The Most Influential Players in the World of Cricket in The Last Decade

Cricket. Just a sport? No–it’s a literal heartbeat. A global phenomenon. It's a rhythm, and it pulses through nations, a symphony of skill, strategy, and sheer grit. From the very dusty patches of India to the pristine ovals of England, cricket has jumped boundaries, cultures-and even time itself. It is no longer just played, but lived. 

And in the previous ten years, the game has been shaped by some very special people. They were players who participated in the game, yes. But they still went the extra mile and took cricket through beautiful revolutions. They crafted moments that brought stadiums to their feet. They broke the records that were so hard to hit, people assumed them impossible. They inspired generations with just a bat and a ball. 

But who is the greatest cricketer of all time? The most popular cricketer in the world of all time? Well, that's what we want to look at in this post. The answer you are looking for is going to be discovered in the stories of these titans. It's not really about fame and all those statistics that fans quote sometimes. 

No, it's about their ability to bring millions of people in the world together as one as they shape the game and take it to the next level. And if you're a true cricket fan, why would you just watch the game alone? You can take the game to a higher level of excitement by placing some wagers on your favorite teams with platforms like Mostbet, where you will get amazing bonuses that will help you boost your bankroll.

So are you ready to meet the players that have left their marks in the sands of time? Good. Let's take the first swing.

1. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli is one of those players that fans call a phenomenon. In fact, people usually argue about everything else (as is the normal case when it comes to analyzing sports and players), but when it comes to Virat Kohli, they actually agree most of the time that he is perhaps the best cricketer in the whole world. With over 12,000 ODI runs and being named the ICC Player of the Decade for the 2010s, Kohli's dominance is unmatched.

Kohli has this aura about him, and it shows every time, with everything he does. Whether he's celebrating or doing his practise and fitness schedule, that aura just shows. He has given a new meaning to what it means to be an icon in cricket in these modern times. That's why he is so respected by fans—and that's why other players even seek to emulate him.

2. Steve Smith (Australia)

As Steve Smith has progressed in this journey into greatness, the major theme that has stood out in his story is resilience and brilliance. Although he had a setback at a point in his career that involved a ball tampering scandal, he came out of the shadows of that stigma and still showed the world that his place among the all-time greats never changed despite serious challenges. With over 8,000 Test runs at an average exceeding 60, Smith’s batting is a masterclass in technique and concentration.

People call him a once in a generation Test Batman, and indeed he has earned such a title, as he is the embodiment of the purity of the longest cricket format in history of the game. When Smith friends bowlers into submission, we remember why Test Cricket continues to hold such a sacred space in the sport.

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Ah, Kane Williamson, the man whose name is another name for elegance and grace that was seen both in his batting and in his leadership. It was that calm, strategic leadership that he used to guide New Zealand into their very first ICC World Test Championship in 2021. 

Williamson has always delivered consistent performances across the different formats of the game. He now combines it with a very solid composure that has made him a role model to cricketers all over the world. By being a gentleman in a game that features aggression, Williamson has been able to stand out even among the legends of the game.

4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

This man is a revolution. Literally. He revolutionized the way the cricket game is played when he started innovating his shots with scoops, ramps and switch-hits. He holds the record for the fastest ODI century—and guess what? It was scored off just 31 balls! 

For AB, his influence is linked to the way he brought a sense of artistry to cricket, blending power with precision. De Villiers inspired a generation of cricketers to be creative in their gameplay and be familiar with thinking outside of the box. This has earned him a solid spot among the cricket legends of the last decade.

5. Joe Root (England)

In the past decade, Joe Root has been England’s backbone. With over 10,000 Test runs to his name, he’s not just one of the most famous cricket players of our time but a cornerstone of England’s Test resurgence. His reign as captain saw England claim historic series wins, cementing his legacy as a leader who thrived under pressure.

But Root’s true beauty lies in his versatility. Whether steering England to victory in Test cricket or providing vital contributions in limited-overs formats, he’s the embodiment of reliability. Who is the greatest cricketer of all time? Root may not claim the title, but his place in cricket legends is unquestionable.

6. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): The Spin Wizard

Spin bowling has rarely seen a master like Muttiah Muralitharan. Although his Test career concluded before this decade, his influence persisted as a mentor and icon for emerging spinners worldwide. Holding the record for 800 Test wickets, he remains a symbol of dominance in the art of spin.

His presence in coaching and advisory roles redefined spin bowling for the 2010s. Muralitharan’s ability to inspire young talent ensures that his legacy as one of the best cricketers in the world endures.

7. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): A Beacon of Hope

In a cricketing landscape dominated by traditional powerhouses, Rashid Khan emerged as a trailblazer. His consistent performances in T20 cricket made him the best cricketer in the world in that format, while his leadership propelled Afghanistan into the international arena.

From IPL heroics to franchise stardom, Rashid became the face of Afghan cricket—a reminder that even small nations can produce giants. With every wicket, he redefines the phrase "cricket legends" for his country and beyond.

8. Ben Stokes (England): The Ultimate Showman

The name Ben Stokes is etched in cricketing folklore. Whether it’s his heroic innings in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final or the breathtaking Ashes showdown at Headingley, Stokes is the man for the moment.

All the best cricketers have something unique, and for Stokes, it’s his ability to turn impossible situations into triumphs. He’s more than an all-rounder; he’s a game-changer, an icon, and perhaps the most popular cricketer in the world of all time for his sheer audacity.

9. David Warner (Australia)

You don't have many players who have faced adversity the way David Warner has. He came into the game with an explosive batting that has been unmatched, and yielded over 7,000 Test runs, and it elevated him to become one of the most valuable assets in Australia. 

He was banned from playing for a while due to his masterminding a plan to tamper with a cricket ball to gain an unfair advantage in a game. Remember that issue with Steve Smith? Yeah, that's it. David was the mastermind, Steve Smith was aware but kept mute and both of them were stripped of their leadership positions and banned for a year. Warner, Smith and Cameron Bancroft apologized for their misconduct, but the incident left a stain on their reputation that was hard to remove.

Despite all this, David Warner came back strong after the ban and gave amazing match-winning performances. Even with the controversy casting a long shadow, he still remains one of the best players in cricket.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (India): The Yorker King

Jasprit Bumrah bursted out into the cricket scene and totally transformed India's bowling attack. He's very well known for his unerring Yorkers and skill in the death overs. And he has now become indispensable in ODIs and T20s. 

In ICC tournaments, Burmah has displayed massive brilliance, and it has been a cornerstone of India's success. As the best cricketer in the world in his craft, he embodies the evolution of fast bowling in this era.

Honorable Mentions

There are always legends that the great lists skip sometimes. These people deserve a mention when the greats and influential are being discussed:

• MS Dhoni (India): This cricketing icon led as a captain like no other, bringing team India into the limelight
• Chris Gayle (West Indies): The "Universe Boss" is what he was called, and he joined cricket with an explosive batting that follows David Warner's own quite closely. 
• Shakin-Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Known for his consistent performances, when it comes to all-rounders, he is one of the greatest.
  
  

Conclusion

From Virat Kohli’s unmatched charisma to Rashid Khan’s revolutionary impact, these cricket legends didn’t just play—they shaped the game. Their influence stretches far beyond the boundaries, inspiring millions and redefining what it means to be the best cricketer in the world.

And as we reflect on the last decade, one question remains: Who will take the baton in the next era? Whoever they are, they have some mighty shoes to fill.