Top 10 Most Dangerous Batsmen in the World
MS Dhoni (Twitter)
In the realm of cricket, there exists a select group of players whose mere presence at the crease sends ripples of unease through the opposing team. These are the formidable batsmen, the masters of power, precision, and innovation, who can single-handedly turn the tide of a match with their explosive batting prowess.
Whether in the traditional Test format, the tactical One Day Internationals (ODIs), or the high-octane T20s, these players consistently rank among the most dangerous batsmen in the world. With the ability to effortlessly clear boundaries and create cricketing spectacles, they embody the essence of modern-day batting excellence.
Join us as we delve into the profiles of the top 10 most dangerous batsmen in the world, uncovering the records, techniques, and moments that have solidified their places in cricketing history:
1) Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle (Twitter)
Chris Gayle is the undisputed 'Universe Boss' and undoubtedly the most dangerous batsman in the world. His ability to hit sixes at will terrorised bowlers in International cricket as well as the major leagues worldwide. In his T20 career, Gayle amalgamated 14,562 runs in 463 matches, with a whopping 1,056 sixes. His highest T20 score of 175* for RCB against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India is a testament to his destructive abilities.
2) Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard (Twitter)
Players from the Caribbean and their unparalleled muscle power are not unknown. Thus, we have Kieron Pollard on this list. Pollard, an integral member of the West Indies squad and the Mumbai Indians played many match-defining knocks. With a career strike rate of 150.51 in T20s, Pollard is one designated finisher every team desires to have in their XI.
3) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
It can be an oxymoron to call MS Dhoni a dangerous batsman, a man who became synonymous with 'coolness'. However, Dhoni has to be one of the most feared finishers in the world. His capacity to take the game to the end and lend the finishing touches with smart and powerful hitting is second to none. That one six to long-on to win the World Cup for India will be etched in everyone's memory forever.
4) Andre Russell
Andre Russell has been a fearsome player in T20 cricket worldwide. (Source: Twitter)
Andre Russell is pure muscle power, just pure. A bowler who bowls in his arc will get dispatched for sure. Even mishits fetch Russell sixes, giving the bowler no chance to make errors.
5) Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi (Twitter)
Shahid 'Boom Boom' Afridi has 476 sixes to his name in all formats. The all-rounder from Pakistan could destroy any attack on his day. One of his best performances came against arch-rivals India in 2005, when he scored 94 runs out of 102 in boundaries.
6) Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell has not earned the nickname 'The Big Show' for no reason. Although not built as bulkily as Andre Russell or Keron Pollard, Maxwell's power-hitting does not fail to attract a huge crowd. His career strike rate of 151.37 speaks volumes of his ability to take the attack to the opposition.
7) Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh (Twitter)
Who can forget the six sixes off an over by Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20I World Cup? The stylish southpaw Yuvraj Singh could kill with both flair and power. His simple flicks travelled a long distance. Maybe ask Brett Lee, whom Yuvraj pummelled for a monstrous 119-metre six in the 2007 T20I World Cup semi-final.
8) AB De Villiers
AB de Villiers (Twitter)
Ab De Villiers (Mr.360) is loved not only in South Africa but also in India. De Villiers' improvisation at will and towering sixes can make any opposition hapless. He holds the record for the fastest 100 in ODIs (149 off 44 balls), which came against the West Indies.
9) Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum (Twitter)
Brendon McCullum is the only Kiwi to make this list of the most dangerous batsmen. Can anyone forget how he gave a headstart to the IPL with a blitzkrieg inning (158* off 73) in the opening match?
10) Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler (Twitter)
Jos Buttler has to be one of the most destructive batsmen in the current times. The Englishman can play a wide range of shots and is not a typical slogger. Buttler is one of the finest batsmen of his generation. He has been a consistent performer for England in all formats of the game, and his aggressive style of batting has often helped his team to turn around difficult situations.
He is particularly known for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, where his ability to score quick runs at the end of an innings has often been the difference between victory and defeat.
 "Nidhi Lohia")