Shortest Cricketers In The World: Complete Guide (2025)

by Karan — November 28, 2025 in Top

Cricket is often called a gentleman’s game, but it’s also a great equalizer.

Unlike basketball or volleyball, where height provides clear advantages, cricket rewards a much wider range of physical types.

This diversity makes the sport accessible and exciting for billions of fans worldwide.

When you analyze cricket’s greatest performers across different eras, you’ll notice they don’t fit a single physical mold.

Some were tall and athletic. Others were stocky and powerful. Many fell somewhere in between.

What they all shared was exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and the ability to perform under pressure.

The shortest cricketers in the world represent one of cricket’s most inspiring stories.

These athletes have competed at the highest level of international sport, often against opponents who had significant physical advantages.

Yet they’ve not just survived—they’ve thrived, setting records and winning matches that seemed impossible.

Their success challenges conventional thinking about sports performance. It proves that cricket success depends more on technical mastery than physical measurements.

Quick reflexes, perfect timing, intelligent shot selection, and mental composure matter far more than how many centimeters you measure.

Modern cricket continues to evolve in exciting directions. Teams are selecting players based on talent and performance rather than outdated physical criteria.

Shortest Cricketers In The World

Younger players are learning that dedication and skill development can overcome any perceived disadvantage.

This shift is making cricket more competitive, more diverse, and ultimately more entertaining for everyone who loves the game.

Complete Shortest Cricketers Height Rankings Table

Here are the 10 shortest cricketers with full details:

Rank	Player Name	Height (Feet)	Height (CM)	Country	Age	Main Format	Role
1	Mushfiqur Rahim	5’3″	160 cm	Bangladesh	37	All Formats	Wicketkeeper-Batsman
2	Mominul Haque	5’3″	160 cm	Bangladesh	33	Test Cricket	Batsman
3	Temba Bavuma	5’4″	163 cm	South Africa	34	All Formats	Captain & Batsman
4	Prithvi Shaw	5’4″	163 cm	India	25	Limited Overs	Opening Batsman
5	Sarfaraz Khan	5’5″	165 cm	India	27	Test Cricket	Batsman
6	Ishan Kishan	5’6″	168 cm	India	26	Limited Overs	Wicketkeeper-Batsman
7	Kuldeep Yadav	5’6″	168 cm	India	30	All Formats	Spin Bowler
8	Ajinkya Rahane	5’6″	168 cm	India	36	Test Cricket	Batsman
9	Rishabh Pant	5’7″	170 cm	India	27	All Formats	Wicketkeeper-Batsman
10	Mohammad Rizwan	5’7″	170 cm	Pakistan	32	All Formats	Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Quick Facts:

Average height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
5 players from India
2 players from Bangladesh
1 player from South Africa
1 player from Pakistan
4 are wicketkeeper-batsmen (40%)

Player #1: Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)

Who is the shortest cricketer in the world in feet? The answer is Mushfiqur Rahim at 5 feet 3 inches.

Height Details:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’3″
Centimeters	160 cm
Meters	1.60 m

Mini Biography:

Mushfiqur Rahim started playing for Bangladesh in 2005 when he was just 17 years old. Coaches told him he was too short. Selectors had doubts. But Mushfiqur kept proving everyone wrong.

For nearly 20 years, he’s been Bangladesh’s most important player. He’s batted in every position—opening, middle-order, finisher. He’s kept wickets brilliantly. He’s even captained the team through tough times.

Career Numbers:

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries	50s
Tests	90+	5,800+	38.2	10	28
ODIs	260+	7,200+	36.5	9	49
T20Is	120+	1,700+	23.4	0	9
Total	470+	14,700+	36.1	19	86

Why He Succeeds:

Mushfiqur’s batting technique is perfect. He plays the ball late, giving himself extra time to react. His footwork against spin is excellent. He rarely makes technical mistakes.

His wicketkeeping is top-class despite his height. Quick reflexes help him take catches that others miss. His glove work is clean and sharp.

