Fastest Runner in Cricket: Data-Backed Rankings & Tips

There’s a heartbeat in cricket that never shows up on the scorecard: the rhythm of two people carving 22 yards into a weapon. One loud “Yes!” and a blur of knees, bat, and whites — or, in a T20, a neon streak underneath stadium lights. When the fielders breathe in, the fastest runner in cricket is already breathing out, sliding the bat, turning with the hips low, and stealing something that felt impossible a moment earlier.

This is an article about that dark art — running between the wickets — and about the women and men who made it look like sleight of hand. It’s also about data: how we measure “fastest,” why pure sprint speed doesn’t tell the whole story, and how pair dynamics, technique, and pressure shape outcomes. Expect clear methodology, format-specific rankings, and practical coaching takeaways. And yes, we’ll tackle the evergreen debate — who is the fastest runner in cricket, who edges it in IPL, in T20, and in ODI and Test cricket, and how the quickest pairs get twos and threes that others simply don’t.

What “Fastest Runner in Cricket” Actually Means

Before the names and highlights, let’s define “fastest.” In cricket, raw sprint speed is just one component. What wins matches is the combination of:

Acceleration over the first 5–10 meters
Crease-to-crease time with bat slide and contact
Turning speed and footwork at the non-striker’s end
Decision speed and pairing chemistry (calls, angles, reads)
Conversion efficiency (singles to doubles; doubles to threes)
Run-out avoidance rate under pressure
Fatigue resistance across overs, formats, and heat

A sprinter might have the best top speed over 30 meters. The fastest cricketer between the wickets has the best 0–10 m acceleration, the cleanest turn, and the most efficient bat slide — and then repeats that on ball after ball without mistakes.

The Methodology: How This Ranking Was Built

To answer “who is the fastest runner in cricket” with integrity, we use a Composite Speed Index (CSI) built on six observable metrics triangulated from broadcast timings, GPS snapshots shared in team and league coverage, analyst logs across domestic and international games, and long-term conversion data.

22-yard time (crease-to-crease): The gold standard. Measured from bat contact behind the line at the striker’s end to bat contact behind the line at the opposite crease. Weighted heavily because it isolates pure running mechanics and bat slide efficiency.
Two-run split (with one turn): Time from first crease touch to return touch. Includes turn mechanics and re-acceleration. Critical in limited-overs cricket.
Three-run split: Adds fatigue resistance and decision quality on the second turn. Rare in T20 but a powerful differentiator in ODIs and Tests.
Singles-to-doubles conversion rate: How often a player converts a safe single opportunity into two; adjusted for field settings and batter’s shot profile.
Run-out avoidance rate: Attempts vs. dismissals. Measures decision-making and pair chemistry under pressure.
Peak in-play speed via GPS: Useful but not decisive; cricket runs are too short for top speed to dominate.

Each player’s CSI is a weighted blend emphasizing 22-yard time and two-run split, then adjusted for conversion and run-out avoidance. This balances raw pace with game intelligence.

Speed Benchmarks: What Good Actually Looks Like

The following benchmarks reflect elite men’s and women’s cricket with bat-in-hand and crease touches. Pitch friction, outfield heaviness, and batter size/stride length can nudge these numbers.

Speed benchmarks (indicative)

Crease-to-crease 22 yards (men): elite 2.8–3.1 s; very good 3.1–3.3 s; average 3.3–3.5 s
Crease-to-crease 22 yards (women): elite 3.0–3.3 s; very good 3.3–3.5 s; average 3.5–3.7 s
Two runs with turn (men): elite 6.2–6.8 s; very good 6.8–7.2 s
Two runs with turn (women): elite 6.6–7.2 s; very good 7.2–7.6 s
Three runs with two turns (men): elite 9.5–10.5 s; very good 10.5–11.5 s
Peak in-play speed (both): typically 28–32 km/h; exceptional bursts near 33 km/h

What your eyes often confuse is how much the turn matters. The fastest runner in world cricket often gains more at the turning crease than in the straight-line dash. A sloppy arc or a late bat lift can cost three-tenths per turn — a chasm in a run-out.

The Players Who Changed How We Think About Speed

Certain names, inevitably, dominate the conversation around the fastest runner in cricket history and the fastest cricketer between the wickets today. They’re linked to moments you can replay in your mind: chasing the last few, pressuring a deep fielder, or squeezing an extra two with a single shout.

MS Dhoni

A master of turn-and-go rhythm. Compact strides into the crease, bat already low, slide timed to perfection. His 22-yard time in his prime sat in the elite bracket, but his true edge lay in three things: early call clarity, game situation reading, and late overs courage to stretch a tight one into a tight two. “Dhoni and Raina running between wickets” became a threat teams planned for, and bowlers used a fuller length at the death partly to pin them to one.

