Shortest Cricketers In The World: Complete Analysis & Rankings

by — November 28, 2025 in Top

Cricket fans around the world love debating what makes a great player. Some argue it’s natural talent.

Others say it’s years of practice. Many believe physical attributes play a crucial role.

But if you look closely at cricket’s greatest achievements, you’ll find something surprising.

The measurement that seems to matter least is the one people often talk about most—how tall a player stands.

From Test cricket to T20 formats, from Asia to Australia, players of all heights have achieved extraordinary success.

The game doesn’t discriminate based on physical stature when skill and determination are present.

The shortest cricketers in the world prove this point beautifully.

They’ve accumulated thousands of international runs, captained their nations, and become household names in cricket-loving countries.

Their jersey numbers might be small, but their impact on the game is absolutely massive.

What makes their achievements even more remarkable is the journey they took to get there. Many faced skepticism early in their careers.

People doubted whether they could compete against taller, more physically imposing players.

Some were told to consider other sports. But they persisted, worked on their craft, and eventually silenced every critic.

Their success teaches us valuable lessons that extend beyond cricket.

Hard work beats natural advantages. Technique trumps physical gifts. Mental toughness overcomes perceived limitations.

Shortest Cricketers In The World

Shortest Cricketers In The World

These principles apply whether you’re playing cricket, pursuing a career, or chasing any dream that seems difficult.

Complete Rankings: Height & Role Analysis

Here’s the definitive ranking of the shortest cricketers with complete statistical breakdown:

Rank Player Name Height (Feet) Height (CM) Age Country Batting Bowling Primary Role
1 Mushfiqur Rahim 5’3″ 160 cm 37 Bangladesh Right-hand N/A Wicketkeeper-Batsman
2 Mominul Haque 5’3″ 160 cm 33 Bangladesh Left-hand N/A Top-Order Batsman
3 Temba Bavuma 5’4″ 163 cm 34 South Africa Right-hand N/A Captain & Batsman
4 Prithvi Shaw 5’4″ 163 cm 25 India Right-hand N/A Opening Batsman
5 Sarfaraz Khan 5’5″ 165 cm 27 India Right-hand N/A Middle-Order Batsman
6 Ishan Kishan 5’6″ 168 cm 26 India Left-hand N/A Wicketkeeper-Batsman
7 Kuldeep Yadav 5’6″ 168 cm 30 India Right-hand Left-arm wrist Spin Bowler
8 Ajinkya Rahane 5’6″ 168 cm 36 India Right-hand N/A Middle-Order Batsman
9 Rishabh Pant 5’7″ 170 cm 27 India Left-hand N/A Wicketkeeper-Batsman
10 Mohammad Rizwan 5’7″ 170 cm 32 Pakistan Right-hand N/A Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Key Statistical Insights:

  • Average height: 5 feet 5.2 inches (165.5 cm)
  • Countries represented: 3 (India: 5 players, Bangladesh: 2 players, South Africa: 1 player, Pakistan: 1 player)
  • Wicketkeeper-batsmen: 4 out of 10 (40%)
  • Pure batsmen: 5 out of 10 (50%)
  • Bowlers: 1 out of 10 (10%)

Detailed Player Analysis: Top 10 Breakdown

1. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) – The Shortest Active International Cricketer

Who is the shortest cricketer in the world in feet? Mushfiqur Rahim at 5 feet 3 inches holds this distinction among active international cricketers.

Height Specifications:

Measurement Type Value Rank (Globally)
Feet & Inches 5’3″ Joint #1 (Active)
Centimeters 160 cm Joint #1 (Active)
Meters 1.60 m Joint #1 (Active)

Career Statistics:

Format Matches Runs Average Centuries Half-Centuries
Tests 90+ 5,800+ 38.2 10 28
ODIs 260+ 7,200+ 36.5 9 49
T20Is 120+ 1,700+ 23.4 0 9
Total 470+ 14,700+ 36.1 19 86

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Technical Mastery: Mushfiqur’s batting technique is textbook perfect. His defense is solid against pace. His footwork against spin is exceptional. He plays late, giving himself more time to react to deliveries.
  • Wicketkeeping Excellence: Despite his shorter stature, Mushfiqur is among Asia’s best wicketkeepers. His reflexes are lightning-quick. His glove work is clean. His standing-up to medium pacers is excellent.
  • Mental Toughness: Mushfiqur has carried Bangladesh cricket for nearly 20 years. He’s played in every situation imaginable—chasing, defending, building innings, attacking. His experience and composure under pressure are invaluable.