Mentally, Mushfiqur is incredibly tough. He’s played in pressure situations for two decades and rarely fails when Bangladesh needs him most.

Player #2: Mominul Haque (Bangladesh)

Mominul shares the record for shortest cricketer in the world in cm at 160 centimeters with Mushfiqur Rahim.

Height Measurements:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’3″
Centimeters	160 cm
Meters	1.60 m

Mini Biography:

Mominul Haque is quiet and calm. He doesn’t talk much. He just scores runs consistently, especially in Test cricket.

He’s a left-handed batsman with beautiful technique. When Bangladesh needs someone to build an innings slowly and carefully, Mominul is their man.

Test Cricket Record:

Category	Stats	Details
Test Matches	60+	Bangladesh’s top Test batsman
Test Runs	4,500+	Consistent run-scorer
Test Average	38.5	Very good for Bangladesh
Test Centuries	13	Third-most by Bangladeshi
Best Record	11	Consecutive half-centuries

Why He Succeeds:

Mominul’s record of 11 straight Test half-centuries is amazing. It shows incredible consistency and mental discipline.

As a left-hander, he creates different angles that bother bowlers. His shots through mid-wicket and covers are excellent.

In Test cricket’s long format, Mominul’s patience is a huge asset. He’s willing to bat for hours, grinding out runs session by session.

Player #3: Temba Bavuma (South Africa)

Height Info:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’4″
Centimeters	163 cm
Meters	1.63 m

Mini Biography:

Temba Bavuma’s story is about more than just cricket. He became South Africa’s first Black African Test captain in 2022—a historic moment.

Being short was just one challenge he faced. Breaking barriers in South African cricket was another. But Bavuma has handled both with dignity and skill.

Career Statistics:

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries	Role
Tests	65+	2,800+	32.4	2	Captain
ODIs	80+	1,500+	23.8	0	Captain
T20Is	35+	550+	19.6	0	Captain

Why He Succeeds:

Bavuma’s leadership qualities are exceptional. His calm approach unites the team. His strategic thinking helps South Africa compete against stronger teams.

His fielding is world-class. His low center of gravity helps him dive and reach balls taller players can’t. His throws are accurate and quick.

Bavuma proves that cricket values character and skill over physical size. He’s an inspiration for young cricketers everywhere.

Player #4: Prithvi Shaw (India)

Prithvi Shaw is the shortest cricketer in the India national team setup among current players.

Height Details:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’4″
Centimeters	163 cm
Meters	1.63 m

Mini Biography:

Prithvi Shaw came from Mumbai’s streets to international cricket through pure talent and aggression. His batting style is all about attack, attack, attack.

He scored a Test century on debut at just 18 years old. That’s incredibly rare. Most players struggle at first, but Shaw dominated from ball one.

Performance Stats:

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Centuries
Tests	5	339	42.4	65.5	1
ODIs	6	189	31.5	126.0	0
IPL	85+	2,800+	30.5	147.2	0
First Class	80+	10,000+	61.5	78.4	34

Why He Succeeds:

Shaw attacks from the very first ball. He doesn’t wait or defend early. His powerplay strike rates in IPL are among the highest ever.

His hand-eye coordination is exceptional. He can hit good-length balls through covers—something very difficult to do.

Despite recent struggles with national team selection, Shaw’s talent is undeniable. Expect comebacks.

Player #5: Sarfaraz Khan (India)

Height Profile:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’5″
Centimeters	165 cm
Meters	1.65 m

Mini Biography:

Sarfaraz Khan waited years for his India call-up. While other players got chances quickly, Sarfaraz just kept scoring runs in domestic cricket.

Year after year, his First Class average stayed above 70—almost unheard of. Finally, in 2024, India called him up for Test cricket against England.

