Who is the king of fours in cricket
Cricket, as we all know, is a game where runs play the most crucial aspect in determining success. Whether it’s the exciting T20 cricket, the slightly more strategic ODI or the classic five-day Test matches, batsmen strive to score as many runs as possible and preferably boundaries. The ‘four’ run hit holds a particular importance here because unlike sixes that call for aggressive batting and risk-taking tendencies from a batsman, fours, in general, are scored by adopting a balanced approach that enthralls cricket enthusiasts around the globe. This discussion aims at finding out ‘Who is the King of Fours in Cricket’ in both categories i.e., international cricket and in Indian Premier League (IPL).
The King of Fours: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Introduction
Sachin Tendulkar, commonly known as “Little Master,” “Master Blaster” or simply “God of Cricket” amongst his massive fan following spanning across various countries worldwide – not only India. He holds many records during his glittering career spanning over two decades.
A Record-Breaking Career
One record that attests to Sachin’s supremacy as an accomplished run-scorer manifested in his ability to hit fours consistently against top bowling attacks globally. In 463 ODI matches encompassing 452 innings, Tendulkar managed to thump an impressive 2016 fours accumulating vast chunk of his total tally of 18,426 runs.
He exhibited immense versatility when it came to scoring four-run strokes. His array of shots ranged from mastered classically-correct ones like cover drives and straight drives, innovative ramp-shots towards third man boundary and powerful hits through square leg and midwicket areas.
His high-quality timing paired with excellent wristwork were other key aspects allowing him to dispatch balls bowled at varying lengths to boundaries with apparent ease.
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Test Match King of Fours: Rahul Dravid
About Rahul “The Wall” Dravid
Another jewel from the golden era of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, is hailed for his exceptionally stable defensive gameplay and patience. Regarded as one of the finest batsmen in test cricket history, he famously earned the moniker ‘The Wall’ for his unbreachable defense under skilful bowling.
A Flourishing Test Career
Rahul’s record against the red ball speaks volumes about his illustrious career; scoring 210 fours in a solitary season (2002), none can surpass yet. His technique that stood solid even against moving deliveries, combined with dogged determination and unwavering concentration, facilitated him to counter best bowlers leaving them frustrated and demoralized.
As opposed to Sachin who was aggressive in his approach towards batting, Rahul’s refined technique focussed on wearing out bowlers incrementally till they offered easy scoring opportunities which he seized graciously by repeatedly hitting along ground fetching him four runs more often than not.
The IPL King of Fours: Shikhar Dhawan
When it comes to T20 cricket, especially the exciting IPL tournament, Shikhar Dhawan has already proven his worth as an extraordinary player. The flamboyant left-handed opening batsman is known for his capability to deliver steady start through pinpoint placements and well-timed strokes. In 176 matches till date, he has struck an impressive clientele of above 600 boundary-fours contributing majorly to team’s run rate early in game making him current active player holding record of maximum fours.
To conclude, there might be several breathtaking power-hitters smacking sixes into crowd thrilling spectators but art lies in elegant flurry of fours keeping fielders busy constantly chasing ball to boundary which can only be perfected through years of practice and unyielding dedication. Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs, Rahul Dravid in Tests, and Shikhar Dhawan in IPL have demonstrated this mastery making them undisputed ‘Kings of Fours’ in their respective formats.
