The ability to run quickly between the wickets is what sets some cricketers apart. The fastest runner in cricket can pressure the fielders and boost the team’s score. Legends like Virat Kohli, with his amazing running speed, and MS Dhoni, famous for his quick sprints, are among the best. AB de Villiers and Jos Buttler are also known for their speed. Let’s explore the fastest runners between the wickets in cricket history.
Why Running Speed Matters in Cricket
Running fast between the wickets is very important in cricket. The fastest runner in cricket can take quick singles, steal twos, and put the fielders under pressure. Players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni show how quick running can help score more runs and change the game. Being fast between the wickets is one of the reasons these players are considered some of the best in cricket.
Who Is the Fastest Runner in Cricket?
When it comes to running between the wickets, few players match the pace of legends like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Known for their sharp instincts and incredible running speed, they often turn singles into twos and keep the scoreboard moving. Other cricketers like AB de Villiers and Jos Buttler are also among the fastest in the game. This makes them some of the most exciting and valuable players, proving why knowing who is the fastest runner in cricket matters for fans and analysts alike.
| Rank | Player | Country | Top Speed (km/h) |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 32.5 |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | 31.7 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 31.5 |
| 4 | David Warner | Australia | 31.0 |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya | India | 31.0 |
| 6 | Dwayne Bravo | West Indies | 31.0 |
| 7 | Jonty Rhodes | South Africa | 30.5 |
| 8 | Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 30.5 |
| 9 | Mohammad Kaif | India | 30.0 |
| 10 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 30.0 |
| 11 | Ravindra Jadeja | India | 30.0 |
| 12 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 29.5 |
| 13 | Ross Taylor | New Zealand | 29.5 |
| 14 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 29.0 |
| 15 | Rahul Dravid | India | 29.0 |
#1. Virat Kohli’s Running Speed in Cricket
If you want to know who is the fastest runner in cricket, Virat Kohli is a clear answer. With his top speed of around 32.5 km/h, Kohli’s agility and fitness make him one of the most dangerous batsmen when it comes to running.
His exceptional running speed and fitness make him extremely quick between the wickets, helping him score more runs and keep the scoreboard moving. Kohli’s speed is one of the reasons he is considered one of the best batsmen in the world.
#2. MS Dhoni Running Speed
MS Dhoni’s remarkable speed of 31.7 km/h makes him one of the fastest runners in cricket. His sharp sprints and perfect timing between the wickets allow him to exploit gaps in the field and increase the team’s score.
Cricket fans and analysts often debate who is the fastest runner in cricket, and Dhoni’s running skills consistently place him among the top fastest cricketers in the world.
#3. AB de Villiers Running Speed
AB de Villiers, the South African superstar, is known for his agility and sharp running between the wickets. With a top running speed of around 31.5 km/h, he can turn singles into twos and threes effortlessly, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Considered one of the fastest cricketers in the world, de Villiers’ quick sprints and smart awareness make him a nightmare for fielders.
#4. David Warner Running Speed
David Warner is known for his sharp sprints and agility on the field. With a top running speed of 31.0 km/h, he can turn singles into twos effortlessly, keeping the scoreboard moving. His quick running makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in cricket.
#5. Hardik Pandya – Fast Running Between the Wickets
Hardik Pandya, the dynamic Indian all-rounder, is known for his quick running between the wickets. With a top speed of 31.0 km/h, he can turn singles into twos and threes, keeping the scoreboard ticking. His agility and sharp instincts make him one of the most exciting runners in cricket.
#6. Dwayne Bravo – Quickest Runner Between the Wickets
Dwayne Bravo is famous for his quick running between the wickets. Reaching a top speed of 31.0 km/h, he can easily convert singles into twos and put constant pressure on the fielders. His speed and agility make him one of the most reliable runners in cricket.
#7. Jonty Rhodes – Fast Running Between the Wickets
Jonty Rhodes, the legendary South African fielder, is also known for his speed while running between the wickets. With a top running speed of 30.5 km/h, he could easily turn singles into twos and put constant pressure on fielders. His agility and quick reflexes make him one of the most respected runners in cricket.
#8. Glenn Maxwell – Quick Between the Wickets and a Star Performer
Glenn Maxwell combines speed and skill as one of the fastest runners in cricket. With a top speed of 30.5 km/h, he pressures fielders while running between the wickets.
