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In this post, we will check out the top 10 most popular cricketers in the world in 2023.

In the ever-thriving realm of international cricket, some players shine brighter than others, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.

As we delve into the heart of 2023, it’s time to uncover the Top 10 Most Popular Cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

These players, through their exceptional skills and unwavering passion, have not only become sporting icons but also symbols of inspiration for millions.

Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the lives and achievements of these remarkable individuals, celebrated not just for their talent on the field but also for the charisma they bring to the game, uniting cricket enthusiasts across the globe.

Top 10 Most Popular Cricketers In The World 2023

10 Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada, the versatile South African cricketer, is celebrated as a right-arm fast bowler par excellence. With his international debut in November 2014, he burst onto the cricketing scene, making an indelible mark.

By January 2018, at just 22 years of age, he had ascended to the top of the ICC ODI and Test bowler rankings, a testament to his immense talent.

Named Wisden’s Golden Boy of 2018, he was recognized as the best young cricketer globally, aged 23 or under. Rabada’s reputation as one of the finest fast bowlers transcends borders, and his adaptability and skill shine across all formats. His raw pace and bounce make him a formidable force even on challenging pitches.

Following the legacy of South African fast-bowling luminaries like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada has risen as the leader of the attack.

His consistent and outstanding performances, marked by a remarkable Test match strike rate, solidify his status as a priceless asset to the South African cricket team. He’s not been immune to challenges, overcoming injuries with resilience that sets him apart.

In 2023, Kagiso Rabada’s name proudly finds its place among the “Top 10 Most Popular Cricketers in the World.” His accomplishments serve as a source of immense national pride for South Africa, and he remains a cornerstone of their cricketing aspirations.

As his journey in the cricketing realm continues, Rabada stands as a pivotal figure on the global stage, embodying the spirit of international cricket.

9 Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock is the South African cricketer and former captain of the Proteas across all three formats. A left-handed batsman and wicket-keeper, he’s been a pivotal figure in South African cricket, boasting an impressive record of 148 One Day Internationals (ODIs), accumulating 6405 runs at an average of 44.85 and a remarkable strike rate of 96.08.

De Kock’s skills aren’t confined to batting; he’s affected 183 catches and 14 stumpings as a wicket-keeper. He’s also donned the captain’s hat, leading South Africa in eight ODIs, with a track record of four wins and three losses.

His decision not to take a knee before games at the ongoing T20 World Cup, despite calls to “stand against racism,” reflects his principled stance.

As a true servant of South African cricket, de Kock has set the benchmark with his attacking batting style. His swansong at the Cricket World Cup in India is imminent, as part of a formidable South African team that relies on his experience and a pace-heavy bowling attack in pursuit of a historic victory.

In an announcement from Cricket South Africa (CSA), it was confirmed that de Kock intends to retire from the 50-over format at the conclusion of the World Cup, marking the end of an era for this cricketing stalwart.

8 Ben Stokes

In the world of cricket, Ben Stokes stands tall as one of the Top 10 Most Popular Cricketers in 2023. He’s not just an all-rounder; he’s a left-handed middle-order batsman and a right-arm fast bowler, a true force on the field.

Stokes etched his name in history with his vital role in England’s triumph at the 2019 World Cup, amassing 465 runs, including his unforgettable 84* in the final against New Zealand at Lord’s.

Named Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world for the third time in four years, Stokes is celebrated for his match-winning performances in pressure situations, a master at reading opponents and their body language. Regarded as one of the game’s greats, he comfortably resides among the finest all-rounders of all time.

Former England Test captain Joe Root has gone as far as to call Stokes the best player ever produced by England, underlining his exceptional talent.

His recent return to the preliminary England ODI World Cup squad has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, a move hinted at by England’s ODI and T20I head coach, Matthew Mott.

Stokes is the embodiment of a true match-winner, his know-how and leadership style amplifying the attacking skills of the talent pool. He’s a legend in English cricket, a player cherished for his contributions and the unforgettable moments he’s brought to the game.

7 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma commands a place among the Top 10 Most Popular Cricketers in 2023. Revered as one of the game’s modern batting maestros, he stands as one of the finest opening batsmen in cricket history, celebrated for his flair, impeccable timing, and formidable power at the crease.

His name is etched in cricketing history, boasting the world record for the highest individual score in One Day Internationals (ODI) with a breathtaking 264 runs against Sri Lanka. Sharma’s prowess extends to the T20 format, where he is the only batsman to have scored the most centuries in these lightning-paced matches.

Adding to his accolades, Sharma is part of an exclusive club of captains who’ve scored centuries in all formats of the game. He’s swiftly notched 10,000 ODI runs, trailing only Virat Kohli in achieving this milestone.

His seven centuries in World Cup matches broke the record of the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, and in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Sharma secured the Golden Bat with a timely collection of five centuries.

Sharma’s stellar career includes contributions to India’s victories in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, cementing his place in cricketing lore. Rohit Sharma is number 7 in our list of the top 10 most popular cricketers in the world in 2023.

6 Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, the Afghan international cricketer and captain of the Afghanistan national team in the T20I format. His leg-spin, though not known for dramatic turn, wields immense potency in white-ball cricket. In the red-ball arena, he’s off to a strong start, aligning with Afghanistan’s journey to Test status.

Armed with precision and a deceptive googly, Rashid Khan shines in various short-format leagues, not only with the ball but also as a vital contributor with the bat.

His tally of 336 wickets across all formats is a testament to his impact. Rashid Khan’s ODI batting average is nearly 20, accompanied by a high strike rate, bolstering his team’s totals in the lower order. His global reach extends as he’s played for an astonishing 25 teams in various formats, a testament to his versatility.

