The term “GOAT of Cricket” refers to the Greatest of All Time. It is a term often used in sports to recognize a player with exceptional ability and achievements. Cricket, as we all know, is a diverse game. The formats differ, and so does the playing style. The GOAT debate in cricket history spans across different eras, with legendary players shaping the game through their remarkable contributions. The concept of the GOAT is not unique to cricket; for example, the ‘football GOAT’ debate also compares the greatest players in football using similar criteria.
Following the emergence of the sport, the first cricket legend, Sir Don Bradman, set the stage for future greats and established standards that others would aspire to reach.
Sachin Tendulkar is the real all-time GOAT of cricket. He is the GOD of cricket who ruled Tests and ODIs for over 20 years. However, modern-day cricket has produced other greats, like Virat in ODIs and Joe Root in Tests. In today’s article, we will take a look at who the real GOAT of cricket is, exploring the top contenders for the title. The term ‘cricket goats’ is often used to describe these legendary players, and various factors such as records, impact, longevity, and accomplishments are considered in GOAT discussions.
Table of Contents
Modern Day GOAT of Cricket—Test Format
According to pundits and fans, Joe Root is the GOAT of Test cricket. This is because of his amazing consistency and class with the bat. He made his Test debut for England in 2012. Since then, Root has been one of the most reliable players. Joe Root is often included in discussions about the best batsmen in Test cricket.
As of 2025, Root has scored more than 13,500 runs in Tests. He is nearing the all-time top scorer in Tests and just needs 3000 runs to surpass the great Sachin Tendulkar. Once a part of the Fab 4, Joe Root has come far ahead of them all. Currently, he has 39 Test centuries and an impressive average in Test cricket.
| Format | Span | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
| Test | 2012–* | 158 | 288 | 24 | 13,543 | 262 | 51.3 | 39 | 66 |
Root’s consistency across all three formats of the game is also noteworthy, even though he is most dominant in Tests.
Modern Day GOAT of Cricket—ODIs
In modern-day ODIs, Virat Kohli is the GOAT. His remarkable ODI career has set new standards in one-day international cricket, with a lasting impact on the game. Since his debut in 2008, he has been one of the most consistent players in the world. He has played 305 ODIs as of 2025 and has scored 14,255 runs at an average of 57.7, showcasing his consistency and excellence. Kohli now holds the record for the most centuries in ODI history (51) and is the second-highest run scorer of all time.
What makes Virat special in ODI? The answer is his understanding of the game. He knows how to adapt his batting style to the situation. Virat plays according to what the team needs. Kohli is also the greatest batter in run chases. His top score of 183 in ODIs highlights his ability to deliver peak performances when it matters most. Without a doubt, Virat Kohli is the modern-day GOAT of ODI cricket.
| Format | Span | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
| ODI | 2008–* | 305 | 291 | 46 | 14,255 | 183 | 57.7 | 51 | 75 |
Modern Day GOAT of Cricket—T20Is
T20 cricket is a very different ball game. It is short and fast. In this format, it’s not only about how many runs a batter scores. Cricket experts say that in T20s, one quick and powerful innings can change the match. Even scoring 25 or 30 runs quickly can help the team win. So, in T20 cricket, impact matters more than big scores.
So, who is the GOAT of Cricket now? There are many candidates, but we ranked Jos Buttler as the GOAT of T20 cricket. The former captain of the England national team is known for his explosive batting style. Jos is currently the 4th highest run scorer in T20 internationals and is likely to climb to the top. But here is something interesting: he is the only batter in the top 5 with a strike rate nearing 150.
|
Format |
Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100s |
50s |
|
T20Is |
143 | 132 | 23 | 3,869 | 101* | 35.49 | 148.97 | 1 | 28 |
All Time GOAT of Cricket—Test & ODIs
Sachin Tendulkar is the real all-time Goat of cricket in India and around the world. He holds many records in both Tests and ODIs, including the most runs and centuries in each format. Between 1989 and 2013, Sachin played international cricket for 20+ years and dominated in the majority of them as a batter. His performances in first-class cricket laid the foundation for his international success. Nearly 16,000 runs in Tests and 18500 runs in ODIs. 51 test centuries and 68 half-centuries in red-ball cricket. 49 100s and 96 50s in ODIs. These are the numbers of a single man who ruled cricket for over two decades and set numerous records in world cricket.