Domestic & International Stats:

Level	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries	Highest
First Class	50+	7,000+	71.2	26	301*
List A	45+	2,400+	58.5	8	165
T20s	100+	3,500+	42.8	2	109
Tests	3	200+	50.0	0	68

Why He Succeeds:

Sarfaraz’s batting technique is unconventional but highly effective. His First Class average above 70 proves his method works brilliantly.

His patience and persistence paid off. He never lost confidence despite waiting years for his chance.

Sarfaraz plays with attitude and fearlessness. He backs his ability against any bowler, no matter how famous.

Player #6: Ishan Kishan (India)

Height Specs:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’6″
Centimeters	168 cm
Meters	1.68 m

Mini Biography:

Ishan Kishan plays cricket like he’s racing against the clock. Everything is fast—fast scoring, fast running, fast stumping.

His double century against Bangladesh (210 runs) was the second-fastest ODI double century ever. That’s the kind of explosive talent Kishan brings.

International Records:

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Highest
Tests	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A
ODIs	27	900+	38.6	104.2	210
T20Is	32	800+	28.5	136.8	89
IPL	105+	2,600+	28.4	131.5	99

Why He Succeeds:

Kishan’s power hitting is elite. He clears boundaries effortlessly. His pull shots are devastating against fast bowlers.

His wicketkeeping is excellent in limited-overs cricket. Clean glove work, quick stumpings, and athletic movements behind the stumps.

He’s versatile—can bat anywhere from opener to middle-order. This flexibility makes him valuable for any team.

Player #7: Kuldeep Yadav (India)

Height Data:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’6″
Centimeters	168 cm
Meters	1.68 m

Mini Biography:

Kuldeep Yadav is a rare cricketer. He bowls left-arm wrist spin—a style called “Chinaman.” Very few bowlers in cricket history have mastered this art.

His variations confuse batsmen. His googly is deadly. His regular delivery spins sharply. Batsmen struggle to read which way the ball will turn.

Bowling Numbers:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy	Best
Tests	14	53	24.1	2.85	5/99
ODIs	90+	150+	25.8	4.92	6/25
T20Is	29	53	13.4	6.86	5/24

Why He Succeeds:

Left-arm wrist spin is extremely rare. Batsmen face this style rarely, so they struggle to pick variations.

Kuldeep has taken two ODI hat-tricks—showing consistency at the highest level.

Despite being just 168 cm tall, he generates a surprising bounce. Batsmen expect less spin and bounce from shorter bowlers. Kuldeep surprises them.

Player #8: Ajinkya Rahane (India)

Height Measurements:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’6″
Centimeters	168 cm
Meters	1.68 m

Mini Biography:

Ajinkya Rahane is all about elegance, class, and overseas success. While many Indian batsmen struggle abroad, Rahane thrives.

His technique suits bouncy pitches and swinging conditions perfectly. Seven of his 12 Test centuries came in tough countries like Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Test Career Highlights:

Category	Stats	Notable
Test Matches	85+	Experienced player
Test Runs	5,000+	Key middle-order contributor
Test Average	38.5	Strong overseas record
Test Centuries	12	7 in SENA countries
Captaincy Win	BGT 2020-21	Historic Australia series win

Why He Succeeds:

Rahane’s overseas record is exceptional. Scoring centuries in Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa is incredibly difficult for Asian batsmen.

He led India to a historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia (2020-21) when Virat Kohli was unavailable. That series win cemented his legacy.

His batting is beautiful to watch. Perfect cover drives, excellent backfoot play, and timing that compensates for a lack of raw power.

Player #9: Rishabh Pant (India)

Height Profile:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’7″
Centimeters	170 cm
Meters	1.70 m

Mini Biography:

Rishabh Pant’s story recently became one of cricket’s most inspirational tales. In December 2022, he survived a horrific car accident. Doctors said his career might be over.

Pant said, “Watch me.” He came back in 2024, batting and keeping wickets as fearlessly as before.

