Top 6 Heaviest Cricketers of All Time
One can find great delight in watching an international cricket player rip through the ropes with one powerful stroke of their bat and send a cricket ball soaring over them, turning games on their head with thunderous shots that break open a game like never before. These big hitters can create unforgettable scenes on the pitch.
Rahkeem Cornwall of West Indies is no doubt an impressive presence; weighing 140 kg but being an extremely effective bowler.
1. Warwick Armstrong
Warwick Armstrong was one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, known for his towering figure at the crease and towering presence at his Test debut in 1902. Dubbed by many the “Big Ship”, due to his enormous stature – more than 190cm tall with an approximate weight of over 133kg on a round frame he became one of its iconic “big-boned heroes.”
As no stylist, his methods were commendable, combining aggressive play with caution and an excellent temperament. His batting proved effective and held its nerve against quality opponents on a grand stage; similarly, his leg spin bowling with gentle action relied more on precision rather than volume to dismiss opponents.
Virender Sehwag was the first Indian player to score a triple century in tests, and is widely recognized as one of the greatest opening batsmen ever seen in cricket history. Utilizing an SG VS bat weighing about 1.35 kg, Sehwag terrorized bowlers while captivating spectators alike during ODI matches. Ramesh Powar tops off our unconventional list at 90 kilograms; an offspinner with reliable batsman abilities who featured in two Test matches while taking 6 wickets while contributing 13 runs; skilled cricketer who utilized fast running between wickets and precise field placement techniques to secure his wickets and gain confidence among his counterparts in two Test matches despite his size despite using precise field placement strategies and running between wickets to earn his wickets despite his size despite playing cricket well enough against opponents batting at both bat and bowler’s bat to his benefit and fans alike in these unconventional lists!
2. Dwayne Leverock
Spotting a cricket bat smash the ball past the ropes can be one of the most thrilling sights to be seen, yet can also be demoralising for bowlers. And when a heavyweight player wields that willow bat, their power and presence on the pitch makes them instantly beloved by supporters and opponents alike.
Dwayne Leverock of Bermuda will forever be remembered for his brilliant catch to dismiss England’s Paul Collingwood during the 2007 World Cup. But Leverock is more than his big frame and striking looks; he’s a tremendous all-round cricketer on Bermuda and one of its premier all-rounders.
Chris Gayle has long been considered the God of Cricket due to his remarkable hitting skills and flair on the field. His rocketing sixes have become a hallmark of T20, ODI and Test matches alike.
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum is another powerful batsman who often whacks boundaries at will, often turning the tide of games with his aggressive hitting style. England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler is another adept hitter who has shown that he can hit far on both domestic and international tours; although not quite as intimidating as some others on this list.
3. Azam Khan
An exhilarating moment in cricket, when a batsman sends the ball whizzing over the boundary ropes after striking with their willow is witnessing it fly away over its bounds is one of its greatest thrills for fans and bowlers alike. While fans enjoy witnessing it happen live, bowlers may feel demoralised. Certain batsmen have become legendary hitters with their massive frames.
While many cricket players have had smooth careers, others struggled to meet selectors’ criteria. Although it is well known that cricket players need to be physically fit if they wish to compete at the highest levels, some defied stereotypes and demonstrated that talent triumphs over body weight or size.
Chris Gayle has long been one of cricket’s greatest hitters. For over a decade he has graced T20, ODI, and Test matches alike with his powerful hitting and relaxed demeanour endearing himself to crowds worldwide.
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq stands out on this list for both his weight and talent, often being subjected to ridicule for it. But his talent allowed him to forge an incredible career spanning 120 Tests and 378 ODIs; known for his aggressive batting style and monstrous hitting abilities; typically using a 1.24 kg Gray Nicholls Kaboom bat during play.
4. Mohammad Shahzad
Cricket and fitness often go hand-in-hand. The game requires its players to meet certain fitness standards, remaining in peak physical shape at all times. But there have been instances where individuals have defied odds to create a special niche within cricket.
Mohammad Shahzad stands out as an exceptional cricketer. Although he may be one of the heaviest cricketers of all time, this never stopped him from making an impactful contribution to his sport.
Rangpur Cricket Club have named him as an integral member of their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season team, and in only 11 matches of BPL action he has scored 353 runs at over 110 strike rates!
Afghanistan’s inaugural international cricketer and crowd favorite since his debut in 2009, Hamid is an engaging wicket-keeper-batsman that has quickly made an impression since making his international debut. He was instrumental in their promotion from WCL Division Five and three consecutive promotions up the associate cricket ladder – as well as scoring an ODI record score against Namibia at 2009 World Cup Qualifiers!
Afghanistan have relied heavily on him since their recent revival and on him to help build their T20I success. Afghanistan are currently on a journey toward becoming Test powerhouses with Rashid Khan at their heart, an invaluable heaviest batsman to aid their progression.
5. Rahkeem Cornwall
Rahkeem Cornwall defies every stereotype associated with modern international cricketers. Standing 6ft 6in and 140kg respectively, Cornwall stands out as an intimidating presence and is widely known as Cricket’s Man-Montain. His intimidating frame can even pose threats from opponents.
His weight may make Cornwall uncontestedly the heaviest cricketer on earth, but that doesn’t negate his skill or talent as a cricketer. Cornwall excelled for Leeward Islands and West Indies A before earning selection into Windies squad where he made an impressive debut against India, picking up two wickets and taking two catches en route.
Cornwall excels as a bowler by creating good bounce and using his height to his advantage, taking 259 first-class wickets across 55 matches domestically. He boasts an outstanding record in this department.
He also offered a promising attacking option with the bat, scoring 364 runs during his career and picking up 16 wickets. Cornwall was an exceptional fielder too; picking up 9 catches and scoring three ODI tons during his time. Former Indian off-spinner Ramesh Powar completes our unconventional list of heavy players at around 90 kg despite his stocky frame – his skill as an off-spinner was undiminished by this fact, bowling long spells of off-spin and acting as an alert and safe-handed fielder in slips – not to mention an impressive domestic career that saw him appear 31 times while collecting 34 wickets over his time!
6. Ramesh Powar
Cricket players need to be in great physical shape if they wish to compete at the highest levels, while also meeting strict training and fitness standards on a daily basis in order to excel at their sport. But that doesn’t necessarily mean only superfit athletes can excel; some of history’s most successful players were more than likely overweight when competing at top levels of cricket.
One such player was Graeme Smith, an English batsman known for his aggressive batting and effective medium-pace bowling in first-class cricket as well as domestic T20 leagues worldwide.
Chris Gayle was another incredible West Indian who defied expectations with his phenomenal hitting power and calm demeanour at the crease. Renowned for hitting sixes at will, Chris became a key component in both T20 and ODI matches.
Australia’s Aaron Finch has emerged as a powerful striker of the ball thanks to his IPL experience, joining Irish batsman Kevin O’Brien and Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan as three successful examples. England’s exuberant Kevin Pietersen found great success until an injury threatened to curtail his international cricketing career prematurely.
