The Best of 2017: Top 5 all-rounders for the year

All-rounders are a vital cog in a team. Not only can they have a go with the bat, but also could reduce the workload of the bowlers with their handy spells from time to time. In 2017, we have seen many a team find, polish and then gave them the opportunity.

They add balance to the team, the likes of Ben Stokes, who proved to be a revelation with both his trades for England, Hardik Pandya for India have shown what a game changer an all-rounder can be. Considering the demands of modern-day cricket, every team craves for as many players as possible who can make multiple contributions. Here is the list of top five all-rounders from 2017:

1. Shakib Al Hasan (1215 runs and 43 wickets in 2017)

Arguably one of the world’s best all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan has become the pillar of strength for the Bangladesh national team. Not only does Shakib bowl ten overs in the limited-overs format, but he will also strike the ball sweetly to all parts of the ground.

In Bangladesh’s historic Test win against Australia earlier in this year, it was Shakib’s all-rounder display which led the Asian team to a victory. His first innings 84 coupled with his fifer in the bowling department led Bangladesh to a historic victory. He became the fourth bowler in the history to pick up fifer against all Test playing nations, also becoming the second bowler to pick ten wickets in the game between Australia and Bangladesh.

The left-handed all-rounder has scored 1215 runs in all-formats this year picking up 43 wickets in total, which is a phenomenal record for an all-rounder.