Test Cricket Stats:

Category	Stats	Context
Test Matches	35+	Young but experienced
Test Runs	2,400+	Strike rate over 72
Test Average	43.5	Excellent for a wicketkeeper
Test Centuries	5	All in challenging situations
Fastest Century	89 balls	Fastest by an Indian (vs SL)

Why He Succeeds:

Pant attacks the world’s best bowlers without fear. His counter-attacking innings have rescued India multiple times.

His 89 not out at Gabba helped India win their most famous Test series. That innings showed incredible maturity and skill.

After recovering from a serious accident, his comeback proves extraordinary mental strength. Champions aren’t measured in inches—they’re measured in comebacks.

Player #10: Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Height Info:

Measurement	Value
Feet	5’7″
Centimeters	170 cm
Meters	1.70 m

Mini Biography:

Mohammad Rizwan is Pakistan’s most consistent performer in recent years. He rarely makes headlines with flashy shots. He just quietly wins matches.

Match after match, Rizwan delivers. His T20I average of over 42 is phenomenal when most T20 batsmen average around 25-30.

T20 International Record:

Category	Stats	Achievement
T20I Matches	110+	Pakistan’s most reliable player
T20I Runs	3,300+	Among top T20I run-scorers
T20I Average	42.8	Exceptional consistency
T20I Strike Rate	128.5	Balanced aggression
Role	Opener & WK	Dual responsibility

Why He Succeeds:

Rizwan’s consistency is remarkable. His ability to convert starts into substantial scores sets him apart from other T20 batsmen.

He opens the batting AND keeps wickets—double the workload. Yet he rarely gets injured and maintains high performance.

Pakistan depends on Rizwan heavily in crucial matches. He rarely disappoints when the pressure is highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is the shortest cricketer in the world in feet?

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque from Bangladesh both stand at 5 feet 3 inches. They share this record among active international cricketers.

Q2: Who is the shortest cricketer in the India?

Prithvi Shaw at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) is currently the shortest among active Indian international cricketers.

Q3: Who is the shortest cricketer in the world of all time?

Kruger van Wyk from New Zealand at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm). He played for New Zealand between 2010-2014 as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Q4: What is the shortest cricketer in the world in cm?

160 centimeters (Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque from Bangladesh).

Q5: Does height really matter in cricket?

Not much. Cricket rewards skill, technique, and mental strength more than physical height. Many of cricket’s greatest players were quite short.

Q6: Why do short players play cricket well?

Short players often have better balance, quicker footwork, and faster reflexes. Their low center of gravity helps with quick movements and better weight transfer.

Q7: Can short cricketers become fast bowlers?

Yes, though it’s harder. Height helps fast bowlers generate extra bounce. However, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah (5’9″) and Lasith Malinga (5’8″) succeeded through unique bowling actions and skill.

Q8: Which cricket position suits short players best?

Any position can work with proper technique. Many short cricketers succeed as wicketkeepers, opening batsmen, or spinners—roles that emphasize technique over physical power.

Q9: Can short players hit sixes?

Absolutely. Hitting sixes is about timing and bat speed, not height. Mushfiqur Rahim, Ishan Kishan, and Prithvi Shaw all hit sixes regularly. Sachin Tendulkar hit 264 international sixes despite being just 5’5″.

Q10: Are there advantages to being short in cricket?

Yes. Short players have better balance, quicker movements, a lower center of gravity, and often develop better technique because they can’t rely on physical advantages.

Q11: Why are so many short cricketers from Asia?

Average heights in South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan) are generally shorter than Western countries. With massive cricket populations in these countries, more shorter players naturally emerge.

Q12: Who was the greatest short cricketer ever?

Sachin Tendulkar (5’5″). He scored 100 international centuries, 34,357 international runs, and is called the “God of Cricket.”

Q13: Do short cricketers face discrimination?

Sometimes, early in their careers, coaches or selectors may doubt them. But once they prove their skills, height becomes irrelevant.

Q14: Can short cricketers captain teams?

Yes. Temba Bavuma (5’4″) currently captains South Africa. Mushfiqur Rahim captained Bangladesh. Height has nothing to do with leadership ability.

