The last quarter-century has gifted the cricketing world with a galaxy of legendary names. From the majestic strokeplay of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara to the dominance of Ricky Ponting and the calm consistency of Jacques Kallisthe modern era has witnessed unmatched greatness.
Bowlers too, like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrathand James Andersonhave left an indelible mark. And in the current generation, players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, AB de Villiersand Ms Dona have taken the game to new heights with their sheer skill and match-winning abilities.
Amidst such stiff competition, India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara made a rather unconventional yet compelling choice when asked to name the greatest cricketer of the last 25 years. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pujara chose England’s superstar all-rounder Ben Stokes as his pick.
“I would go with Ben Stokes. I would pick an all-rounder for this,” Pujara said during the interaction, emphasizing the impact and versatility Stokes brings to the game.
While Stokes may not top every statistical chart, his influence on modern cricket has been phenomenal. Known for his heroic performances in high-pressure situations—be it the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s, the miraculous Headingley Test or his leadership in England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ era—Stokes has proved to be a game-changer across formats.
As an all-rounder, Stokes contributes with both bat and ball, often turning matches on their head single-handedly. His competitive spirit, fearlessness, and clutch performances make him a standout figure in world cricket.
Pujara’s preference for an all-rounder reflects a deep understanding of the balance and impact such a player can provide—especially someone like Stokes, who thrives when the stakes are highest.
