Cricket has never been a game where height decides success. Some of the shortest cricketers in the world, like Mushfiqur Rahim, Parthiv Patel, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, have stood tallest when it mattered most, proving that skill, balance, and determination outweigh physical size.
With a lower center of gravity, quicker reflexes, and sharp technique, these players turned a perceived disadvantage into a powerful strength. From elegant stroke-makers to fearless wicketkeeper-batsmen, their performances left a lasting mark on international cricket.
This list celebrates the legends who broke stereotypes, inspired millions, and showed that in cricket, talent beats height every time
The Top Shortest Cricketers in the World Ranked by Height
Here’s a detailed look at the shortest cricketers, ordered from the smallest to progressively taller. We’ve included their heights in both centimeters and feet/inches, along with key career highlights, roles, and contributions to cricket.
1. Kruger van Wyk – 150 cm (4’9″)
Kruger van Wyk holds the record as the shortest international cricketer. Born in South Africa but representing New Zealand, this wicketkeeper-batsman made his Test debut in 2012. Despite his stature, van Wyk’s agility behind the stumps and solid batting technique earned him nine Test caps.
His highest Test score of 71 came against South Africa, showcasing his resilience. Van Wyk’s career emphasizes how quick hands and sharp anticipation can compensate for height in wicketkeeping duties.
2. Tich Cornford – 152 cm (5’0″)
Walter “Tich” Cornford, an English wicketkeeper from the 1930s, is the second-shortest on our list. Playing four Tests for England, Cornford was renowned for his lightning-fast stumping and safe hands. In first-class cricket, he amassed over 6,500 runs and numerous dismissals for Sussex.
His nickname “Tich” (meaning small) reflected his size, but his performances were anything but diminutive, proving that precision trumps reach in glovework.
3. Tich Freeman – 157 cm (5’2″)
Another “Tich” from England, Alfred Percy “Tich” Freeman was a prolific leg-spinner in the 1920s and 1930s. Standing at just 157 cm, Freeman took 154 wickets in 12 Tests and an astonishing 3,776 in first-class cricket—the second-highest ever.
His low arm action and deceptive googly made him a nightmare for batsmen. Freeman’s success underlines how shorter bowlers can excel in spin, using flight and turn to outfox opponents.
4. Parthiv Patel – 157 cm (5’2″)
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel debuted in Tests at age 17, becoming one of the youngest ever. At 157 cm, Patel’s compact frame aided his quick reflexes behind the stumps.
He played 25 Tests, 38 ODIs, and featured in IPL teams like Mumbai Indians. With over 900 Test runs, including key partnerships, Patel’s career highlights the value of youth and adaptability in modern cricket.
5. Mushfiqur Rahim – 160 cm (5’3″)
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the shortest active cricketers and a cornerstone of his team. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he has scored over 15,000 international runs across formats, including 10 Test centuries.
At 160 cm, Rahim’s low stance helps in handling spin, and his leadership as former captain has been pivotal in Bangladesh’s rise. His double century in Tests against Sri Lanka in 2022 remains a highlight.
6. Gundappa Viswanath – 160 cm (5’3″)
India’s Gundappa Viswanath, known for his wristy elegance, stood at 160 cm but played like a giant. In 91 Tests, he scored over 6,000 runs with 14 centuries, often rescuing India from tough spots.
His unbeaten 97 against West Indies in 1976 is legendary. Viswanath’s technique against pace bowlers inspired many, and post-retirement, he served as an ICC match referee.
7. David Boon – 160 cm (5’3″)
Australian batsman David Boon, at 160 cm, was a gritty opener in the 1980s-90s. He played 107 Tests and 181 ODIs, scoring over 7,400 Test runs with 21 centuries.
Boon’s mustache and helmet became iconic, and his 75 in the 1987 World Cup final helped Australia win. His compact build aided in pulling short balls effectively.
8. Mominul Haque – 161 cm (5’3.5″)
Bangladesh’s Mominul Haque is another active short stature star at 161 cm. A Test specialist, he has over 4,000 runs in 68 Tests with 13 centuries.
Haque holds the record for 11 consecutive Test half-centuries and contributes as a part-time spinner. His consistency in home conditions makes him invaluable.
9. Prithvi Shaw – 163 cm (5’4″)
India’s young opener Prithvi Shaw, at 163 cm, burst onto the scene with a Test century on debut at 18. Known for aggressive batting, he has over 2,800 IPL runs and led India to the 2018 U-19 World Cup win. Despite fitness challenges, Shaw’s footwork and timing make him a promising talent.
10. Kedar Jadhav – 163 cm (5’4″)
Indian all-rounder Kedar Jadhav, standing 163 cm, was a useful finisher in ODIs with 73 caps. He scored over 1,300 runs and took 27 wickets with his off-spin.
Jadhav’s unorthodox bowling action surprised many, and he played a key role in India’s 2019 World Cup squad.
11. Temba Bavuma – 163 cm (5’4″)
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, at 163 cm, is the current Test captain and the first Black African to lead the side. With over 4,850 international runs, his anchoring innings and sharp fielding stand out. Bavuma’s leadership in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-finals showcased his mental strength.
12. Sunil Gavaskar – 165 cm (5’5″)
India’s “Little Master” Sunil Gavaskar, at 165 cm, was the first to score 10,000 Test runs. In 125 Tests, he amassed 10,122 runs with 34 centuries, facing fearsome pacers without a helmet. Gavaskar’s technique and concentration redefined opening batting.
