Today’s Era: The Best Cricket Players Dominating the Modern Game

CRICKET

IPL

March 28, 2025

We are living in one of the most exciting eras of cricket. The sport has never been more dynamic—with packed stadiums, multi-format calendars, and T20 leagues redefining how fans consume the game. Amid all this, a new generation of players has emerged, mastering the balance between traditional class and modern innovation.

Here’s a look at the best cricket players of today’s era—those who are not just performers, but icons of modern cricket.

🏏 1. Virat Kohli (India)

Role: Top-order Batter | Formats: All
Legacy: The king of consistency

Even in 2025, Virat Kohli remains a standard-bearer of modern batting. Whether chasing targets in ODIs or holding the line in Tests, his hunger for runs and passion for the game still shine.

Key Highlights:

80+ international centuries
2023 World Cup’s top scorer
Fitness pioneer and role model for young cricketers

🇵🇰 2. Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Role: Top-order Batter | Formats: All
Legacy: The modern-day elegance

Babar Azam is Pakistan’s pride—stylish, composed, and incredibly consistent. His technique is reminiscent of classical batsmen, but with a modern touch.

Key Highlights:

ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year (multiple times)
Among the top 5 batters in all formats
Led Pakistan to T20 World Cup Final in 2022

💣 3. Ben Stokes (England)

Role: All-rounder | Formats: Tests & ODIs
Legacy: The ultimate match-winner

When the pressure’s highest, Ben Stokes delivers. From World Cup heroics to Ashes miracles, he thrives on drama and delivers results.

Key Highlights:

2019 World Cup & Headingley Ashes heroics
England’s Test revival figure under Bazball
Natural leader and clutch performer

🎯 4. Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Role: Fast Bowler | Formats: All
Legacy: India’s bowling spearhead

Jasprit Bumrah has redefined pace bowling in India. With his unique action, precision, and deadly yorkers, he’s a nightmare for batters worldwide.

Key Highlights:

Crucial in India’s World Cup and Test wins
Among the top-ranked Test bowlers
Devastating in both red-ball and white-ball formats

🇿🇦 5. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

Role: Fast Bowler | Formats: All
Legacy: The modern-day enforcer

Kagiso Rabada blends aggression, skill, and rhythm beautifully. He’s been South Africa’s pace bowling leader in a transitional era.

Key Highlights:

250+ Test wickets
Premier bowler across T20 leagues globally
Key figure in South Africa’s bowling attack

🇦🇫 6. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Role: Leg-spinner | Formats: All
Legacy: The face of Afghan cricket

Rashid Khan is arguably the most successful T20 bowler of the modern era. His control, variations, and fearless attitude have made him a fan favorite worldwide.

Key Highlights:

Fastest to 100 wickets in T20Is
T20 league legend: IPL, BBL, PSL, and more
Helped elevate Afghanistan to a respected cricketing force

🇦🇺 7. Pat Cummins (Australia)

Role: Fast Bowler, Captain | Formats: All
Legacy: Leading by example

Pat Cummins combines elite fast bowling with calm, intelligent leadership. Under his captaincy, Australia has achieved major wins in all formats.

Key Highlights:

2023 ODI World Cup & World Test Championship winner
Among the most consistent Test bowlers
Known for sportsmanship and leadership under pressure

🧨 8. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Role: Batting All-rounder | Formats: ODIs, T20Is
Legacy: The entertainer

There are few players in world cricket as thrilling as Glenn Maxwell. He’s capable of turning a game in a matter of overs, and 2023 reminded us why.

Key Highlights:

Unbeaten 201* in a historic ODI chase vs Afghanistan (2023)
Reliable finisher and game-changer in pressure games
Also contributes with off-spin and electric fielding

🌟 9. Shubman Gill (India)

Role: Opener | Formats: All
Legacy: India’s next batting superstar

Still in his early 20s, Shubman Gill is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting batters of his generation. He combines composure with aggressive intent.

Key Highlights:

Double centuries in ODIs
Successful IPL campaigns and consistent Test runs
Seen as the natural successor to Kohli at the top

🔥 10. Travis Head (Australia)

Role: Top-order Batter | Formats: Tests and ODIs
Legacy: Big-match specialist

Travis Head has emerged as one of Australia’s most reliable match-winners. His aggressive approach in Tests and World Cup finals proves he’s built for big moments.