Cricket is one of the most loved sports in India. People enjoy it for the skills, excitement, and fun it brings. But did you know that height can also be a big advantage in cricket?
Tall cricketers often get noticed on the field. Their height helps in bowling fast, catching, and even batting. In this article, we will look at some of the tallest Indian cricketers. These players are known not only for their height but also for their cricket skills.
Let’s explore the tallest players who made a mark in Indian cricket.
1. Abey Kuruvilla (6 feet 6 inches)
Standing at a massive 6.6 feet, Abey Kuruvilla is among the tallest cricketers India has ever produced. His career may have been short-lived, featuring in international cricket only in 1997, but his height gave him the ability to generate steep bounce, especially on helpful surfaces.
Kuruvilla played 10 Test matches and 25 ODIs, however his contributions, especially in the domestic circuit, have been invaluable.
2. Pankaj Singh (6 feet 6 inches)
Pankaj Singh shares the record for the tallest Indian cricketer with Kuruvilla. Renowned for his work ethic and consistency in domestic cricket, he got a chance to represent India between 2010 and 2014.
Although his international outings were limited, he remains one of the greatest wicket-takers in the Ranji Trophy, showcasing how his height and accuracy made him a dependable pacer.
3. Ishant Sharma – 6 feet 4 inches
Ishant Sharma is one of the tallest cricketers in India. He stands at 6 feet 4 inches. He is a fast bowler who has played for India for several years.
His height helps him bowl bouncers and short-pitched deliveries with ease. Ishant has taken over 300 wickets in Test cricket. He is known for his strong performances, especially in overseas matches.
4. Shivam Dube (6 feet 4 inches)
The latest entrant into this list of Tallest Indian cricketers is Shivam Dube. Standing at 6.4 feet, the all-rounder has made his mark with powerful hitting and part time medium pace.
Making his return to the national side in 2023, Dube’s stature gives him an edge in both batting and bowling. His recent performances in T20Is and the IPL have positioned him as a dependable finisher and a handy bowling option.
5. Munaf Patel (6 feet 3 inches)
Standing at a height of 6.3 feet, Munaf Patel played a crucial role in India’s World Cup 2011 win. Known for his pace and seam movement, Munaf’s tall frame allowed him to deliver sharp deliveries and maintain consistent lines.
His international career spanned from 2006 to 2011, and he remains one of India’s unsung pace heroes.
6. Arshdeep Singh (6 feet 3 inches)
A rising star in Indian cricket, Arshdeep Singh stands tall at 6.3 feet. Since his debut in 2022, Arshdeep has impressed with his left-arm pace, control in the death overs, and ability to swing the new ball. His height helps him bowl challenging lengths, making him a tough bowler to face in the shortest format.
Height and Cricket
Height is not the only thing that matters in cricket. But it surely helps players in different ways. For fast bowlers, it helps in bounce and speed. For batters, it helps in reach and shot selection.
India has produced many tall cricketers over the years. They have played big roles in the team’s success. Whether it’s bowling, batting, or fielding, height can add an extra edge.
Cricket Entertainment and Tall Players
Tall cricketers also add to cricket entertainment. Their strong presence on the field excites fans. People love to watch their powerful deliveries and long sixes.
In the IPL, tall players often get extra attention. Their height and skills make them fun to watch. They bring a different style to the game.