Maxwell’s career highlights include 10,000+ runs, over 400 sixes, and more than 100 wickets, showcasing his talent as an explosive batsman and effective all-rounder.
#9. Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif, the former Indian middle-order batsman, is known for his quick running between the wickets. With a top speed of around 30.0 km/h, he could turn singles into twos and put constant pressure on the fielders.
Kaif played 125 ODIs, scored over 2,500 runs, and was known for his agile fielding in the slips and outfield. His fitness, sharp running, and smart game sense make him one of the most respected fast runners in cricket history.
#10. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum, the aggressive New Zealand batsman, is known for his lightning-fast running between the wickets. With a top speed of around 30.0 km/h, he could easily turn singles into twos, keeping the scoreboard moving.
McCullum played 101 Tests and 260 ODIs, scoring over 11,000 international runs and hitting over 400 sixes in his career. His quick running, combined with fearless batting and agile fielding, makes him one of the most exciting fast runners in cricket history.
#11. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is famous for his quick sprints and smart running between the wickets. He reaches a top speed of 30.0 km/h and can convert singles into twos easily. Having scored 4,000+ runs and taken 300+ wickets, Jadeja’s all-round skills combined with his speed make him one of the most effective fast runners in cricket.
#12. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson combines skill and speed as a top New Zealand batsman. Reaching a top running speed of 29.5 km/h, he can turn singles into twos effortlessly. With over 7,500 international runs, his consistent batting and quick running make him one of the most reliable fast runners in cricket.
#13. Ross Taylor – Quick Between the Wickets
Ross Taylor, the experienced New Zealand batsman, is known for his sharp running between the wickets. With a top speed of 29.5 km/h, he can easily turn singles into twos and keep the scoreboard moving. Taylor has played over 180 international matches, scoring more than 7,000 runs, making him a highly reliable and agile batsman.
#14. Sachin Tendulkar – Quick and Agile Between the Wickets
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, was known not only for his batting skills but also for his sharp running between the wickets. With a top running speed of around 29.0 km/h, he could turn singles into twos effortlessly, keeping the scoreboard moving.
Tendulkar played 200 Tests and 463 ODIs, scoring over 34,000 international runs and hitting more than 195 international centuries. His fitness, awareness, and agility made him a complete batsman and a constant threat on the field.
#15. Rahul Dravid – Agile Running and Consistent Batting
Dravid’s awareness and fitness allowed him to run quickly between the wickets. Reaching a top speed of 29.0 km/h, he could easily take extra runs. He played over 500 international matches, scoring 24,000+ runs, showcasing his consistency and sharp instincts on the field.
Final Words
Running between the wickets may seem simple, but it can make a huge difference in cricket. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, and modern players like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, demonstrate that speed, fitness, and sharp instincts are crucial for success. Quick sprints and smart running often decide the outcome of matches, making these players exciting to watch and inspiring for aspiring cricketers everywhere.
FAQs:
Q1: Who is considered the fastest runner in cricket?
A: Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the fastest runners in cricket, with a top speed of around 32.5 km/h between the wickets. Players like MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, and David Warner are also among the quickest.
Q2: What makes a cricketer a fast runner?
A: Speed, agility, fitness, and sharp awareness on the field are key. Quick decision-making and the ability to turn singles into twos or threes are also important for running efficiently between the wickets.
Q3: Who are the fastest runners between the wickets in cricket history?
A: Some of the fastest runners include Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, David Warner, Hardik Pandya, Dwayne Bravo, Jonty Rhodes, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Kaif, and Brendon McCullum.
Q4: How fast can cricketers run between the wickets?
A: Top cricketers can reach speeds of 29–32.5 km/h while sprinting between the wickets, depending on their fitness and game situation.
Q5: Does running speed impact cricket matches?
A: Absolutely. Quick running between the wickets can pressure fielders, increase team totals, and create match-winning opportunities. It’s a critical skill for modern cricket.
Q6: Who holds the record for the fastest cricketer in the world?
A: While several players are extremely fast, Virat Kohli is often considered the fastest cricketer in terms of running between the wickets, with recorded speeds up to 32.5 km/h.
