Top 5 batsmen in 2018 across all formats 

2018 is coming to an end and all top teams have begun preparing themselves for the World Cup. We have enjoyed many special innings from special batsmen this year and numerous records were broken.

England scoring 481 runs in 50 overs has showed how cricket has evolved into a batsman's game. There has been a lot of competition among batsmen and to stand out among the crowd requires something special.

Here are the five best batsmen in 2018 across all three formats.

---

#5 Joe Root

Joe Root

Apart from having a great time in the other two formats, England rose to the top of the ICC ODI Rankings in 2018. Joe Root, their talisman batsman, has undoubtedly been a major reason for their successes.

Root scored 948 runs in 13 Test matches averaging a solid 41.21 and even picked up 3 wickets. In the ODI format, he scored 946 runs in 24 matches at a great average of 59.12. His performances against India in the 3-match ODI series, where he scored 216 runs in 3 matches, were simply outstanding.

Although he didn't exactly have a great time in the 3 T20Is he took part in, Root scored a crucial 35 against Australia. He is ranked fifth in the ICC Test Rankings and fourth in ODI rankings.

#4 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is one batsman who is a delight to watch when on song and in 2018, he was on song. He was in unstoppable form during this year in both T20Is and ODIs. He also made a comeback into the Test team.

In ODIs, Rohit scored 1030 runs in 19 innings at a whopping average of 73.57. He scored 5 centuries, out of which three were 150-plus scores. In T20Is, he scored 590 runs in 19 innings at an excellent average of 36.87 with two tons in 2018.

He was excellent against both the West Indies and England and was India's best player in the Nidahas Trophy. Although he played only four Tests, Rohit managed to chip in with a handy 63 in India's victory against Australia at the MCG. He is currently ranked second in the ICC ODI Rankings and tenth in T20I Rankings.

#3 Babar Azam

Babar Azam

Babar Azam and Pakistan have had a very eventful 2018. Although his team could not quite perform consistently, the right-hander was excellent in all formats of the game in this year. He scored 563 runs in 12 innings in T20Is at a tremendous average of 62.55. He is undoubtedly the top ranked batsman in the ICC T20I Rankings.

In 18 ODIs, Babar scored 509 runs at an average of 36.25. He is ranked fifth in the ICC ODI Rankings. Babar had an astounding year in Test matches as well. He scored 616 runs in 8 matches at a solid average of 56 and was Pakistan's best batsman in 2018. He will be crucial to their World Cup hopes next year.

#2 Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson

Like always, Kane Williamson led from the front for New Zealand in 2018. The Kiwis were great on their home turf and also performed strongly away from home as well. Williamson scored 468 runs in 11 ODIs at a solid average of 46.80. In Test matches, New Zealand won 4 Test series in a row and Williamson was at the helm of their consistent success.

Williamson scored 651 runs in just 7 Test matches at a stellar average of 59.18. He is breathing on Kohli's neck in the ICC Test Rankings at number two. In T20Is which they played against Pakistan, West Indies, Australia and England, Williamson scored 251 runs in 11 innings at an average of 24.81 including a match winning 72 against England.

#1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the top ranked batsman on this list and this doesn't come as a surprise to anyone. The Indian captain was on fire this year across all formats. Kohli scored an unmatched 1202 runs in just 14 ODIs at an unbelievable average of 133.55 with six tons. He pretty much scored against all teams and singlehandedly demolished South Africa in South Africa by scoring 558 runs in 6 ODIs.

In Tests, Kohli was consistent as ever and scored 1322 runs in 13 matches at an average of 55.08. He was the highest run-scorer for India in South Africa and England. The skipper rescued them from many tough situations by leading from the front.

Kohli is the top ranked batsman in the ICC Test and ODI Rankings. In T20Is, Kohli scored 211 runs in 10 matches at an average of 30.14, including a match winning 61 against Australia in the 3rd T20I.