In modern cricket, bowling is no longer just about pace or spin it’s a science of variations, precision, and mental toughness. While batsmen often grab the headlines for their big centuries and power-hitting displays, it’s the bowlers who quietly turn matches with game changing spells. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), bowlers face the unique challenge of adapting their skills to both aggressive powerplays and pressure filled death overs Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI.
As of June 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its updated Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI. These rankings are based on performances across several international series, factoring in consistency, impact, match situations, and opposition quality. Let’s dive deep into the detailed profiles, performances, and career highlights of the current top Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI.
List of 5 Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI Rankings
1. Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana has taken the cricket world by storm with his mystery spin. Emerging from Sri Lanka’s rich spin bowling tradition, Theekshana has brought a unique skill set combining variations, flight, and deceptive pace changes. His quick arm action, combined with his ability to bowl both off spin and carrom balls, makes him extremely difficult for batsmen to pick Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI.
In the last 18 months, Theekshana has been instrumental in many Sri Lankan victories. Whether bowling in the powerplay or in the middle overs, he has displayed remarkable control and tactical intelligence. His rise to the No.1 spot is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and mental toughness.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 47 |
| Wickets Taken | 92 |
| Economy Rate | 4.41 |
| Bowling Average | 22.9 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/33 |
| ICC Ranking Points | 680 |
2. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav has reinvented himself over the past few years. Known for his classical wrist spin, Kuldeep mixes traditional left arm chinaman deliveries with well disguised googlies, making him one of the most difficult spinners to face, especially for right handed batsmen. His partnership with India’s pace attack allows him to attack during the middle overs, where he thrives Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI.
His recent performances in high-pressure matches, including several World Cup qualifiers and bilateral series, have earned him the second spot in the rankings. Kuldeep’s ability to outthink batsmen with flight and drift is a rare gift in modern ODI cricket.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 72 |
| Wickets Taken | 126 |
| Economy Rate | 4.89 |
| Bowling Average | 26.3 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 6/25 |
| ICC Ranking Points | 650 |
3. Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj may not be the most flamboyant spinner, but his precision, patience, and ability to tie down batsmen have earned him immense respect. Maharaj has become South Africa’s go to bowler for breaking partnerships and building pressure Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI.
Especially on slower pitches, his nagging length and tight lines frustrate even the most aggressive batsmen. His low economy rate reflects his ability to restrict scoring, making him one of the most effective middle overs bowlers in world cricket today.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 59 |
| Wickets Taken | 95 |
| Economy Rate | 4.33 |
| Bowling Average | 24.7 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/21 |
| ICC Ranking Points | 648 |
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4. Bernard Scholtz
Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz is a name that has grown in stature in world cricket. Representing an associate nation, Scholtz’s performances have consistently stood out against stronger opposition. His left arm orthodox spin focuses on tight lines, subtle variations, and relentless accuracy.
Scholtz has played a crucial role in Namibia’s qualification for major Greatest Bowlers in ICC ODI. Despite limited resources compared to full-member nations, his dedication and craft have earned him a place among the elite bowlers in the world.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 38 |
| Wickets Taken | 68 |
| Economy Rate | 4.15 |
| Bowling Average | 23.9 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/19 |
| ICC Ranking Points | 644 |
5. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan remains one of the most consistent bowlers in the world. His lethal googlies, deceptive pace changes, and pinpoint accuracy make him a constant threat to any batting lineup. Rashid’s ability to control the game in both the middle and death overs makes him one of the most versatileGreatest Bowlers in ICC ODI.
Despite his young age, Rashid has already achieved legendary status in Afghanistan and global cricket. He has delivered numerous match-winning performances across formats and continues to baffle even the most experienced batsmen.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 94 |
| Wickets Taken | 178 |
| Economy Rate | 4.20 |
| Bowling Average | 20.7 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 7/18 |
| ICC Ranking Points | 640 |
The 2025 ICC ODI Bowling Rankings reflect the incredible competition and skill involved in modern-day bowling. Each of the top five bowlers Maheesh Theekshana, Kuldeep Yadav, Keshav Maharaj, Bernard Scholtz, and Rashid Khan has developed unique strengths that help their teams succeed in various conditions.
As cricket continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and techniques employed by bowlers. Whether it’s mystery spin, control under pressure, or clever variations, today’s bowlers are showcasing that they are just as vital to ODI cricket as the biggest run-scorers.