Ranking the top 5 underrated cricketers in cricket history

For any international cricket player, being called an "underrated cricketer" is undoubtedly a nightmare. We frequently gauge a cricket player's genius and supremacy on the field by his figures and statistics, despite the fact that the game is mostly one of skill and bravery. Even though they bravely represented their team on the field, these unsung heroes regrettably never got the recognition and star power they so richly deserved.

5. Rangana Herath

Since Muttiah Muralitharan retired from international cricket, left-arm spinner Rangana Herath has borne the burdens of the Sri Lankan team virtually alone. Herath relied on his precision and long-term bowling abilities to help his team win games. He showed his abilities in international fields in addition to Asian ones. During Sri Lanka's 2011–12 tour of South Africa, the left-arm spinner's 9 for 128 game haul was crucial to his team's first-ever triumph there.

Herath finished his career with 433 Test wickets at a 28.07 average. Ragana Heroth deserved greater appreciation than he got, even though he ended up being one of the all-time great left-hand spinners.

4. Younus Khan

Younus Khan, who made his debut for Pakistan in 2003, was their rock during difficult times. Younis quietly performed his duties as celebrities like Inzamam Ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq, and others drew attention. While batters and cricket players with greater flair made headlines, he wanted to work quietly.

He led the team to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup. With more than 10,000 runs in 118 Test matches and more than 7200 runs in 265 One-Day Internationals, the Mardan right-hander retired in 2017. In Test cricket, he also scored a triple century and finished with an average of 52.05.

3. Chaminda Vaas 

Perhaps Sri Lanka's most successful pace bowler is Chaminda Vaas. Out of 111 Test matches, he managed to claim 355 Test wickets. With 400 wickets, he also has the fourth-highest total in ODIs. He began playing in 1990, and his most recent appearance in a squad was with Northamptonshire in 2012.

Vaasis is also regarded as Sri Lanka's best fast-medium bowler. He coached teams including Ireland, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand after retirement. Vaas took David Saker's place as Sri Lanka's fast bowling coach in 2021. However, due to salary concerns, this only lasted a few days.

2. Shivnarine Chanderpaul

The cricket community was enamoured with Brian Lara's charm and style, but Chanderpaul demonstrated that success was possible even with an unconventional approach. The left-hander had more than 11,000 Test runs at an average of more than 50 by the time he retired in 2015. The majority of these runs came when the West Indies needed significant partnerships and were having trouble. 

Holding the West Indies' precarious batting order after Lara's retirement was Chanderpaul's most significant achievement. In 2008, he received the Wisden Cricketer of the Year and ICC Player of the Year honours for his achievements. Lara's total of 11953 Test runs was just 46 runs ahead of Chanderpaul's eventual finish.

1. Damien Martyn

Class was Damien Martyn's obsession. He made batting appear effortless. He played for Australia, the best team of his time; therefore, many of his efforts were overlooked.

In the 2003 World Cup final, which Australia won with an undefeated 88-ball score, Martyn was second only to Ricky Ponting. With a stellar average of 56.38 and 1,353 runs, Martyn finished as the second-highest run scorer in Test cricket in 2004. He performed admirably both at home and away. He had little trouble playing in difficult away nations like South Africa, England, and India.

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