Best Left-handed Players: Left-handers in cricket have always been a topic of great discussion amongst fans and several cricket experts from all around the globe. The rare unorthodox style used by several left handed batters as well as bowlers on the pitch makes them unique and often a threat to the opposition in various ways.
The left-handers thrive particularly because they are a part of the minority. The left-handed batters gain an advantage because the opposition bowlers need to change their line and lengths which are usually meant for a right-handed batsmen in general.
The left-arm bowlers too often manage to master variations that are pretty much unknown to the opposition batters making life tough for them on the pitch. It’s time for us to have a look at three of the best left handed players in the history of cricket so far.
3. Wasim Akram
At no.3 in this illustrious list is Pakistan’s legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram. Known for his incredible pace and swing, Wasim Akram was Pakistan’s finest bowler and was the leader of the pace department on his side during the late 80s and 90s.
Akram was regarded as one of the finest bowlers with both the new and old ball in his era and has picked over 900 wickets in his international career.
He also has bagged 31 Five wicket hauls in his career. His bowling average too was an extremely impressive 23 in both Tests and Odis.
2. Yuvraj Singh
At no.2 on the list is India’s world cup hero, Yuvraj Singh. The all-rounder was regarded as one of the best of his kind during his period who could be equally handy for the side both with the bat and ball. His unforgettable contributions in helping India lift the World T20 in 2007 and ODI World Cup in 2011 make him an undisputed legend in India’s history.
The explosive left-handed batsman scored a total of over 10 thousand runs in his international career. His most impressive performances with the bat however came majorly in white ball cricket during the major ICC events. Firstly his six sixes in an over of a T20I match took the world by storm.
Then his unimaginable consistency in the 50 world cup in 2011 made the world realise his calibre in limited formats. The expert batsman was a champion with the ball too had picked up around 150 wickets in his international career. His services to Indian cricket will forever be etched in the memories of all Indian cricket fans.
1. Kumar Sangakkara
The top spot in this list is conquered by possibly the most elegant batsman in the history of cricket and this generation, Kumar Sangakkara. The Sri Lankan legend is possibly the best ever left-handed player to have stepped onto the cricket pitch ever.
Kumar provided his team with exceptional batting performances throughout his career besides being vital while keeping the wickets as well. Rated amongst the top three batters in all the formats of the game during various phases of his career, the left-hander scored a total of around 28 thousand runs in his international career.
Test cricket was where Kumar majorly thrived the most. With an average of around 57, the legendary batsman scored 12,400 runs in the longest format of the game.
With 63 centuries to his name during his international career, Kumar Sangakkara will no doubt remain to be one of the best left handed batsmen to have ever played the game at the topmost level.
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