Awards and accolades have graced Rashid Khan’s journey, with the ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Decade among his notable achievements. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest No.1 in men’s cricket.

Undeniably, Rashid Khan is a cricketing legend in the making, an emerging star who has worked wonders for his team and carved his name in the annals of the sport.

5 Babar Azam

Babar Azam is a Pakistani international cricketer who is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest batsmen, maintaining a steady presence among the top five in the ICC men’s one-day international (ODI) rankings for the past six years.

His exceptional skills have earned praise from cricket legends like Imran Khan, who hailed him as a “complete” batter, and Ricky Ponting, who labeled him “one of Pakistan’s all-time greats.”

Babar Azam’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of 13, blossoming through school and first-class cricket. His ascent continued, and in 2010, he debuted in First-Class cricket. Over the years, Babar not only claimed the No.1 ODI batter ranking but also maintained it, consistently outperforming his peers.

As Pakistan’s captain and prolific run-scorer, he’s a key figure to watch at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and his form is crucial for Pakistan’s fortunes.

His remarkable achievements include consecutive wins of the ICC’s Sir Garfield Sobers Award for cricketer of the year and men’s ODI player of the year. Babar Azam’s stellar career, with an average of 54 and eight centuries across formats, cements his place among the cricketing elite.

4 Steve Smith

Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer, claims a well-deserved spot among the Top 10 Most Popular Cricketers of 2023. Born on June 2, 1989, he’s not only an international cricketer but also a former captain of the Australian national team.

Smith’s Test cricket record is nothing short of astonishing, boasting an average over 60, a feat that places him in the company of cricketing legends.

Recognized by Wisden as one of their Cricketers of the Year, Smith’s journey took a notable turn when originally selected as a right-arm leg-spinner, he showcased his batting prowess. His unconventional path led him to the lower middle order, but his adaptability and talent flourished.

Smith’s name is uttered in the same breath as contemporaries like Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson, solidifying his status as one of the era’s best batsmen.

His ability to thrive against fierce bowlers in challenging conditions is a testament to his excellence, and he’s an exceptional “traveler” with an average score of 55.20 per innings when playing outside Australia.

While the post-2019 period saw a temporary dip in his form, Smith’s legacy remains intact. He’s a record-setter, having reached milestones like 6,000 Test runs in just 111 innings during the final Ashes match in Sydney.

His impact on the sport and his popularity as one of the best of his generation cannot be understated, making him a true asset to Australian cricket and a beloved figure worldwide. Steve Smith is number 4 in our list of most famous cricketers in the world in 2023.

3 Joe Root

Joe Root, widely considered one of the finest players of his generation, is often hailed as England’s greatest-ever batter. His accomplishments are staggering, with the status of being the leading run-scorer among all active batsmen and the tenth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, amassing an incredible 11,416 runs.

Root’s prowess transcends formats, and he’s second only to Alastair Cook in the all-time runs chart. With 44 centuries in international cricket, he ranks among the top 20 players with the most centuries, a testament to his consistency.

Aged 32 and boasting 11,416 runs, Root stands as a young contender to pursue Alastair Cook’s England record of 12,472, and perhaps even higher.

Root’s legacy is far from complete as he remains a vital part of the current England team, with ample time to solidify his status as one of the greatest batsmen in English cricket history. His performance is a subject of admiration and a source of pride for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

2 Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson is widely regarded as one of the world’s best batsmen, he’s etched his name in cricketing annals with numerous records and milestones.

Notably, Williamson stands as the all-time leading run-scorer for New Zealand in international cricket, a testament to his consistency and class.

His stature extends further as he currently holds the number one rank among Test cricket batsmen globally. The numbers speak volumes, with over 15,000 international runs scored across all formats, including an impressive tally of 28 centuries in Test cricket and 13 in One Day Internationals.

Williamson’s highest scores of 251 in Test cricket, 148 in ODIs, and 95 in T20Is underscore his versatility. Beyond his batting prowess, he’s also a skilled spin bowler, adding value with his wicket-taking ability.

Williamson’s respect among peers and status as a role model for young cricketers further enhance his appeal. In conclusion, Kane Williamson is a beloved and highly popular figure both in New Zealand and across the globe, with his impressive skills, achievements, and leadership qualities securing his place among the all-time cricketing greats.

1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, the world-renowned Indian cricketer, is an icon in the world of cricket, widely acknowledged as one of the sport’s greatest batsmen. His reputation as one of the best cricketers globally is further underscored by his commercial success, with estimated earnings of ₹165 crore (US$21 million) in 2022.

Kohli’s multifaceted talents have brought a touch of class to Indian cricket, making him an inspiring figure and a role model for countless youngsters.

Kohli’s career is studded with remarkable achievements. In 2018, during the ODI series against West Indies, he etched his name as the twelfth batsman to reach 10,000 ODI runs, accomplishing this feat at an unparalleled pace.

His exceptional prowess isn’t limited to batting; he has even astonished fans with his remarkable bowling performances in select matches. With three centuries this year, he now stands just one short of Indian great Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds.

In 2023, Virat Kohli maintains his status as one of the most popular cricketers globally. He is a top pick to watch at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, rightfully earning his place as the biggest star in world cricket and one of India’s all-time cricketing greats.

His charisma extends beyond the boundary, endearing him to both teammates and fans, earning him the affectionate title of “King Kohli.”

Kohli’s journey continues to inspire young cricketers, and his recent IPL performances reaffirm his status as one of the best cricketers in the world today. There’s no doubt that Virat Kohli’s legacy remains a shining beacon in the world of cricket.