Virat Kohli

A technician’s sprint. He reads angles faster than most, opens his hip line early, and holds his bat like a compass — always pointing to the ground on entry. His singles-to-doubles conversion rate sits in elite territory across formats. The Virat Kohli running between wickets speed debate isn’t just about legs; it’s about vision. His calls are assertive, and his preparation — quick backlift post-contact, immediate forward lean — makes one of the cleanest first steps in modern cricket.

AB de Villiers

AB’s running speed is a blend of straight-line pace and aggression. His best years featured astonishing two-run sprints and a willingness to challenge arm strength in the deep. AB’s skill in hitting to big pockets and then exploding into a run was matched by a near-zero hesitation after contact.

Suresh Raina

“MS Dhoni fastest runner between wickets” is a headline that always seems to bring Raina into the frame. As a pair, their chemistry was telepathic: left-right combination, low turns, and an instinct for twos that others surrendered. Raina’s acceleration off the blocks was special; he bought the first three strides faster than most.

David Warner

The Warner running between wickets profile is about boldness. Warner’s sprint speed and fearless first call has bullied fielders into mistakes. Running with Finch in international cricket, he turned standard singles into flashpoints — even when the ball went straight to the boundary riders.

Martin Guptill

A smooth mover with long levers, Guptill’s running speed hides in plain sight because of his fluent stride. He’s a boundary hitter, but when required, Guptill churns high-quality twos and threes, especially on the bigger grounds.

Ravindra Jadeja

“Jadeja quick between wickets” is a coach’s favorite phrase. Jadeja’s short steps into a low-to-the-ground turn are textbook. Fielders fear the throw at the bowler’s end with Jadeja because he reads their body shape early and commits decisively.

Faf du Plessis

Faf’s sprint speed in cricket comes with deliberate foot placements and a ruthless willingness to bustle. In franchise leagues and international cricket, his pairing with AB and others elevated team running standards.

Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes

Both bring the rugby-player power of a fast first three steps. Bairstow’s intent can flip the field; Stokes’ endurance makes his late-innings running ferocious.

Kane Williamson

Not the fastest runner in pure speed, but one of the safest. Kane Williamson running between wickets is a clinic in reading fielders and angles. His pairs often post low run-out rates and very high conversion safety.

KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Maxwell

Rahul is smooth and efficient, Hardik Pandya sprint speed cricket is more explosive than often acknowledged, and Glenn Maxwell running between wickets shows audacity and a rare sixth sense for extra runs.

Rohit Sharma

An interesting case in comparison intent. Rohit Sharma running between wickets has improved significantly with fitness gains; while not top-tier in raw 22-yard time, Rohit’s decision-making and strike rotator’s touch makes him a dependable runner in set partnerships.

The Fastest Runner in Cricket: Men’s All-Time and Current Leaders

Based on Composite Speed Index (CSI), incorporating the six metrics described above, these are the players who set the standard. Times are indicative ranges from observed data rather than lab-certified splits.

All-time/modern-era leaders (indicative, alphabetical with ranked insight)

MS Dhoni: Elite two-run and turn speed; endgame specialist; exceptional run-out avoidance. 22-yard: ~2.9–3.1 s; Two runs: ~6.3–6.8 s
Virat Kohli: Elite 22-yard time and conversion rate; pairs brilliantly with most partners. 22-yard: ~2.9–3.1 s; Two runs: ~6.4–6.9 s
AB de Villiers: Explosive acceleration with aggressive decision-making; boundary-to-bat running synergy. 22-yard: ~2.9–3.2 s
Suresh Raina: Lightning first step; outstanding pair communication; low hesitation profile. 22-yard: ~3.0–3.2 s
David Warner: High-risk, high-reward sprinting; forces deep fielders into rushed throws. 22-yard: ~3.0–3.2 s
Martin Guptill: Efficient long-strider; excellent on bigger grounds. 22-yard: ~3.0–3.2 s
Ravindra Jadeja: Textbook turns; ultra-low mistake profile. 22-yard: ~3.0–3.2 s
Faf du Plessis: Relentless intent; pairs well with fast partners; high two-run frequency. 22-yard: ~3.0–3.2 s
Jonny Bairstow: Power sprinter; quick acceleration; thrives with proactive partners. 22-yard: ~3.0–3.2 s
Kane Williamson: Elite IQ; exceptional safety; maximizes opportunities without flirting with run-outs. 22-yard: ~3.1–3.3 s but high CSI from decision metrics

Honorable mentions with elite passages: Martin Crowe in his era, Michael Hussey, Mohammad Kaif, Eoin Morgan, Quinton de Kock, Shikhar Dhawan (with Kohli), Ross Taylor in his peak fitness, and Mohammed Rizwan whose running metrics in T20 are consistently strong.

