Top three batters who performed across all formats in cricket

The modern era of cricket has become more focused on high-scoring games, with batters dominating the field. However, there was a time when the game was a balanced mix of powerful batting, tight line and length bowling, and consistent wicket-taking. This one-sided style of play today does not appeal to many traditional cricket lovers.

 

Despite this shift, the sport has seen legendary performances in both batting and bowling, with numerous records made in cricketing history. Whether you're reminiscing about past legends or following the live cricket scores of today's top players, the impact of greats is always evident.

 

When it comes to the greatest batters of all time across all three formats, Tests, ODIs, and T20s, there are a few names that consistently stand out.

 

Here are the top-three batters who performed across all formats in cricket:

 

• Virat Kohli

 

In Test cricket, Virat Kohli has scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches, with a highest score of 254*, showcasing his ability to play long, impactful innings. In ODIs, the 36-year-old has amassed 14,181 runs in 302 matches, establishing himself among the ODI game’s legends. In T20Is, there were early doubts over his strike rate, but the Delhi-born cricketer adapted brilliantly, scoring 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69. The Indian stalwart retired from international T20s in 2024 after the Men in Blue won the T20 World Cup.

 

In the IPL, the right-hander has been a consistent performer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ever since the inception of the league. The batter's standout year came in 2016 with 973 runs and four centuries, earning him the IPL Orange Cap. He repeated the feat in 2024, scoring 741 runs and winning the award for the second time. He has scored more than 8000 runs in the IPL history.

 

1. Chris Gayle

 

The explosive left-hander Chris Gayle is widely known for his dominance in limited-overs cricket, and also made a significant mark in Tests. The former West Indies cricketer scored 7,214 runs in 103 Test matches, showcasing his ability to play long and patient innings. In ODIs, the Jamaican-born cricketer was a powerful presence, amassing 10,480 runs in 301 matches, including a top score of 215. In T20 Internationals, the batting all-rounder scored 1,899 runs in 79 games, solidifying his place as a T20 legend.

 

In the IPL, the right-arm off-break bowler and hard-hitting opener left a lasting impact. The 45-year-old played for RCB, KKR, and PBKS, winning the Orange Cap in 2011 with 608 runs and again in 2012 with 733 runs. The former West Indies cricketer has starred in T20 leagues worldwide, proving himself as one of the greatest in the format.

 

1. David Warner

 

The dynamic left-handed batter David Warner has been a consistent performer across all formats. In Test cricket, the former Australian opener scored 8,786 runs at an average of 44.59, while in ODIs, he amassed 6,932 runs at an impressive average of 45.30. The left-hander is known for his aggressive approach and quick running between the wickets, and also made a strong impact in T20 Internationals, scoring 3,277 runs for Australia.

 

In the IPL, the 38-year-old has been a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The New South Wales-born player is the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history with 6,565 runs in 184 innings. He won the Orange Cap in 2017 (641 runs) and 2019 (692 runs), and notably led SRH to their maiden IPL title in 2016. Meanwhile, the batter went unsold in the 2025 IPL mega auction.