13. Sachin Tendulkar – 165 cm (5’5″)
The “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar, stood at 165 cm but towered over records. With 200 Tests and over 34,000 international runs, including 100 centuries, his mastery across formats is unmatched. Tendulkar’s wristy shots and adaptability inspired billions.
14. Tatenda Taibu – 165 cm (5’5″)
Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Taibu, at 165 cm, became the youngest Test captain at 20. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he played 28 Tests and scored over 1,500 runs. Taibu’s resilience during Zimbabwe’s turbulent times marked him as a fighter.
15. Poonam Yadav (Women’s Cricket) – 155 cm (5’1″)
In women’s cricket, India’s Poonam Yadav at 155 cm is one of the shortest. Her leg-spin, with deceptive flight, took 10 wickets in the 2020 T20 World Cup. Yadav’s low release point added trickery, proving shortness can be an asset in bowling.
Shortest Cricketers: A Comparative Table
To visualize the heights and achievements, here’s a table summarizing the top shortest cricketers:
| Rank | Player | Height (cm/ft) | Country | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kruger van Wyk | 150 / 4’9″ | New Zealand | 9 Tests, agile wicketkeeper |
| 2 | Tich Cornford | 152 / 5’0″ | England | 4 Tests, 6,554 first-class runs |
| 3 | Tich Freeman | 157 / 5’2″ | England | 3,776 first-class wickets |
| 4 | Parthiv Patel | 157 / 5’2″ | India | Youngest Test keeper debut |
| 5 | Mushfiqur Rahim | 160 / 5’3″ | Bangladesh | Over 15,000 international runs |
| 6 | Gundappa Viswanath | 160 / 5’3″ | India | 6,080 Test runs |
| 7 | David Boon | 160 / 5’3″ | Australia | 1987 World Cup winner |
| 8 | Mominul Haque | 161 / 5’3.5″ | Bangladesh | 13 Test centuries |
| 9 | Prithvi Shaw | 163 / 5’4″ | India | Test century on debut |
| 10 | Kedar Jadhav | 163 / 5’4″ | India | 27 ODI wickets |
| 11 | Temba Bavuma | 163 / 5’4″ | South Africa | Test captain |
| 12 | Sunil Gavaskar | 165 / 5’5″ | India | First to 10,000 Test runs |
| 13 | Sachin Tendulkar | 165 / 5’5″ | India | 100 international centuries |
| 14 | Tatenda Taibu | 165 / 5’5″ | Zimbabwe | Youngest Test captain |
| 15 | Poonam Yadav | 155 / 5’1″ | India | 2020 T20 WC star |
This table highlights how these players span eras and roles, from spin bowlers to captains.
Active Shortest Cricketers in 2025
In 2025, shorter players continue to shine. Mushfiqur Rahim remains a stalwart for Bangladesh, contributing in Tests and ODIs. Mominul Haque’s consistency in red-ball cricket is unmatched, while Temba Bavuma leads South Africa with poise. Prithvi Shaw’s IPL performances keep him in contention for India recalls. These athletes show that cricket’s evolution favors diverse body types, with T20 formats rewarding quick thinking over height.
Women’s Cricket: Short Stature Stars
Women’s cricket also features inspiring short players. Poonam Yadav’s 155 cm height helped her deliver looping deliveries that baffled opponents. Other notables include those around 160 cm, like certain spinners who use low trajectories effectively. As the women’s game grows, more such stories emerge, promoting inclusivity.
Why Height Matters (and Doesn’t) in Cricket
In cricket, height can influence aspects like bowling bounce or reach for catches, but it’s far from a defining factor. Shorter players often excel in roles requiring quick reflexes, such as wicketkeeping or batting against spin. Their compact build allows for better balance and footwork, making them formidable on turning pitches.
Over the years, many of the shortest cricketers have become icons, proving that passion and practice can level the playing field. This list focuses on international players with verified heights, showcasing how they’ve overcome perceived limitations to achieve greatness.
Conclusion
The shortest cricketers in the world remind us that cricket is a sport of the mind and heart as much as the body. From Kruger van Wyk’s record-breaking shortness to Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental records, these players have redefined possibilities. Their legacies inspire aspiring cricketers to focus on skills, proving that with dedication, anyone can reach the top. As cricket evolves, expect more diverse talents to emerge, further enriching the game.
Most Common FAQs
Who is the shortest cricketer in the world?
Kruger van Wyk from New Zealand holds the title at 150 cm (4’9″), known for his wicketkeeping in Tests.
Is height a disadvantage in cricket?
Not necessarily; shorter players often have better balance and agility, excelling in batting against spin or wicketkeeping.
Who is the shortest active cricketer?
Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque from Bangladesh, both around 160 cm (5’3″), are among the shortest active internationals.
What is Sunil Gavaskar’s height?
Sunil Gavaskar stands at 165 cm (5’5″), earning him the nickname “Little Master.”
Are there short players in women’s cricket?
Yes, Poonam Yadav from India at 155 cm (5’1″) is a notable example, famous for her spin bowling.
How does height affect bowling in cricket?
Taller bowlers get more bounce, but shorter ones like spinners can deceive with flight and turn.
Who is the shortest Indian cricketer?
Parthiv Patel at 157 cm (5’2″) is one of the shortest Indians to play internationally.
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Daniel Foster is a senior sports writer specializing in cricket laws and international playing conditions. With extensive experience covering ICC rules, domestic leagues, and tournament regulations, he delivers detailed yet easy-to-read explanations. His work is trusted by readers looking for accurate and up-to-date sports rules.