Some of the leanest cricketers in history, known for their slim builds, have nonetheless made an immense impact on the game. Despite their slender frames, these players contributed to countless victories and stand out as some of the thinnest yet most accomplished figures in cricket.
Mushtaq Ali
Mushtaq Ali may not be a household name in Indian cricket, but he holds the distinction of being one of the oldest living Indian cricketers today. Not only is he remembered for his slim physique, but he is also regarded as one of the leanest players to have graced the game. Ali made history by scoring India’s first century on foreign soil. His batting was elegant, yet he played only 11 Test matches for India, with World War II limiting cricket activity during his era. Despite this, his first-class career spanned over 30 years, during which he featured in a total of 226 matches.
Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell is often remembered for his clash with Sourav Ganguly and his controversial stint as India’s coach, but his contributions to Australian cricket are undeniable. With an impressive average of almost 54 in Tests and around 40 in ODIs, Chappell was a key figure in Australian cricket. Known for his lean physique, he was one of the fittest cricketers of his time, making 27 international centuries, including in his first and last Tests.
Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin, often considered one of the leanest cricketers of his time, was undoubtedly one of the fittest players in his era. When he began his career, Azharuddin’s slim physique stood out, and he quickly became known for his fast hands and impeccable wristwork, which allowed him to maneuver the ball with great skill. Over his career, Azharuddin played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs, scoring over 15,000 international runs. Unfortunately, his career was marred by a spot-fixing scandal, leading to a lifetime ban, later lifted in 2012 by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Sikandar Bakht
Sikandar Bakht, a former Pakistan fast bowler, played just 26 Tests and 27 ODIs, taking 67 and 33 wickets respectively. Though his playing career faded from the spotlight, Bakht later became a valuable member of the Pakistan national team’s support staff and now works as an analyst for several TV channels in Pakistan. Renowned for his slim and slender physique, he remains one of the leanest cricketers to have played the game.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s premier right-arm leg-spinner, has played a pivotal role in many of the team’s victories with his bowling brilliance. Known for his slender, thin physique, Chahal is undoubtedly one of the leanest cricketers in the game. Despite his appearance, he is recognized for his exceptional stamina and work ethic. A dedicated player, Chahal consistently gives his 100% on the field, making him one of the hardest-working members of the team.