Cricket is often considered a game where tall and athletic physiques overpower the field. However, history has shown that height is no barrier to success in cricket. Many shorter players have left an unforgettable mark on the game with their impressive skills and performances. In this blog, we celebrate these cricketers and explore the list of the shortest cricketers in the world.
1. Kruger van Wyk (New Zealand) – 4’9″ (150 cm)
Kruger van Wyk is known as one of the shortest cricketers to have played international cricket. Standing at just 4’9″, this wicketkeeper-batsman made his debut for New Zealand in 2012. Despite his height, van Wyk’s agility and sharp reflexes behind the stumps were commendable.
2. Tich Cornford (England) – 5’0″ (152 cm)
Tich Cornford, another wicketkeeper, played for England in the 1930s. Cornford, who stood 5’0″, was well-known for his hard work and wicket-keeping abilities. His height did not deter him from making significant contributions to his team.
3. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 5’2″ (157 cm)
Sunil Gavaskar, often regarded as one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history, stood at 5’2″. Gavaskar represented India from 1971 until 1987, setting various records, including becoming the first player to score 10,000 runs in a Test match. His technique and determination made him a legend of the game.
4. Tich Freeman (England) – 5’2″ (157 cm)
Tich Freeman was a leg-spinner who played for England between 1924 and 1929. Despite his height, Freeman was highly successful, especially in first-class cricket, where he took over 3,000 wickets.
5. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) – 5’3″ (160 cm)
Mushfiqur Rahim, a key player for Bangladesh, has been an integral part of the team since 2005. At 5’3″, his batting talent and wicketkeeping abilities have gained him respect and adoration in the cricketing community.
6. Parthiv Patel (India) – 5’3″ (160 cm)
Parthiv Patel made his debut for India at the age of 17 and played as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Standing at 5’3″, Patel had a long career and contributed significantly to Indian cricket from 2002 to 2018.
7. David Boon (Australia) – 5’3″ (160 cm)
David Boon, an Australian cricket legend, is known for his solid batting and exceptional fielding skills. Boon, who played from 1984 to 1996, was a vital part of Australia’s success during his career.
8. Gundappa Viswanath (India) – 5’3″ (160 cm)
Gundappa Viswanath, another legendary Indian batsman, played from 1969 to 1983. Despite his height of 5’3″, Viswanath was known for his elegant stroke play and sportsmanship.
9. Mominul Haque (Bangladesh) – 5’3.5″ (161 cm)
Mominul Haque, standing at 5’3.5″, has been a constant performer for Bangladesh since his debut in 2012. His ability to play long innings has made him a key player in the team.
10. Prithvi Shaw (India) – 5’4″ (163 cm)
Prithvi Shaw, a young and dynamic opener for India, is 5’4″ tall. Shaw made an immediate impact with a century on his Test debut in 2018 and continues to be a promising talent for the future.
11. Kedar Jadhav (India) – 5’4″ (163 cm)
Kedar Jadhav, an all-rounder for India, played from 2014 to 2020. At 5’4″, Jadhav was known for his batting, off-spin bowling, and his ability to finish games in limited-overs cricket.
12. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) – 5’4″ (163 cm)
Temba Bavuma, a middle-order batsman for South Africa, is known for his technique and resilience. Standing at 5’4″, Bavuma made history by becoming the first black African cricketer to score a Test century for South Africa.
13. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) – 5’4″ (163 cm)
Saeed Ajmal, one of Pakistan’s most successful spinners, is 5’4″ tall. Ajmal’s deceptive off-spin and variations troubled batsmen worldwide during his career from 2008 to 2015.
14. David Williams (West Indies) – 5’4″ (163 cm)
David Williams, a wicketkeeper-batsman for the West Indies, played from 1988 to 1998. Williams, who was 5’4″ tall, was well-known for his quick feet and skill behind the stumps.
15. Alvin Kallicharran (West Indies) – 5’4″ (163 cm)
Alvin Kallicharran, a stylish left-handed batsman, played for the West Indies from 1972 to 1981. At 5’4″, Kallicharran’s elegant batting was a delight to watch.
16. Adnan Akmal (Pakistan) – 5’5″ (165 cm)
Adnan Akmal, a wicketkeeper-batsman for Pakistan, played from 2010 to 2013. At 5’5″, Akmal contributed to Pakistan’s success with his reliable wicketkeeping.
17. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 5’5″ (165 cm)
Fidel Edwards, known for his express pace, played for the West Indies from 2003 to 2021. Standing at 5’5″, Edwards was a key bowler for his team with his ability to generate high speeds.
18. Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe) – 5’5″ (165 cm)
Tatenda Taibu, a former captain and wicketkeeper for Zimbabwe, played from 2001 to 2012. Taibu, who stands at 5’5″, was well-known for his leadership and batsmanship.
19. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) – 5’5″ (165 cm)
Rangana Herath, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest spinners, played from 1999 to 2018. Standing at 5’5″, Herath’s left-arm spin brought him over 400 Test wickets.
20. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 5’5″ (165 cm)
Sachin Tendulkar, widely considered one of the best cricketers of all time, remained at 5’5″.. Tendulkar’s illustrious career spanned from 1989 to 2013, setting numerous records and inspiring millions.
21. Syd Gregory (Australia) – 5’5″ (165 cm)
Syd Gregory, one of Australia’s earliest cricketing stars, played from 1890 to 1912. At 5’5″, Gregory was known for his versatile batting and fielding abilities.
These cricketers have proven that skill, determination, and talent are what truly matter in cricket, not height. Each player has made noteworthy contributions to their teams and the game, showcasing that passion and dedication can overcome physical limitations. Whether it’s through their batting, bowling, or wicketkeeping, these cricketers have left a lasting legacy in the world of cricket.