Are All-Format Batters Going Extinct? | Cricket News
Is the Reign of the All-Format Batter Over?
A shift is occurring in cricket. Players once celebrated for their versatility across all formats are becoming increasingly rare. Is specialisation now the only path to success?
Sahibzada Farhan etched his name into the record books on Tuesday, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 2014 tally for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition. The Pakistan opener achieved the feat during the Super Eight match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. But it raises a question: does dominance in one format preclude excellence in others?
Kohli, alongside Rohit Sharma, previously exemplified the all-format batter. Both could seamlessly transition between the demands of Test matches, ODIs, and T20s. But when you look at the data, a decline in this skill set is apparent. Modern schedules, coupled with the ever-evolving strategies of each format, seem to demand increased specialisation. Statistically speaking, the numbers don't lie.
Consider the Test arena. Batting averages have become incredibly telling. Averages around 50 were once the benchmark for greatness. Now, even maintaining an average in the low 40s in Test cricket is considered a mark of consistency in challenging conditions. This reflects the increased complexity and scrutiny of Test match batting.
And what about strike rates? The influence of T20 cricket has seeped into other formats. Modern ODIs demand a higher scoring rate than ever before. The pressure to accelerate innings is immense. This emphasis on scoring quickly can impact a player’s ability to construct a long, patient innings – a skill still vital in Test cricket. It's a tough ask, playing for the draw sometimes.
Take Harry Brook, for example. Highly touted, Brook has shown glimpses of brilliance. Yet, consistency across all formats remains elusive. Is this a lack of talent? Unlikely. Instead, it points to the challenges of adapting to the distinct tactical and mental requirements of each version of the game. The roar of the crowd can either spur you on, or add extra pressure.
Kohli's 2014 T20 World Cup Runs: 319
Farhan's 2026 T20 World Cup Runs: Surpassed Kohli's record
* Impact: Highlights a potential shift in batting dominance.
The England team, currently marching towards the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup, provides an interesting case study. Their success has been built upon clearly defined roles. Players are selected and utilized based on their specific strengths in the T20 format. This targeted approach has yielded considerable dividends. Their veteran leadership also plays a part.
But what does this mean for the future of cricket? Are we destined for a world of specialists? Will the all-format player become a relic of the past, a cricketer spoken about in hushed tones, like a mythical beast?
It's possible that the pendulum will swing back. Perhaps innovative training methods and evolving player development programs will once again produce cricketers capable of mastering all three formats. However, the current trend suggests a move towards increased specialisation. This could change team selection policies forever. Who knows? Perhaps we will see two different national squads. One for Test cricket and one for shorter formats.
The sticky wicket of balancing formats will continue to challenge players. Adapting to conditions is one thing. But consistently adapting to the mental and strategic demands of each format is something else entirely.
The game is continually evolving. Only time will tell whether the all-format player can adapt and survive.