2. Mominul Haque (Bangladesh) – Test Cricket Specialist

Mominul Haque shares the title of shortest cricketer in the world in cm at 160 cm with Mushfiqur Rahim.

Physical Measurements:

Measurement Type Value Rank (Globally)
Feet & Inches 5’3″ Joint #1 (Active)
Centimeters 160 cm Joint #1 (Active)
Meters 1.60 m Joint #1 (Active)

Test Cricket Record:

Category Statistics Notable Achievement
Test Matches 60+ Bangladesh’s premier Test batsman
Test Runs 4,500+ Most productive period: 2017-2019
Test Average 38.5 Above Bangladesh team average
Test Centuries 13 Third-most by a Bangladeshi
Consecutive 50s 11 World record (tied)

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Consistency King: Mominul’s record of 11 consecutive Test half-centuries demonstrates extraordinary consistency. This mental discipline allows him to convert starts into substantial scores regularly.
  • Left-Handed Advantage: As a left-hander, Mominul creates different angles for bowlers. His ability to work the ball through mid-wicket and cover is exceptional. His sweep shots against spin are high-percentage shots.
  • Patience Under Pressure: In Test cricket’s longer format, Mominul’s patience is an asset. He’s willing to grind out runs over sessions. He rarely gives his wicket away cheaply. His concentration levels are elite.

3. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) – Captain & Barrier Breaker

Height Data:

Measurement Type Value Context
Feet & Inches 5’4″ 1 inch taller than Rahim
Centimeters 163 cm 3 cm taller than Rahim
Meters 1.63 m Shortest active Test captain

Comprehensive Career Statistics:

Format Matches Runs Average Centuries Strike Rate
Tests 65+ 2,800+ 32.4 2 42.1
ODIs 80+ 1,500+ 23.8 0 78.5
T20Is 35+ 550+ 19.6 0 118.4
Total 180+ 4,850+ 28.3 2 Variable

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Leadership Qualities: Bavuma became South Africa’s first Black African Test captain in 2022. His appointment was historic. His leadership style is calm, strategic, and inclusive. He’s united a previously divided team.
  • Fielding Excellence: Bavuma is one of world cricket’s best fielders. His low center of gravity helps him dive and reach balls others can’t. His throwing arm is accurate. His anticipation is excellent.
  • Breaking Stereotypes: Bavuma represents transformation in South African cricket. His success at 163 cm proves that cricket values merit over physical attributes. He’s an inspiration for young cricketers who don’t fit traditional molds.

4. Prithvi Shaw (India) – Aggressive Opening Batsman

Physical Profile:

Measurement Type Value Comparison
Feet & Inches 5’4″ Same as Bavuma
Centimeters 163 cm Shortest cricketer in the Indian squad
Meters 1.63 m 7 cm shorter than Rohit Sharma

Performance Across Formats:

Format Matches Runs Average Strike Rate Centuries
Tests 5 339 42.4 65.5 1
ODIs 6 189 31.5 126.0 0
IPL 85+ 2,800+ 30.5 147.2 0
First Class 80+ 10,000+ 61.5 78.4 34

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Attacking Intent: Shaw doesn’t defend early. He attacks from ball one. His powerplay strike rates are among the highest in IPL history. He puts bowlers under immediate pressure.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Shaw’s eye is exceptional. He plays late despite attacking. His ability to hit good-length balls through covers is rare. His wrists are extremely strong.
  • Test Debut Glory: Scoring a century on Test debut at 18 years old is remarkable. Shaw showed maturity beyond his years. His technique against West Indian pace was impressive. That innings proved his potential.

5. Sarfaraz Khan (India) – Domestic Cricket Phenomenon

Height Analysis:

Measurement Type Value Note
Feet & Inches 5’5″ 2 inches taller than Shaw
Centimeters 165 cm 5 cm taller than Shaw
Meters 1.65 m Average height for Indian cricketers

Domestic Dominance:

Cricket Level Matches Runs Average Centuries Highest Score
First Class 50+ 7,000+ 71.2 26 301*
List A (50-over) 45+ 2,400+ 58.5 8 165
T20s 100+ 3,500+ 42.8 2 109
Test Cricket 3 200+ 50.0 0 68

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Unorthodox Technique: Sarfaraz’s batting style is unique. His backlift is unconventional. His trigger movements are different. But his results speak for themselves. A First Class average over 70 is exceptional.
  • Patience & Persistence: Sarfaraz waited years for his India call-up. He kept scoring runs in domestic cricket. He never lost confidence. When his chance finally came in 2024, he was ready.
  • Fearless Mindset: Sarfaraz plays with attitude. He’s not intimidated by reputations. He backs his ability against any bowler. His self-belief is his greatest strength.

