SABC Sports, a leading South African sports channel, recently released its much-anticipated list of the top 10 greatest cricketers who debuted in the 21st century. The list, compiled based on votes from both fans and cricket experts, has stirred up considerable discussion in the cricketing community. Virat Kohli, the prolific Indian batsman, leads the rankings, further cementing his status as one of the modern greats of the game.

The top 10 cricketers, as determined by SABC Sports, include some of the most recognizable names in cricket. After Virat Kohli, the list features South Africa’s AB de Villiers at the second spot, followed by England’s fast-bowling legend James Anderson, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, and South African speedster Dale Steyn. Also on the list are Australian batsman Steve Smith, England's Joe Root, India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, South Africa’s Hashim Amla, and former Indian captain MS Dhoni rounding out the top 10.

Virat Kohli's position at the top is hardly surprising, given his outstanding achievements across formats. Often referred to as the modern-day maestro of cricket, Kohli’s consistency and sheer dominance in international cricket have earned him comparisons with the all-time greats. His remarkable batting records in both ODIs and Tests have set a new benchmark for future generations of cricketers. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, coupled with his excellent captaincy record, makes him a natural choice to lead this elite group of cricketers.

Following closely behind is AB de Villiers, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and innovative batsmen of the 21st century. Known for his aggressive style and ability to play unconventional shots, de Villiers has changed the way modern batsmen approach the game. His performances for South Africa, across all formats, have earned him a reputation as one of the finest limited-overs players in cricket history.

The third spot is occupied by England’s James Anderson, who is hailed as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. His longevity in international cricket, especially in the Test format, has been extraordinary, with Anderson continuing to take wickets well into his late 30s. His mastery of swing bowling, especially in English conditions, has made him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. His inclusion in the top 10 is a testament to his enduring impact on the game.

Kumar Sangakkara, a Sri Lankan legend, takes the fourth spot. His elegant batting style and leadership as Sri Lanka’s captain are widely celebrated. Sangakkara was not only an outstanding batsman but also a skilled wicketkeeper and a key figure in Sri Lankan cricket's success during the early 21st century. His influence on the game extends beyond his individual achievements, as he played a significant role in promoting and elevating Sri Lankan cricket on the global stage.

In fifth place is Dale Steyn, one of South Africa’s finest fast bowlers. Known for his fiery pace and aggressive bowling, Steyn was a dominant force in Test cricket for over a decade. His ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed made him a lethal bowler, particularly in the longer format of the game. Steyn’s contributions to South Africa’s success in Test cricket have been widely acknowledged, and his presence on this list is well deserved.

Australian batsman Steve Smith, England’s Joe Root, and India’s Jasprit Bumrah occupy the sixth, seventh, and eighth spots, respectively. Steve Smith, with his unorthodox batting technique, has been a prolific run-scorer for Australia, particularly in Test cricket. His ability to dominate bowling attacks and score runs consistently has earned him a place among the greats of modern cricket. Joe Root, another member of the "Fab Four," is known for his technical proficiency and reliability at the crease, making him a crucial player for England across all formats.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace sensation, is the only specialist bowler from the current generation to make the list. His rise in international cricket has been nothing short of spectacular, with his unorthodox bowling action and ability to bowl in the death overs making him one of the most feared bowlers in the world. Bumrah’s impact on limited-overs cricket, in particular, has been significant, and his inclusion in the top 10 speaks volumes about his potential to be one of the all-time greats.

Completing the list are Hashim Amla and MS Dhoni. Hashim Amla, known for his classical technique and consistency, was one of South Africa’s most dependable batsmen during his career. His ability to anchor an innings and accumulate runs with minimal risk made him a standout player in both Test and ODI cricket. MS Dhoni, India’s most successful limited-overs captain, is renowned for his leadership, finishing ability, and unmatched calmness under pressure. His contributions as a wicketkeeper-batsman and captain have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, and his inclusion in this list is a fitting tribute to his legacy.

The list has naturally sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts. Some fans have questioned the omission of players like Shakib Al Hasan, David Warner, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have all had illustrious careers and have been influential in their own right. There has been particular discussion around the 10th spot, with some suggesting that Shakib or Ashwin deserved a place in the top 10, given their all-round contributions to the game.

In addition to the discussions about the top 10, the rankings have also reignited comparisons between modern-day cricketers and legends from previous eras. Virat Kohli’s achievements, in particular, are often measured against those of Sachin Tendulkar, with fans and experts debating who holds the edge in terms of influence and legacy.

Ultimately, the SABC Sports list has provided fans with a platform to discuss, debate, and celebrate the greatest cricketers of the 21st century. With Virat Kohli leading the rankings and a star-studded lineup of players behind him, this list serves as a testament to the exceptional talent that has graced the cricketing world in recent times.

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