As per cricket experts, Sachin faced some of the most dangerous bowling attacks in history. Bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. Then, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan. He even faced Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop, Allan Donald, and Brett Lee. His transition to T20Is was also very smooth. However, Sachin decided to retire after IPL 2013. His impact on world cricket is immense, and he is recognized globally as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
|
Format |
Span | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s |
50s |
|
Test |
1989–13 | 200 | 329 | 33 | 15,921 | 248* | 53.8 | 51 | 68 |
| ODI | 1989–12 | 463 | 452 | 41 | 18,426 | 200* | 44.8 | 49 |
96 |
GOAT of Indian Cricket—The 6 Greatest Batters
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is the God of Cricket. He has played 200 Test matches and scored 15,921 runs with 51 centuries. He has also played 463 ODIs and scored 18,426 runs with 49 centuries. Sachin is the only player with 100 international centuries. As of 2025, Sachin has won top awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Khel Ratna.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is a globally celebrated Indian cricketer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of the modern era. Virat holds the record for the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 ODI runs. As of late 2025, he is second only to Sachin Tendulkar in the number of international centuries and total runs in ODI cricket.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is one of India’s most successful captains, known for his calm leadership and ability to win under pressure. As a wicket keeper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is renowned for his lightning-fast stumpings and holds records for the most dismissals by an Indian wicket keeper in international matches. Under MS Dhoni, the Indian cricket team has won all major ICC trophies, including the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy, cementing his legacy as a successful captain in international matches across all formats. He has also helped CSK win the IPL 5 times. Speaking of stats, Dhoni has scored 4,876 runs in 90 Tests, 10,773 in 350 ODIs, and 1,617 in 98 T20Is. For his achievements and contributions, Dhoni has received Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna.
Rohit Sharma
The Hit Man Rohit Sharma is one of the greats of the game. He has more than 11,000 runs in ODIs (32 centuries). Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in a One Day International, 264. He also has three double centuries, which is the most by any player. In T20Is, he scored 4,231 runs with 5 centuries and led India to the T20 World Cup in 2024. Under his leadership, India has won the Champions Trophy and the MI 5 IPL titles.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, “The Wall,” is another GOAT of Indian cricket. Before announcing retirement, he had already scored 13,288 runs in Tests (36 centuries) and 10,889 in ODIs. Later in his career, he became India’s head coach and led them to a T20 World Cup in 2024. As of 2024, Dravid is an honourable recipient of the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
Who is the Real GOAT of Cricket—Verdict
So, who is the real GOAT of cricket? The answer changes with each format. In ODIs, Virat Kohli is considered the modern-day great. In Tests, Joe Root is often seen as the best player. When it comes to T20Is, Jos Buttler is regarded as one of the best T20 batters of all time.
However, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, aka the God of Cricket, is the all time real GOAT of cricket. He is the highest run scorer in both Tests and ODIs. He is also the only player in history to score 100 international centuries. This makes him the Greatest of All Time.
The debate over who is the greatest cricketer or the greatest player in cricket history is ongoing and highly subjective, with fans and experts often comparing legends like Sir Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. Ultimately, the title of ‘greatest player’ depends on individual criteria such as performance, impact, and longevity, making the discussion about cricket GOATs a matter of personal opinion.
FAQs
Who is the goat of cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar is the all-time GOAT of cricket in the world. He has scored 15,921 and 18,426 runs in Tests and ODIs, respectively. In modern-day cricket, Virat Kohli and Joe Root are considered the GOAT in ODIs and Tests, respectively.
What is the meaning of Goat in cricket?
The term GOAT stands for Greatest of All Time. In cricket, this term is used for the player who is considered the best in the history of the game. SR Tendulkar is the GOAT of cricket in India and around the world. He has 100s and he is the top run scorer in ODIs and Tests.
Who is the goat of Indian cricket?
The GOAT of Indian cricket is Sachin Tendulkar. He scored over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries across Tests and ODIs.