Cricketers Who Excelled in Multiple Formats of the Game

7 May 2026

Cricket is one of those sports that comes with a variety of formats, each one testing different aspects of a player's skillset. Whether it's the endurance and patience required for Test cricket, the calculation and tempo of One Day Internationals (ODIs), or the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled rush of Twenty20 (T20) matches, excelling in just one format is a significant achievement. Now imagine mastering all three. Sounds almost superhuman, right?

In the cricketing world, only a handful of players have managed to dominate across formats, adapting their game to suit the unique demands of Test cricket, ODIs, and T20s. These cricketers are not just versatile but true legends of the sport, able to switch between the formats like a chameleon changes its colors. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of these cricketing maestros who have excelled in all three formats of the game.

1. Virat Kohli: The Modern-Day Run Machine

If you follow cricket, Virat Kohli is a name you simply cannot ignore. He’s the kind of player who seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to scoring runs, regardless of the format. Kohli has been a consistent performer across Tests, ODIs, and T20s, making him one of the most successful players in modern cricket.

In Tests, Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings, adjust to different conditions, and fend off world-class bowlers is nothing short of spectacular. His ODI game, however, is where he truly shines. Kohli is widely regarded as a master of the chase, often steering India to victory with his calm, calculated approach. And then there’s his T20 performance, where his aggressive yet composed batting has made him a standout player in the shortest format of the game.

What makes Kohli so special? It’s his adaptability. He knows when to defend, when to attack, and when to simply rotate the strike — no matter the format. Add to this his fitness and mental toughness, and you’ve got a player who’s been able to dominate cricket for over a decade.

Kohli’s Key Stats:

- Test Matches: Over 8,000 runs with an average of 48+
- ODIs: Over 12,000 runs with an average of 58+
- T20Is: Over 3,500 runs with an average of 50+

2. AB de Villiers: Mr. 360

If adaptability had a face, it would probably be AB de Villiers. Nicknamed "Mr. 360" for his ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground, de Villiers was a game-changer in every format. He could play traditional cricket shots with the finesse of a Test specialist or unleash mind-bending, innovative strokes that left bowlers scratching their heads in shorter formats.

In Test cricket, de Villiers was a rock in South Africa’s batting lineup, often grinding out long innings under pressure. His ability to switch gears and accelerate the run-rate when needed made him a match-winner in ODIs. And when it came to T20s, well, he was an entertainer in every sense of the word. His ability to hit outrageous shots at will made him one of the most feared T20 batsmen in the world.

And it wasn’t just his batting. De Villiers was an exceptional fielder and even kept wickets for South Africa in many matches. His versatility was a huge bonus for his team, and his ability to perform under pressure in various formats is what sets him apart.

De Villiers’ Key Stats:

- Test Matches: Over 8,700 runs with an average of 50+
- ODIs: Over 9,500 runs with an average of 53+
- T20Is: Over 1,600 runs with a strike rate of 135+

3. Jacques Kallis: The Complete Cricketer

If cricket had a ‘Superman,’ Jacques Kallis would be it. He’s widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders ever to play the game. Kallis could bat, bowl, and field at the highest level, making him a true asset in all formats.

In Test cricket, Kallis was known for his rock-solid defense and ability to bat for long periods. He has over 10,000 runs in this format and was often the backbone of South Africa’s innings. In ODIs, Kallis was equally effective, with a superb batting average and the ability to bowl key overs when needed. His T20 career wasn’t as long as some of the others on this list, but whenever he played, he made his presence felt.

What’s truly remarkable about Kallis is his consistency. Whether it was his batting or bowling, he rarely had a bad day at the office. And that’s no small feat when you’re playing in multiple formats for over two decades.

Kallis’ Key Stats:

- Test Matches: Over 13,000 runs with an average of 55+
- ODIs: Over 11,000 runs with an average of 44+
- T20Is: Over 600 runs with an average of 35+

4. Kane Williamson: The Silent Assassin

Kane Williamson might not have the swagger of Virat Kohli or the flamboyance of AB de Villiers, but make no mistake, the New Zealand skipper is a class act across all formats. His calm demeanor and ability to stay composed under pressure have earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable players in world cricket.

In Test cricket, Williamson’s technique and patience are second to none. He’s the kind of player who can bat for hours on end, frustrating bowlers with his rock-solid defense. In ODIs, he’s the glue that holds the Kiwi batting lineup together, often playing vital innings in crunch situations. His T20 game may not be as explosive as some of the others, but Williamson knows how to pace an innings and can accelerate when required.

The key to Williamson’s success is his consistency. He might not be the flashiest player, but he’s certainly one of the most effective, seamlessly transitioning between formats without losing an ounce of his effectiveness.

Williamson’s Key Stats:

- Test Matches: Over 7,500 runs with an average of 52+
- ODIs: Over 6,200 runs with an average of 47+
- T20Is: Over 2,100 runs with an average of 33+

5. Ben Stokes: The Game Changer

When it comes to impact players, few can match the presence of Ben Stokes. Known for his aggressive batting, handy bowling, and electric fielding, Stokes is a player who excels in all formats of the game. Whether it’s grinding out a marathon innings in Test matches or smashing sixes in T20s, Stokes is a multi-format superstar.

His heroics in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final are already the stuff of legend, as is his incredible match-winning performance in the Headingley Test during the Ashes. Stokes thrives in pressure situations, often delivering match-winning performances when his team needs them most.

In Test cricket, Stokes is known for his ability to play long, gritty innings, often rescuing his team from precarious positions. In ODIs, he’s equally destructive, able to shift gears at will. And in T20s, well, let’s just say bowlers dread his presence at the crease.

Stokes’ Key Stats:

- Test Matches: Over 5,000 runs with an average of 36+ and 190 wickets
- ODIs: Over 3,000 runs with an average of 40+
- T20Is: Over 450 runs and 25 wickets

6. Rohit Sharma: The Hitman Across Formats

When it comes to hitting big sixes and playing long, match-winning innings, Rohit Sharma is the first name that comes to mind. Nicknamed the "Hitman," Sharma’s performances across formats have earned him a spot among the game’s elite. His ability to convert starts into massive scores has been particularly noteworthy in ODIs and Test cricket.

Rohit’s record in ODIs is nothing short of sensational. He’s the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs — a feat that speaks volumes about his ability to dominate bowlers. In Test cricket, Rohit took a little time to find his rhythm, but once he did, there was no looking back. He’s now a key figure in India’s Test team as well.

In T20s, Rohit has been a consistent performer for India and in the IPL, where he’s led Mumbai Indians to multiple titles. His ability to take on the best bowlers in the world and come out on top is what makes him special.

Rohit’s Key Stats:

- Test Matches: Over 3,000 runs with an average of 46+
- ODIs: Over 9,000 runs with an average of 48+
- T20Is: Over 3,000 runs with a strike rate of 138+

Conclusion

Excelling in one format of cricket is challenging enough, but to master all three — that takes something extraordinary. The cricketers we've discussed not only adapted their game to suit different formats but thrived in each of them. They are the true all-format legends, able to switch gears, change strategies, and still deliver world-class performances.

So the next time you're watching a Test match, an ODI, or a T20, remember these players who have excelled in all conditions, in all formats, and against all odds. They’re not just cricketers; they’re masters of their craft.