In the game of cricket, speed between the wickets is a key but often ignored skill. Although power hitting makes the news, quick running, which turns singles into doubles, puts pressure on fielders, and which can turn the match’s tide, is what sometimes really decides games. Through the years, we have seen that cricketers stand out not for their batting or fielding but for their extraordinary pace and agility. To date, until 2026, this is the list of eleven players who are known to be the fastest runners in cricket history.

Top 11 fastest runners in cricket:

1. MS Dhoni (India).

MS Dhoni redefined what it meant to run between the wickets in Indian cricket. At his best, Dhoni turned what could have been risky single runs into safe ones and was also known for his lightning-fast first steps.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli has redefined what it takes in modern cricket. His speed, stamina, and alertness, which are second to none, allow him to go and get runs that are not there. Kohli’s running is also a large factor in fielders making mistakes and bowlers being put under a constant threat.

3. AB de Villiers (of South Africa).

AB de Villiers was a mix of grace and speed. What he lacked in power, he made up for in determination. In high-stress situations, his speed of play did not leave room for error.

4. Running Between the Wickets King: Michael Bevan (of Australia).

Michael Bevin wasn’t the fastest in terms of speed, but he was one of the smartest in terms of how he ran. His quick judgment, sharp changes in direction, and perfect timing with his partners made him very effective in close matches.

5. Jonty Rhodes from South Africa.

Jonty Rhodes is known for being the best fielder out there, but his running between the wickets was also very impressive. His athletic ability and quick pace turned what could have been lost runs into easy ones.

6. Kane from New Zealand.

Williamson’s pace is a different sort but very much to the point. His cool running, timing, and balance, which are perfect, make him the best of present-day runners. Also, he doesn’t waste energy and is able to maintain speed in long innings.

7. Steve Smith of Australia.

Steve Smith’s what you may term an atypical run-up, but it is very effective. He has sharp reflexes and quick acceleration, which in turn enables him to a great extent to rotate strike, which he does very well in Tests and ODIs.

8. Rahul Dravid (India)

Dravid was really quick during his younger days. His movement was not really eye-catching but his rapid first couple of steps, swift twists, and clever jogging made him a powerful player in the inter-wicket running.

9. Ben Stokes from England

Ben Stokes has it all. His fitness, running speed, and fearless play make him stand out. Also, he is always going for that extra run that other players may play it safe on.

10. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) becomes Australia’s Glenn Maxwell.

Glenn Maxwell is a very quick fielder in today’s T20 environment. What he brings to the table in terms of agility, quickness of turn, and explosive speed is a perfect fit for the high-tempo nature of limited-overs cricket.

11. Shubman Gill (India) is out to prove himself as the top international talent.

Among the younger set out stands Shubman Gill for his smooth stroke play and endurance. What also puts him ahead of the pack is his speed, which he brings to the game across formats through to 2026.

Conclusion

Fast pace in cricket is a mix of speed, awareness, fitness, and coordination. The cricketers from the past that we see above did that in various eras and formats. Through 2026, these 11 players will still be the models of what great running between the wickets looks like, which also includes that speed is a great asset, as is skill and strength in the sport of cricket.