Cricket is not just about skill and talent; fitness also plays an essential role in a player’s performance. While most cricketers aim to stay in top physical condition, there have been some who, despite their size and weight, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Here’s a look at the top 5 heaviest cricketers to have ever played the game:
5. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) – 115 Kg
Arjuna Ranatunga is considered one of the greatest cricketers to come out of Sri Lanka. While his cricketing skills were top-notch, his fitness was a topic of discussion. He weighed around 115 kgs, making him one of the heaviest cricketers of his era. Ranatunga’s unique way of collecting singles and the occasional double became a humorous part of cricket conversations. Despite this, he led Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 World Cup and accumulated over 12,500 runs in his international career, along with 95 wickets.
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4. Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan) – 100 Kg
Mohammad Shahzad is a household name in Afghanistan cricket, known for his dynamic batting and charismatic presence on the field. With a weight between 90 to 100 kg, he doesn’t fit the mold of a typical cricketer, but that hasn’t stopped him. Shahzad holds the record for the most runs scored by an Afghan cricketer in the shorter formats. Despite being heavier, his quick reflexes allow him to perform swift stumpings. Shahzad once joked, “Why diet like Kohli when you can hit longer sixes than him?” showing his confidence in his abilities.
3. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 100 Kg
Inzamam-ul-Haq, fondly known as “Inzi,” was one of the most talented batsmen Pakistan ever had. His weight was often mentioned as a factor in his slow movements on the field. At over 100 kg, he was involved in some of cricket’s most comical run-outs. However, his records speak volumes about his skill. Inzi scored 8,830 runs in Test cricket at an impressive average of 49.33 and 11,739 runs in ODIs at an average of 39.53. Despite his size, his hunger for runs was unmatched, cementing his status as a legendary cricketer.
2. Azam Khan (Pakistan) – 110 Kg
Azam Khan, the son of former cricketer Moin Khan, has quickly made a name for himself as a powerful batter. Weighing 110 kg, he is known for his impressive hitting abilities and aggressive batting style. He has gained attention for his performance in domestic and T20 matches, showing that size does not always limit a cricketer’s potential. Azam is often highlighted as an emerging star who could become a major force in international cricket.
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1. Rahkeem Cornwall (West Indies) – 140 Kg
Rahkeem Cornwall is undoubtedly the heaviest cricketers in cricket history, earning him the nickname “Cricket’s man-mountain.” Weighing a whopping 140 kg and standing over 6 feet tall, Cornwall’s size is hard to miss. Despite this, he is an exceptional cricketer who has proven his skills on the field. In just 13 Test matches, he has made an impact with two fifties and 32 wickets in 15 innings, including two five-wicket hauls. His story serves as a reminder that talent can come in all shapes and sizes.
These cricketers, though not fitting the typical athletic mold, have shown that passion, talent, and dedication can help overcome physical limitations and make a lasting impact on the sport.
Table: Heaviest Cricketers in Cricket History
Rank | Player | Country | Weight (Kg) | Notable Achievements |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 | Arjuna Ranatunga | Sri Lanka | 115 | 1996 World Cup winner; 12,561 international runs; 95 wickets |
4 | Mohammad Shahzad | Afghanistan | 100 | Most runs in shorter formats for Afghanistan; quick stumping skills |
3 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 100 | 8,830 Test runs at an average of 49.33; 11,739 ODI runs at an average of 39.53 |
2 | Azam Khan | Pakistan | 110 | Emerging power-hitter and rising star |
1 | Rahkeem Cornwall | West Indies | 140 | Known as “Cricket’s man-mountain”; 32 wickets in 15 innings; two fifties |