The pocket-sized dynamites: 10 shortest cricketers of all time

1) Kruger van Wyk

Height - 4 feet 9 inches

A quick look at Cornelius Francoius Kruger van Wyk’s profile on Wikipedia shows that he is 1.45 meters tall (4 feet 9 inches), making him the shortest cricketer in the 136-year-old history of Test cricket. Yes, only 1.45 meters! Technically, that’s equivalent to Great Khali’s height, waist down!

Born and raised in Wolmaransstad, South Africa, van Wyk is a wicket-keeper batsman who first started playing cricket for Northerns in 2000-01 and was touted to replace Mark Boucher in South Africa’s side. But Boucher’s strong hold on the position meant that van Wyk had to move to New Zealand to fulfill his dream of becoming a Test cricketer.

He started playing for Canterbury Wizards in 2006 and a season later, he was appointed the captain of Canterbury Wizards when he also led them to the State Championship title. His consistency was rewarded when he earned a call-up to New Zealand’s national side to play Zimbabwe in a one off Test in 2012. Since his debut, he has played 9 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 341 runs with an average of 21.31.

Note: The list comprises of the shortest cricketers ever to have played international cricket. Other notable names have not been included because either they are few centimeters taller than the player at number 10 on the list, Syd Gregory (164 cms), or don’t have records of their confirmed height.

Notable names missing are: Sachin Tendulkar (165 cm) Sunil Gavaskar (165 cm), Hanif Mohammad (168 cm) and Willie Quaife (unconfirmed)

If you think we missed out a certain player or want to report any anomalies, please mention it in the comments section below!

Read more about the Shortest Players of All Time.