Ranking the Top 10 ODI Bowlers: No.1 Performer of the Last Decade
Over the past few years, the landscape of cricket has seen its fair share of dynamic bowling talents, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From spin wizards to lethal pace bowlers, the race for the coveted title of the No.1 ODI Bowler of the Year has been fiercely contested. The current Indian star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah held the 1st stop for two consecutive years along with Sunit Narine while Saeed Ajmal was at the No.1 position twice, but in two different years.
Look at the No. 1 ODI bowlers of a decade.
10. 2010 – Daniel Vettori (727)
New Zealand’s legendary spinner, Daniel Vettori, kicked off the decade with a stellar performance in 2010, claiming the top spot with a rating of 727. He has been an incredible player throughout his career. Moreover, known for his accuracy and guile, Vettori’s ability to deceive batsmen made him a formidable force in the ODI arena. While Vettori was playing, all the best batters were afraid to have an encounter with him.
9. 2011 – Saeed Ajmal (735)
Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal became the No. 1 ODI bowler in 2011. He showcased his mastery of spin bowling to earn the title of the No.1 ODI Bowler of the Year. With his assortment of variations and impeccable control, Ajmal proved to be a nightmare for batsmen around the world. He used to deceive the batters well and hence, got a lot of wickets.
8. 2012 – Mohammad Hafeez (764)
Another Pakistani cricketer, Mohammad Hafeez, enjoyed a sensational year in 2012, by clinching the top spot with a rating of 764. Hafeez’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset for his team, and his ability to pick up crucial wickets solidified his status as one of the premier all-rounders in the game.
7. 2013 – Saeed Ajmal (776)
Saeed Ajmal continued his dominance in 2013, by reaffirming his status as one of the finest spinners of his generation as he ranked on the top in 2013. With an impressive rating of 776, Ajmal left a lasting impression with his spin wizardry, bamboozling batsmen with his repertoire of tricks and variations.
6. 2014 – Sunil Narine (753)
West Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine had taken centre stage in 2014, mesmerizing audiences with his unorthodox bowling style and deceptive deliveries. Narine’s ability to extract turn from any surface and stifle run-scoring earned him the accolade of the No.1 ODI Bowler of the Year.
5. 2015 – Sunil Narine (734)
Narine continued his reign at the top of the ODI bowling rankings in 2015, showing his consistency and match-winning abilities. With a rating of 734, he once again proved to be a potent weapon in the West Indian bowling arsenal.
4. 2016 – Trent Boult (718)
New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult rose to prominence in 2016, by delivering match-winning performances with his lethal swing bowling. Boult’s ability to swing the ball at pace and strike early blows made him a nightmare for opposition batsmen, earning him the title of the No.1 ODI Bowler of the Year.
3. 2017 – Hasan Ali (759)
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali emerged as a force to be reckoned with in 2017, spearheading his team’s bowling attack with aplomb. Known for his aggressive approach and ability to generate pace and bounce, Hasan Ali’s stellar performances earned him the coveted title of the No.1 ODI Bowler of the Year.
2. 2018 – Jasprit Bumrah (841)
India’s Jasprit Bumrah took the cricketing world by storm in 2018, showcasing his mastery of pace and precision to become the No.1 ODI Bowler of the Year with an impressive rating of 841. Bumrah’s ability to bowl yorkers at will and execute his variations with pinpoint accuracy made him a nightmare for batsmen in all conditions.
1. 2019 – Jasprit Bumrah (785)
Jasprit Bumrah continued his dominance in 2019 as well, by further solidifying his reputation as one of the best bowlers in the world. Moreover, with a rating of 785, he once again topped the charts for the second consecutive year. This shows his ability to deliver under pressure and pick up crucial wickets at key moments. Whenever the team is in need, Bumrah has never failed to deliver.