Tallest and Shortest Cricketers: The Big Comparison

The shortest cricketer in the world list looks very different from the tallest players list:

Category	Player Name	Height (Feet)	Height (CM)	Country	Role
Shortest (All-Time)	Kruger van Wyk	5’2″	157 cm	New Zealand	Wicketkeeper
Shortest (Active)	Mushfiqur Rahim	5’3″	160 cm	Bangladesh	Wicketkeeper
Shortest (Active)	Mominul Haque	5’3″	160 cm	Bangladesh	Batsman
Tallest (All-Time)	Mohammad Irfan	7’1″	216 cm	Pakistan	Fast Bowler
Tallest (Active)	Kyle Jamieson	6’8″	203 cm	New Zealand	Fast Bowler

The Incredible Difference:

Mohammad Irfan (216 cm) vs Mushfiqur Rahim (160 cm) = 56 cm difference (almost 2 feet!)
Kyle Jamieson (203 cm) vs Mushfiqur Rahim (160 cm) = 43 cm difference (over 1.4 feet)

Different Physical Gifts:

Player Type	Advantages	Challenges
Tall Players	Extra bounce, longer reach, intimidation	Slower reflexes, balance issues
Short Players	Better balance, quick reflexes, and agility	Less natural bounce, shorter reach

Both extremes succeed at the international level. This proves cricket accommodates all physical types when skill is present.

Why Short Cricketers Excel: The Real Reasons?

Physical Advantages:

Lower Center of Gravity: Better balance and stability
Quicker Movements: Faster footwork and weight transfer
Better Reflexes: Shorter limbs mean faster hand-eye coordination
Fielding Agility: Quick dives, better ground fielding
Against Spin: Easier to reach the pitch of the ball

Mental Advantages:

Proving Doubters Wrong: Extra motivation when people doubt you
Better Work Ethic: Can’t rely on physical gifts, must perfect technique
Mental Toughness: Overcoming height bias builds resilience
Hunger to Succeed: Fighting for opportunities creates determination

Historical Proof:

The Shortest Cricketers In The World include cricket’s greatest names:

Sachin Tendulkar (5’5″): 100 international centuries, 34,357 runs
Brian Lara (5’8″): 11,953 Test runs, scored 400* in an innings
Sunil Gavaskar (5’5″): First player to score 10,000 Test runs
Mushfiqur Rahim (5’3″): 15,000+ international runs across all formats

These legends didn’t succeed despite their height. They succeeded because they mastered cricket’s fundamentals better than anyone else.

Conclusion: Greatness Comes in All Sizes

The Shortest Cricketers In The World teach us something powerful.

Success in cricket isn’t about how tall you stand. It’s about how strong your skill, technique, and determination are.

Mushfiqur Rahim at 160 cm has scored over 15,000 international runs. Mominul Haque has 13 Test centuries.

Temba Bavuma captains South Africa. Prithvi Shaw scored a Test century on debut at just 18 years old.

These aren’t lucky accidents. They’re proof that cricket rewards talent over physical size.

Key Lessons:

✅ Height ranges from 5’3″ to 5’7″ among the world’s 10 shortest active cricketers
✅ 8 out of 10 come from Asia (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan)
✅ Technique matters far more than height in cricket
✅ Mental toughness developed from overcoming doubts is a huge advantage
✅ Wicketkeeper-batsmen make up 40% of the shortest players

For Young Cricketers:

If coaches tell you you’re too short, remember these names.
If selectors doubt you because of height, show them this data.
If people say cricket needs tall players, prove them wrong.

Cricket has always valued skill over size. Technique over physical presence. Heart over height.

The Shortest Cricketers In The World are living proof that greatness comes in all sizes.

Your height is just a number. Your skill, determination, and love for cricket—that’s what truly matters. 🏏

Also Check:

Sources:

Shortest Cricketers In The World: Complete Guide (2025)

Shortest Cricketers In The World