The Greatest Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups is one of cricket’s most thrilling and unpredictable tournaments. Since its debut in 2007, the competition has witnessed countless outstanding performances and iconic moments. From explosive batting and deadly bowling to brilliant all-round displays, players from around the world have made their mark on the grandest T20 stage.
But with so many memorable performances, it’s no easy task to identify the Greatest Players in T20 World Cup History. Some have dominated with the bat, others have been exceptional with the ball, and a select few have shone in both departments. In a format where fortunes can change in an instant, those who consistently perform under pressure truly become legends.
List of 5 Greatest Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups
1. Virat Kohli
Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups
Virat Kohli stands out as one of the most consistent and dependable batsmen in the history of ICC T20 World Cups. Renowned for his cool temperament and masterful chases, Kohli has been India’s backbone in tough run-chases. In just 27 matches, he has scored a staggering 1141 runs at a phenomenal average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.3. While he never scored a T20 World Cup hundred, his 14 half-centuries and 7 Player of the Match awards speak volumes about his reliability and class. Kohli was named Player of the Tournament twice (2014, 2016), proving himself as one of the greatest Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 27 |
| Runs Scored | 1141 |
| Batting Average | 81.50 |
| Strike Rate | 131.30 |
| 50s/100s | 14/0 |
| Best Score | 89* (vs West Indies) |
| Player of the Match | 7 |
| Player of the Tournament | 2014, 2016 |
2. Mahela Jayawardene
Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups
Mahela Jayawardene was a pillar for Sri Lanka in the early years of the T20 World Cup. His graceful batting and leadership were essential to Sri Lanka’s success, helping the team win the title in 2014 and reach the finals in 2009 and 2012. Jayawardene played 31 matches, scoring 1016 runs at an impressive average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74. With 6 fifties and a century, his ability to anchor the innings or accelerate when needed makes him one of the top Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 31 |
| Runs Scored | 1016 |
| Batting Average | 39.07 |
| Strike Rate | 134.74 |
| 50s/100s | 6/1 |
| Best Score | 100 (vs Zimbabwe) |
| World Cup Wins | Winner (2014) |
| Runner-up Finishes | 2009, 2012 |
3. Shakib Al Hasan
Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups
Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan is one of the best all-round Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups. He holds the record for most wickets in the tournament’s history and has made vital contributions with the bat. In 35 matches, Shakib scored 742 runs (best: 84 vs Pakistan) and took 50 wickets at a superb average of 19.94 with an economy rate of 6.78. His five-wicket haul against PNG and ability to shine in high-pressure situations have made him a legend for Bangladesh and an icon of the T20 World Cup.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 |
| Runs Scored | 742 |
| Wickets Taken | 50 |
| Batting Average | 23.93 |
| Bowling Average | 19.94 |
| Economy Rate | 6.78 |
| Best Bowling | 5/20 (vs PNG) |
| Best Batting Score | 84 (vs Pakistan) |
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4. Chris Gayle
Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups
Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” is the most explosive batsman among the Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups. He was the first to score a century in the tournament and has an incredible 965 runs in 33 matches, averaging 34.46 with a strike rate of 142.75. Gayle hit 63 sixes, the most by any player in T20 World Cups, and played a key role in West Indies’ two championship wins (2012, 2016). His aggressive style and record-breaking knocks have made him a true T20 legend.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 33 |
| Runs Scored | 965 |
| Batting Average | 34.46 |
| Strike Rate | 142.75 |
| 50s/100s | 7/2 |
| Best Score | 117 (vs South Africa) |
| Sixes Hit | 63 |
| World Cup Wins | 2012, 2016 |
5. Lasith Malinga
Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups
Lasith Malinga is renowned as one of the best fast bowlers to ever feature in the ICC T20 World Cup. His unique slingy action and deadly yorkers made him nearly unplayable, especially in the death overs. In 31 matches, Malinga took 38 wickets at an average of 20.07, including a memorable 5/31 against England and a rare T20 World Cup hat-trick. He was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 2014 title run and their runner-up finish in 2012, cementing his place among the greatest Players to Ever Play in ICC T20 World Cups.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 31 |
| Wickets Taken | 38 |
| Bowling Average | 20.07 |
| Economy Rate | 7.43 |
| Best Bowling | 5/31 (vs England) |
| Hat-tricks | 1 (vs England) |
| World Cup Wins | Winner (2014) |
| Runner-up Finishes | 2012 |
