The cover drive is one of the most beautiful shots in cricket. It’s a sign of a batsman’s class and timing. Not every player can master this shot because it requires a perfect combination of technique, balance, and timing. In today’s cricket, there are a few players who execute the cover drive with such grace that it leaves fans in awe. Here, we discuss five active players who are known for their brilliant cover drives.
5. Joe Root (England)
Joe Root is a top batsman from England who is known for his elegant batting style. His cover drive is a treat to watch because of the way he leans into the shot with a perfect balance. Root’s technique is flawless, and he makes sure his head is in the right position while playing the shot. This helps him find the gaps between fielders, sending the ball to the boundary effortlessly. His ability to play this shot against fast bowlers as well as spinners makes him one of the best in the game.
4. KL Rahul (India)
KL Rahul is another batsman known for his stylish stroke play, and his cover drive is one of his signature shots. When Rahul plays the cover drive, he does it with a certain smoothness that makes it look easy. His wrist work and footwork are the keys to his success with this shot. Whether it’s a fast bowler or a spinner, Rahul can execute the cover drive with perfection, making him a fan favorite. His cover drives are often a sight to behold, especially when he finds the middle of the bat and sends the ball racing through the cover region.
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3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand cricket team, is known for his calm and composed batting style. His cover drive is simple yet effective, and he makes it look very easy. Williamson has a textbook technique, and when he plays the cover drive, it is all about timing and precision. He waits for the ball to come close to him and then leans into the shot, making it look effortless. His cover drive is a perfect example of how important timing is in cricket. He rarely tries to hit the ball too hard and instead focuses on placement.
2. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world right now, and his cover drive is a big reason why. The Pakistani skipper has a naturally gifted style when it comes to playing the cover drive. Babar’s cover drives are all about elegance, with a perfect blend of balance and timing. When he plays this shot, it’s like a piece of art, as he manages to place the ball in the gap with ease. Babar’s ability to play the cover drive against both pace and spin makes him a joy to watch. He is known to use this shot to build his innings and dominate bowlers.
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1. Virat Kohli (India)
When it comes to the best cover drive in modern cricket, Virat Kohli’s name is always at the top. The Indian superstar has mastered this shot, making it one of his most reliable strokes. Kohli’s cover drive is known for its flair and style, and the way he plays it can leave spectators mesmerized. He uses his quick foot movement to get into the perfect position and then leans into the shot with a straight bat. The sound of the ball hitting the middle of the bat when Kohli plays the cover drive is music to the ears of cricket fans. His cover drives are a key weapon in his batting arsenal and have helped him score plenty of runs across all formats.
Table of Active Players with the Best Cover Drive:
Rank | Player Name | Country |
---|---|---|
1 | Virat Kohli | India |
2 | Babar Azam | Pakistan |
3 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand |
4 | KL Rahul | India |
5 | Joe Root | England |