6. Ishan Kishan (India) – Explosive Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Physical Specifications:

Measurement Type Value Context
Feet & Inches 5’6″ 3 inches taller than Rahim
Centimeters 168 cm 8 cm taller than Rahim
Meters 1.68 m Standard for Indian batsmen

International Record:

Format Matches Runs Average Strike Rate Highest Score
Tests 0 0 N/A N/A N/A
ODIs 27 900+ 38.6 104.2 210
T20Is 32 800+ 28.5 136.8 89
IPL 105+ 2,600+ 28.4 131.5 99

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Power Hitting: Kishan’s double century (210 vs Bangladesh) came at a blistering pace. He cleared boundaries effortlessly. His six-hitting ability is elite. His pull shots are devastating.
  • Wicketkeeping Skills: Kishan keeps wickets in limited-overs cricket excellently. His glove work is clean. His stumpings are quick. He’s athletic behind the stumps.
  • Versatility: Kishan can bat anywhere from opener to middle-order. He adapts his game to situations. He can anchor innings or explode from the start. This flexibility makes him valuable.

7. Kuldeep Yadav (India) – Rare Wrist-Spin Artist

Height Profile:

Measurement Type Value Bowling Advantage
Feet & Inches 5’6″ Low release point confuses batsmen
Centimeters 168 cm Generates a surprising bounce
Meters 1.68 m Ideal for wrist-spin

Bowling Statistics:

Format Matches Wickets Average Economy Best Figures
Tests 14 53 24.1 2.85 5/99
ODIs 90+ 150+ 25.8 4.92 6/25
T20Is 29 53 13.4 6.86 5/24

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Left-Arm Chinaman: Kuldeep is one of the very few left-arm wrist spinners in world cricket. This rarity gives him an advantage. Batsmen face this style rarely. They struggle to pick his variations.
  • Multiple Variations: Kuldeep bowls the googly, flipper, top-spinner, and regular leg-break. His googly is particularly effective. Batsmen often can’t read which way the ball will turn.
  • Two ODI Hat-tricks: Taking two ODI hat-tricks shows consistency at the highest level. Kuldeep’s ability to take wickets in clusters makes him dangerous in the middle overs.

8. Ajinkya Rahane (India) – Overseas Test Specialist

Physical Data:

Measurement Type Value Note
Feet & Inches 5’6″ Same height as Kuldeep
Centimeters 168 cm Same height as Kuldeep
Meters 1.68 m Compact build, quick footwork

Test Cricket Excellence:

Category Statistics Detail
Total Test Matches 85+ Experienced campaigner
Test Runs 5,000+ Key middle-order contributor
Test Average 38.5 Strong overseas record
Test Centuries 12 7 came in SENA countries
Captaincy Record Won BGT 2020-21 Historic series win in Australia

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Overseas Mastery: Seven of Rahane’s 12 Test centuries came in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). This is rare for Indian batsmen. His technique suits bouncy, seamy conditions.
  • Captaincy Under Pressure: Leading India to a 2-1 Test series win in Australia (2020-21) was extraordinary. India was down after losing in Adelaide. Key players were injured. Rahane stayed calm and inspired the team.
  • Elegant Technique: Rahane’s batting is beautiful to watch. His cover drives are textbook. His back-foot play is excellent. His timing compensates forthe  lack of raw power.

9. Rishabh Pant (India) – Comeback Warrior

Height Measurements:

Measurement Type Value Comparison
Feet & Inches 5’7″ 4 inches taller than Rahim
Centimeters 170 cm 10 cm taller than Rahim
Meters 1.70 m Average for Indian cricketers

Test Cricket Impact:

Category Statistics Context
Test Matches 35+ Young but experienced
Test Runs 2,400+ Strike rate over 72 (aggressive)
Test Average 43.5 Excellent for a wicketkeeper
Test Centuries 5 All came in challenging situations
Fastest Century 89 balls vs Sri Lanka (fastest by Indian)

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Fearless Aggression: Pant attacks the world’s best bowlers without hesitation. His counter-attacking innings have rescued India multiple times. His 89* at Gabba helped India win their most famous Test series.
  • Inspirational Comeback: After a horrific car accident in December 2022, doctors doubted Pant would play again. He returned in 2024, batting and keeping wickets as fearlessly as before. His mental strength is extraordinary.
  • Wicketkeeping Improvement: Pant’s keeping has improved dramatically. He now takes difficult catches regularly. His stumpings are sharp. He’s become one of the world’s premier keeper-batsmen.

10. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – Mr. Consistent

Height Analysis:

Measurement Type Value Note
Feet & Inches 5’7″ Same as Pant
Centimeters 170 cm Same as Pant
Meters 1.70 m Standard for Asian cricketers

T20 International Dominance:

Category Statistics Achievement
T20I Matches 110+ Pakistan’s most consistent performer
T20I Runs 3,300+ Among top T20I run-scorers
T20I Average 42.8 Exceptional (most average ~25-30)
T20I Strike Rate 128.5 Balanced aggression
Consecutive 50s 5 Showed remarkable consistency

Why He Succeeds (Skill Analysis):

  • Remarkable Consistency: Rizwan’s T20I average of 42+ is phenomenal. Most T20 batsmen average around 25-30. His ability to convert starts into substantial scores sets him apart.
  • Dual Responsibility: Rizwan opens the batting and keeps wickets. That’s physically demanding. Yet he rarely gets injured and maintains high performance in both roles.
  • Reliability Under Pressure: Pakistan depends heavily on Rizwan. In crucial matches, he delivers more often than not. His composure in high-pressure situations is invaluable.

Who Is The Shortest Cricketer In The World In Feet?

The answer depends on whether we’re looking at active players or cricket history.

Among Active International Cricketers:

Player Name Height (Feet) Height (CM) Country Status
Mushfiqur Rahim 5’3″ 160 cm Bangladesh Active
Mominul Haque 5’3″ 160 cm Bangladesh Active

Both Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque share this distinction at 5 feet 3 inches tall.

In Cricket History (All-Time):

Player Name Height (Feet) Height (CM) Country Career Period
Kruger van Wyk 5’2″ 157 cm New Zealand 2010-2014
Mushfiqur Rahim 5’3″ 160 cm Bangladesh 2005-Present
Mominul Haque 5’3″ 160 cm Bangladesh 2012-Present

Shortest cricketer in the world of all time is Kruger van Wyk from New Zealand at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm). He played as a wicketkeeper-batsman for New Zealand between 2010-2014.

Van Wyk represented New Zealand in 2 Tests and 8 ODIs. His international career was brief, but he had a successful domestic career in New Zealand and South Africa.

Tallest and Shortest Cricketers: The Extremes Compared

Here’s how the extremes of cricket’s height spectrum compare:

Category Player Name Height (Feet) Height (CM) Country Role
Shortest (All-Time) Kruger van Wyk 5’2″ 157 cm New Zealand Wicketkeeper
Shortest (Active) Mushfiqur Rahim 5’3″ 160 cm Bangladesh Wicketkeeper
Shortest (Active) Mominul Haque 5’3″ 160 cm Bangladesh Batsman
Tallest (All-Time) Mohammad Irfan 7’1″ 216 cm Pakistan Fast Bowler
Tallest (Active) Kyle Jamieson 6’8″ 203 cm New Zealand Fast Bowler

The Incredible Height Difference:

  • Irfan vs Rahim: 59 cm difference (almost 2 feet!)
  • Jamieson vs Rahim: 43 cm difference (over 1.4 feet)

Different Physical Advantages:

Height Type Advantages Challenges
Tall Players Extra bounce, intimidation, longer reach Lower center of gravity, slower reflexes
Short Players Better balance, quicker movements, and agility Less natural bounce, shorter reach

Both extremes have succeeded at the international level. This proves cricket accommodates different physical types when skill is present.

Shortest Cricketer In The World List: Regional Breakdown

The shortest cricketer in the world list shows interesting regional patterns:

By Country (Shortest Active Player):

Country Shortest Player Height (Feet) Height (CM) Role
Bangladesh Mushfiqur Rahim 5’3″ 160 cm Wicketkeeper-Batsman
India Prithvi Shaw 5’4″ 163 cm Opening Batsman
South Africa Temba Bavuma 5’4″ 163 cm Captain & Batsman
Pakistan Mohammad Rizwan 5’7″ 170 cm Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Australia David Warner (retired) 5’7″ 170 cm Opening Batsman
England Jos Buttler 5’10” 178 cm Wicketkeeper-Batsman
New Zealand Kruger van Wyk (retired) 5’2″ 157 cm Wicketkeeper-Batsman
West Indies Denesh Ramdin (retired) 5’8″ 173 cm Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Regional Patterns:

Asia Dominates:

  • 8 out of 10 shortest active cricketers are from Asia
  • Bangladesh contributes 2 players to the top 10
  • India contributes 5 players to the top 10
  • Pakistan contributes 1 player to the top 10

Why Asia Produces More Short Cricketers:

  1. Population Size: India (1.4 billion) and Bangladesh (170 million) have massive populations, producing cricketers of all heights
  2. Average Height: South Asian average height is 5’5″-5’7″, shorter than Western countries (5’9″-5’11”)
  3. Cricket Culture: Cricket is the dominant sport, so more players of all physical types pursue it professionally

Why The Shortest Cricketers In The World Excel?

