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In cricket, some players shine in the spotlight while others work just as hard but don’t get the same attention. These underrated cricketers often play match-winning roles, consistently perform for their teams, and bring immense value—yet their efforts often go unnoticed. This article highlights ten such unsung heroes from the past decade (2015–2025), whose contributions deserve more appreciation.
1. Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Consistent Performer, Reliable Captain
Faf du Plessis has been one of the most dependable batsmen for South Africa across all formats. While players like AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla got much of the praise, Faf quietly carried the middle order.
Despite scoring centuries in India, Australia, and England, he never received the global respect he deserved. His calmness, fitness, and technique made him a solid pillar for the Proteas.
2. Ross Taylor (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Middle-Order Rock
Ross Taylor was the backbone of New Zealand’s middle order for over a decade, but often lived in the shadow of Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum.
Taylor’s powerful strokeplay, especially against spin, and his match-finishing ability make him one of the most underrated players in modern cricket history.
3. Jason Holder (West Indies)
All-Round Powerhouse
Jason Holder has been a silent warrior for the West Indies. Whether as a bowler, batsman, or captain, he always gave everything to his team.
He bowled long spells, rescued the team from collapses, and remained humble despite a heavy workload. Holder rarely makes headlines, but his stats prove his value.
4. Rahmat Shah (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s Unsung Hero
While Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi get global fame, Rahmat Shah is one of Afghanistan’s most consistent batters, especially in Tests and ODIs.
Rahmat provides the stability that allows Afghanistan’s explosive players to flourish. He’s not flashy, but essential.
5. Tom Latham (New Zealand)
The Silent Wicketkeeper-Opener
Tom Latham has quietly become one of the most reliable openers and wicketkeepers in Test cricket. He’s not aggressive or flamboyant, but extremely consistent.
Latham’s contributions are key to New Zealand’s top-order strength, yet he doesn’t get much media attention or global fanfare.
6. Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s Reliable Test Opener
After the retirement of legends like Sangakkara and Jayawardene, Sri Lanka struggled. But Karunaratne kept the Test team going with his solid batting.
He’s a true team man, not involved in controversies, and always ready to grind for runs. Without him, Sri Lanka would have crumbled more often.
7. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Always in the Shadow
Until 2020, Rizwan was often overlooked for Sarfaraz Ahmed. But when he got a chance, he grabbed it with both gloves—literally.
Even now, he doesn’t get the same attention as Babar Azam, but he’s one of Pakistan’s most valuable players in all formats.
8. Chris Woakes (England)
England’s Quiet Contributor
Chris Woakes has done everything—opening spells, batting at number 7 or 8, and winning crucial matches. Yet, he’s rarely seen as a “main man.”
When you think of England’s stars, names like Root, Stokes, or Archer come to mind. But Woakes’ contributions have often been match-defining.
9. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Misunderstood Genius
Kusal Mendis has had an up-and-down career, but his talent is undeniable. Unfortunately, due to team instability and selection issues, he’s never fully bloomed in the public eye.
When he’s in form, he’s one of the best stroke-makers in Asia. But his inconsistent career has made people overlook his potential.
10. Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)
Late Bloomer, Instant Impact
Rassie van der Dussen made his debut at a later age but quickly became one of South Africa’s most consistent limited-overs performers.
Rassie is not flashy like de Kock or as vocal as Rabada, but he does his job—and does it well.
Why Are These Players Underrated?
Many of these cricketers go unnoticed despite giving their best every time they step onto the field. The term “underrated” doesn’t mean they’re less skilled—it simply means they don’t get the recognition or spotlight they truly deserve. There are several reasons behind this:
Underrated doesn’t mean underperforming. It means these players bring immense value to their teams—through skill, determination, and consistency—but don’t always receive the praise, attention, or awards they deserve. Recognizing their efforts helps us understand the complete story of cricket, not just the glamorous parts. These are the cricketers who keep the engine running while others enjoy the spotlight.
Honorable Mentions
Some more names deserve a shout:
Final Thoughts
Cricket fans, commentators, and analysts often chase the “next big thing” or focus on already established stars. But the game wouldn’t run without its quiet performers—players who show up day after day, win matches, and make sacrifices without getting enough praise.
These ten cricketers may not be the most followed on social media, but their numbers, commitment, and impact tell a different story. If we look beyond the spotlight, we’ll realize that every team’s success depends heavily on these “unsung heroes.”
So next time you cheer for your team, don’t just remember the captains and finishers—remember the players who work hard behind the scenes to make those wins possible.
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