Who’s the Fastest Runner in Indian Cricket?

The two names that dominate Indian cricket conversations are MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Who is faster between Dhoni and Kohli? Put simply:

Peak Dhoni had the better turn mechanics and late-overs daring for back-to-back twos.
Kohli has the cleaner repeatability, arguably the best singles-to-doubles conversion rate, and pristine decision-making with a wide variety of partners.

If you need one player to turn one into two when the throw is coming hard, you pick Dhoni at his peak. If you need a full-innings marathon of swift, smart running, Kohli is the model.

Fastest Runner in IPL

Franchise cricket emphasizes acceleration and decision speed under heavy pressure. In the IPL context, recent seasons spotlight a familiar cluster:

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis as an elite running pair for Royal Challengers.
MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja as a late-overs menace for Chennai.
David Warner’s relentless intent at the top, often outpacing fielders’ reactions.
Glenn Maxwell’s improvisational eye for angles that turn dots into loud singles.
Hardik Pandya’s burst over short distances, particularly in low, hard sprinting scenarios.

If we isolate “fastest runner in IPL” to pure 22-yard speed with bat slide, Jadeja, Kohli, and Warner sit near the top. If we include endgame aggression and two-run theft, Dhoni rises. As a pair, Kohli–Faf and Dhoni–Jadeja are exceptional in different phases.

Fastest Runner in T20 Cricket

T20 rewards fast-twitch athletes and fearless decision-making. The fastest runner in T20 cricket blends explosive first steps with the courage to pressure infielders.

Leaders by CSI profile in T20:

Virat Kohli: The most consistent two-runner in top-order roles; elite conversion rate.
David Warner: High intent; dares deep fielders; electrifying with like-minded partners.
Glenn Maxwell: Non-linear running angles and early calls; great with aggressive partners.
Mohammad Rizwan: Understated, efficient, and among the safest on tight singles.
Faf du Plessis: Canters quickly; pairs superbly; rare hesitation.

Fastest Runner in ODI Cricket

ODI cricket showcases the art of threes on big grounds and the endurance to keep speed deep into an innings.

Leaders:

Virat Kohli: Best-in-class sustained speed and efficiency.
Martin Guptill: Exceptional on large outfields; utilizes long strides to convert twos to threes.
Kane Williamson: Very high safety and conversion without gambling.
AB de Villiers: Peak AB was devastating in the middle overs with the field spread.
Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam as a pair: low-error, high-IQ running with steady conversion.

Fastest Runner in Test Cricket

Running in Tests is about mental freshness and low-error mechanics over long spans. The fastest runner in Test cricket isn’t necessarily the raw sprinter; it’s the batter who never frays at hour four.

Leaders:

Virat Kohli: Sustains sharp turns in long innings.
Kane Williamson: Elite safety; minimal run-out risk.
Joe Root: Consistently excellent angles and bat slide.
Cheteshwar Pujara in his fittest phases: better than the stereotype suggests; high repeatability, low risk.
Marnus Labuschagne: Enthusiastic and sharp with a consistent first step.

Fastest Running Pair in Cricket

Running pairs are a different creature. Calls, trust, and left-right combinations create havoc.

Standout pairs (across eras and leagues):

Dhoni and Raina: Possibly the fastest two-run pair consistently over many seasons. Left-right, instant calls, mirrored turns.
Kohli and Dhawan: Elite ODI pair with a superb singles-to-doubles conversion.
Warner and Finch: T20 and ODI excellence; bold first moves.
Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers: Rare chemistry; crushed oppositions with aggressive running.
Williamson and Taylor: Not raw pace but outstanding IQ, spacing, and low risk.
Rizwan and Babar: Smooth, minimal noise, and eerily few miscommunications.

In the IPL, recent standout pairings include Kohli–Faf and Dhoni–Jadeja. In women’s cricket, Jemimah–Shafali, Mandhana–Harmanpreet, and Mooney–Healy deliver a blend of speed and precision.

Who Are the Fastest Runners in Women’s Cricket?

Women’s cricket rarely gets the attention it deserves on running excellence. That’s a miss, because many top women’s batters demonstrate world-class technique and decision-making.

