Top 5 batsmen who performed consistently in all formats in 2018

2018 comes to an end with the conclusion of all international fixtures. This year saw the ban of Australia's Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, which led to the team's dip in form in all formats of the game.

In the past, players were bound to play both the Test and ODI formats. T20 format saw players gain unique skills of playing a fast-paced game. Different formats require unique skill sets from the players and pose as a challenge to adjust accordingly. Very few have been able to represent their countries and perform consistently in all three formats.

Let's take a look at the players who have done so in 2018.

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#5 Kane Williamson

Williamson's batting is a delight to watch with his temperament, class, and determination. His elegant strokeplay and the compact defence has made him one of the best players in this generation. He leads the Kiwis with his captaincy and run-scoring abilities. His ability to score quickly transformed as he moved into the T20 format, making him a complete player.

Representing New Zealand in all three formats, Williamson has displayed consistency throughout the year. In Tests, the Kiwi has played 12 innings scoring 651 runs at an average of 59.18 which includes two centuries and three fifties with a high score of 139.

In the T20s, he has scored 251 runs at an average of 22.81 with a high score of 72 and a strike rate of 115.66. In the ODIs, he has 468 runs with an average of 46.80 which includes two centuries and a fifty.

The drop in his limited-overs form may come as a worry to the team management. But with the calibre that he possesses, it will be no time before he regains his form and scored big runs for the Kiwis.

#4 Mushfiqur Rahim

The backbone of the Tigers

Mushfiqur continues to be the backbone of the Bangladesh batting line-up. After relinquishing captaincy, he has gained more freedom to play his natural game. The intent to score quick and his stubbornness to stay at the crease has allowed him to perform consistently. Having worked extensively on his fitness, Mushfiqur has taken his batting and keeping to a whole new level.

In Tests, he scored 490 runs at a modest average of 35 which includes a century and a fifty. His ODI stats have been incredible with 770 runs at an average of 55 with a century and five fifties. In the T20s, he has 397 runs at a strike rate of 132.33 which includes three half centuries.

Though he improved in the shorter formats, his scores dropped significantly in the Test format. With the start of 2019, he will be looking to regain his lost form and earn success in Tests.

#3 Jos Buttler

Buttler mending his way

With the success that England enjoyed this year in the ODIs and Tests, Buttler has contributed significantly in achieving it. After cementing his place in the Test side, he serves as a link between the middle and lower order hence bolstering the batting order. He even took over captaincy duties in the ODIs successfully guiding England to series victories at home and away. Buttler's confidence has reflected on his consistency throughout the year.

In 18 Test innings, Buttler has 760 runs at an average of 44.70 which includes a century and six half-centuries. His captaincy has not bothered him in ODIs, scoring 671 runs at a staggering strike rate of 113.53, an average of 51.61 which includes two centuries and four fifties. His T20 record has been modest with 246 runs from 9 innings at a strike rate of 135.91.

With the World Cup up ahead, Buttler will be the key to England's hopes in winning the Cup.

#2 Babar Azam

Pakistan's next big thing

After being slotted in as the next big thing, Babar Azam has lived up to the expectations at the number three position. Stepping into the shoes of the legends Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq didn't seem to disconcert him.

After an extraordinary start in the ODIs and T20s, Babar could not replicate the same in Tests. However, Babar has shown development in his batting which has enabled him to improve his numbers.

In 14 Test innings, he has 616 runs at a healthy average of 56 which includes a hundred and six half-centuries. He has been most successful in the T20 format with 563 runs at a remarkable average of 62.35 which include six half centuries. His drop in the ODIs has been significant.

With 509 runs at an average of 36.35, which include a hundred and two fifties, Babar remains a threat in white-ball cricket. He will look to regain form just in time for the World Cup.

#1 Virat Kohli

The run machine

Kohli's ruthless determination and grit has made him a successful batsman in all the three formats. His passion to achieve is what launches him ahead. Unlike others, Kohli thrives on pressure rather than backing away. Along with his batting, Kohli has taken his fitness to a whole new level enabling him to be the best amongst the current generation of batsmen.

After being rested for most of the limited-over fixtures, he was relentless in scoring runs at will. In just 14 ODI innings, Kohli has scored 1202 runs at an astounding average of 133.55 including six centuries and three fifties.

In Tests, Kohli has dominated with 1322 runs at an average of 55.08 which includes five centuries and five fifties. Though he featured in only 9 T20 innings, Kohli managed to score 211 runs at an average of 30.14. With the bulk of the scoring taken care of by the openers, Kohli has had little to worry about in the T20Is.

Kohli's run-scoring remains unstoppable with him always taking the attack to the opposition. Finishing on top of the run-getters list in ODIs and Tests in 2018, Kohli will be high on confidence to do the same in the coming years.