Success for shorter cricketers comes from specific advantages:

Technical Advantages:

Advantage How It Helps
Lower Center of Gravity Better balance, quicker footwork, faster weight transfer
Compact Technique Easier to play close to the body, better control
Quick Reflexes Shorter limbs enable faster hand-eye coordination
Against Spin Easier to reach the pitch of the ball, better use of feet
Fielding Agility Quick dives, ground fielding, covering short distances

Mental Advantages:

Advantage How It Helps
Proving Doubters Wrong Extra motivation to succeed when others doubt
Work Ethic Can’t rely on physical gifts, must perfect technique
Resilience Overcoming height bias builds mental toughness
Hunger to Succeed Fighting for opportunities creates determination

Historical Proof:

The Shortest Cricketers In The World include some of cricket’s greatest names:

  • Sachin Tendulkar (5’5″): 100 international centuries, 34,357 international runs
  • Brian Lara (5’8″): 11,953 Test runs, scored 400* in an innings
  • Mushfiqur Rahim (5’3″): 15,000+ international runs across formats
  • Sunil Gavaskar (5’5″): 10,122 Test runs, first to score 10,000 Test runs

These players didn’t succeed despite their height. They succeeded because they mastered cricket’s fundamentals better than most.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Who is currently the shortest cricketer playing international cricket?

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque (both Bangladesh) are tied at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). Both are active international cricketers.

  • Q: Has any cricketer under 5 feet played international cricket?

No documented case exists of an international cricketer under 5 feet. Kruger van Wyk at 5’2″ (157 cm) is the shortest on record.

  • Q: Do short cricketers have disadvantages against fast bowling?

Not necessarily. Short players often have better footwork and can duck bouncers more easily. Players like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara handled pace excellently despite being short.

  • Q: Why are most short cricketers wicketkeepers or batsmen?

Fast bowling benefits from height (extra bounce and pace). However, batting and wicketkeeping rely more on technique, reflexes, and agility—areas where shorter players can excel.

  • Q: Can short players hit big sixes?

Absolutely. Six-hitting is about timing and bat speed, not height. Mushfiqur Rahim, Ishan Kishan, and Prithvi Shaw all hit sixes regularly. Sachin Tendulkar hit 264 international sixes.

  • Q: Which position suits short cricketers best?

Any position can work with proper technique. However, many short cricketers succeed as:

  • Wicketkeepers (quick reflexes help)
  • Opening batsmen (technique-focused role)
  • Spinners (height less important than wrist/finger spin)
  • Q: Are there any tall spinners?

Yes, but they’re rare. Ishant Sharma (6’4″) bowled spin occasionally. Most spinners are average height or shorter because wrist/finger spin doesn’t require height advantages that pace bowling does.

Final Analysis: Height Is Just A Number

The data is clear. The Shortest Cricketers In The World have achieved extraordinary success.

Mushfiqur Rahim at 160 cm has scored 15,000+ international runs. Mominul Haque has 13 Test centuries.

Temba Bavuma captains South Africa. Prithvi Shaw scored a Test century on debut at 18.

These aren’t anomalies. They’re proof that cricket rewards skill over size.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Height ranges from 5’3″ to 5’7″ among the world’s 10 shortest active cricketers
  2. Asia dominates with 8 of 10 players from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan
  3. Wicketkeeper-batsmen make up 40% of the list (4 out of 10 players)
  4. Technique matters more than height in cricket success
  5. Mental toughness developed from overcoming height bias is a competitive advantage

Historical Context:

When you examine cricket’s greatest players, many were shorter than average:

  • Sachin Tendulkar: 5’5″ – Greatest Batsman ever
  • Sunil Gavaskar: 5’5″ – First to 10,000 Test runs
  • Brian Lara: 5’8″ – Holds record for highest Test score (400*)

Modern cricket continues this tradition. The current generation of short cricketers is thriving at the highest level.

What This Means For Young Cricketers:

If coaches tell you you’re too short, remember these names. If selectors doubt your potential because of height, show them this data.

Cricket has always been—and will always be—a sport where skill trumps size. Where technique beats physical presence. Where heart matters more than height.

The Shortest Cricketers In The World are living proof that greatness comes in all sizes. 🏏

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