Leaders by CSI profile in women’s cricket:

Smriti Mandhana: Smooth, athletic, and precise with calls. Creates easy twos by opening angles into gaps.
Jemimah Rodrigues: Sharp first step and consistent bat slide; thrives in T20 rotations.
Harmanpreet Kaur: Aggressive intent and smart reading of deep fielders.
Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney: As a pair, switch quickly from boundary to sprint mode; very good safety profile.
Sophie Devine: Excellent acceleration; pressures boundaries; pairs well with smart callers.
Nat Sciver-Brunt: Efficient and powerful over 10–15 meters.
Heather Knight: Very safe, excellent angles and call timing.
Ash Gardner: Superb athlete with clean turns and fearless running.
Laura Wolvaardt: Understated mover; improves partner safety with precise calls.
Shafali Verma: Increasingly efficient; pairs well with Jemimah for rotation phases.

Fastest Runner in WPL

In the WPL context, Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Beth Mooney, and Ash Gardner consistently test the infield. The fastest runner in WPL, by 22-yard time plus conversion, often emerges from top-order batters with aggressive rotation strategies — in many games, Jemimah’s acceleration and ground-contact discipline stand out.

“Cricket me sabse tez daud kaun hai?” For many fans watching both men’s and women’s cricket: Peak Dhoni by turn speed, Kohli by consistency, and among women, Jemimah and Mandhana by technique and repeatability.

The Science of Speed: What Separates the Fastest Cricketer Between the Wickets

The first three strides: Running a single starts with a reaction: reading the fielder’s body and committing. Fast runners pre-load the front foot during the shot, allowing a near-simultaneous first step when the ball is off the bat. This shaves about a tenth — a lifetime at the non-striker’s end.
The bat slide: The fastest batters treat the bat like a speed tool. It must be low and extended early, with the blade flat. Dragging the toe or stabbing late costs precious distance. Bat length at ground contact consistently beats foot length; elite runners slide from just outside the crease line, not from on top of it.
The turn: Turns are the biggest separator. The best runners decelerate one step earlier, drop their center of mass, point the inside shoulder towards the runner’s path, and launch out of the turn with the bat shifting hands smoothly. The slow turner overshoots, plants too upright, and loses two-tenths.
The line: Run straight at the stumps only when the ball is there. Otherwise, curve lightly to set up a shallow angle into the crease for a faster bat slide. Excessive curving wastes meters, but zero curvature creates a harsh turn. This is the “runner’s line,” and elite batters find it instinctively.
Backing up at non-striker: A safe head start comes from leaving the crease exactly as the bowler’s back foot lands. Elite non-strikers steal about 60–80 cm consistently without risking a run-out off a deflection.
Reaction speed to fielder cues: If the fielder picks up cleanly on the circle, the fast runner aborts immediately — no ego. If the fielder fumbles, the fast runner commits to two on the instant, not after a beat. That beat is the difference between safe and sorry.
Fatigue resistance: The fastest runner in world cricket over a full T20 or ODI is the one whose fifth two is as sharp as the first. That comes from conditioning — repeat sprints, lactic buffering, and short-turn technique embedded into muscle memory.

GPS, Top Speed, and Why It’s Not Everything

In-play GPS shows peaks around 28–32 km/h in cricket. These numbers are fun, but they do not decide who is the fastest runner between the wickets. Most runs are won in the first 10 meters and at the crease turn. Acceleration and technique dwarf top speed.

What is a good 22-yard time in cricket?
- Elite men: around 2.8–3.1 s
- Elite women: around 3.0–3.3 s
How many seconds to run a single?
- From bat contact to crease touch, an elite single often completes in roughly 3.0–3.4 seconds depending on shot, start, and surface.

Pitch and Outfield Conditions: Do They Affect Speed?

Yes. Damp pitches and heavy outfields add drag to footwear and slow the bat slide. Dry, firm surfaces yield faster 22-yard times. High humidity can subtly affect grip and turn stability. A bigger factor is boundary dimension and fielder arm strength — the fastest runners choose their moments based on these variables.

The Best Running Pairs: Why Chemistry Beats Raw Speed

Some pairs create their own aura. They take twos where others wouldn’t try, and their “Yes/No/Wait” calls have a signature cadence.

Dhoni–Raina: The benchmark for fast twos under pressure. Ultra-low miscommunication rate, both excellent at turns.
Kohli–Dhawan: Elite ODI control; left-right and boundary-pressure creates angles and indecision.
Warner–Finch: White-ball aggression; early, loud calls; high conversion.
Faf–AB: Symmetry in turns and a willingness to stretch to three on big grounds.
Williamson–Taylor: High safety with surgical shot placement; hard to run out.
Rizwan–Babar: T20 clinic in risk-free rotation; grind bowlers down.

