1,500 days, underlining his consistency and dominance in the 50-over format. In the T20I format, Kohli reached the zenith of the batting rankings for the first time in September 2014 and currently has the most runs in the format.
5. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah (Twitter)
Indian pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah recently became the latest cricketer to join the group of players who have achieved the number-one ranking across all three formats, setting a unique record as the first bowler to do so. His rise to the apex of the ICC Test Rankings shows his impact and dominance in the cricketing world since his international debut in 2016. Bumrah's entry into international cricket was marked by his distinctive action and lethal yorkers, quickly capturing the attention of fans and experts alike.
In no time, Bumrah was being celebrated as one of the most formidable bowlers in contemporary cricket. His journey to the top of the ODI Rankings began in February 2018, where he maintained his position as the leading bowler until February 2020. A standout performance, including a six-wicket haul against England in July 2022, saw him briefly reclaiming this position. In T20Is, Bumrah reached the pinnacle of the bowling rankings towards the end of 2017, albeit for a short duration. Bumrah's achievements not only celebrate his exceptional talent and hard work but also his significant role in shaping the narrative of fast bowling in modern cricket.
 "Jatin")