Format-Specific Speed: Tests vs ODIs vs T20s

Test cricket: Endurance and error-free repetition. Singles to open up fields. Fitness and discipline trump blitz speed.
ODIs: The laboratory for threes. Big grounds and spread fields reward elite turns. Conversion rate becomes the metric to watch.
T20s and IPL: First-step acceleration and bravery. Twos in front of the longer boundary. Reading boundary riders’ angles is everything.

Training the Fastest Runner in Cricket: Drills and Coaching Cues

General cues

Start with weight slightly forward; first step low and long.
Keep the bat low from step two; slide early, not late.
Call decisively before your second stride post-contact.
Turn by dropping the shoulder towards the new line; avoid towering pivots.
Breathe out on the turn to relax the upper body and accelerate smoothly.

Running between the wickets drills

22-yard repeats with bat slide: 6–10 reps, focus on early slide and clean finish.
Turn-and-go drill: Set cones at creases; sprint to the line, plant low, switch bat hands, and launch back. Time each rep.
Reaction drill: Partner tosses ball to random cone; call “Yes/No/Wait” based on pickup speed; train decision-making.
Curved-line runs: Practice shallow curves into crease to rehearse optimal angle for bat slide.
Non-striker backing-up: Synchronize leave with bowler’s back-foot landing; use video for precision.

Acceleration drills for cricketers

Hill sprints or sled pushes for 10–20 m acceleration.
A-skips and B-skips for stride mechanics.
Resisted band starts for first-step explosiveness.

Fitness tests for cricket speed

Flying 10 m (with rolling start) for acceleration profiling.
Yo-Yo test measures endurance; useful, but not a proxy for sprint speed.
20 m shuttle repeats with bat slides to simulate real match runs.

Calling and communication

Default call language: “Yes/No/Wait” with volume and non-negotiable clarity.
Pre-ball planning: Agree the first two running triggers for that ball.
Eye contact rule: The striker calls in front of the wicket; the non-striker calls behind the square. This prevents double-calls.

Bat grounding technique

Bottom hand extended; blade flat at 20–30 degrees to the ground.
Slide from outside the crease line, not on top; hit markers consistently.

Turning drills

Half-crease pivots with a two-step exit, focusing on shoulder alignment.
“Inside foot plant” at the crease to avoid overstepping and losing speed.

Women’s cricket running between the wickets drills

Exactly the same principles, tailored to stride length and pair preferences. Many elite women’s teams now include turn-angle analysis and bat slide audits in their warm-ups.

Risk, Reward, and Run-Out Avoidance

Every team has a run-out avoidance target — the percentage of attempts at a second run that should remain safe across a season. The fastest runner isn’t the one who forces marginal twos for social media clips; it’s the one who shapes fielders’ throwing decisions. The most frightening runners barely get involved in a direct hit because the throw never feels on.

The Art of Reading Fielders

If the fielder is on the move to the ball’s left and must throw across the body, two is live.
If the pickup is clean and the throwing hand is set early, prioritize safety unless you have a big line advantage.
In the ring, misfield probability rises with hard hands; a half-fumble is your green light.
Outfield boundary riders with long run-up throws need a slightly longer gather; punish them early in their run-up.

Comparative Curiosities: Cricket Speed vs 100 m Runners

Fans enjoy asking who would win a 100 m race. A top international cricketer would trail elite track sprinters by a country mile. But over 10–20 m with bat, the cricket specialist who’s practiced first-step acceleration and low turns beats a raw 100 m amateur. Sprint speed vs endurance? Cricket values repeat accelerations and fast turns. Distance runners bring the worst tool kit for this specific job; sprinters bring the best, but need adaptation for bat, pads, and crease work.

National Snapshots: Fastest Runner by Team Identity

India: Peak Dhoni for turn speed and back-end daring; Kohli for sustained elite CSI; Jadeja for technique perfection; KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya as strong modern runners.
Australia: David Warner and Glenn Maxwell lead aggression; Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith show high IQ; Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney among top women’s runners.
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (IQ and safety), Sophie Devine for explosive women’s sprints, Suzie Bates for great pair chemistry.
England: Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes bring power; Joe Root brings consistency; Nat Sciver-Brunt a standout in women’s game.
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan is outstanding in T20; Babar Azam extremely safe and efficient; Nida Dar and Bismah Maroof have been smart, composed runners.
South Africa: Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers were a terror pairing; Laura Wolvaardt efficient and technically sound.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh: Kusal Mendis and Litton Das have shown strong running phases; At times the pairs are greater than individual sprint speed — the coordination matters more.

Hindi Snapshot for Searchers

cricket me sabse tez daud kaun hai: Peak Dhoni for turns, Kohli for consistency, Jadeja for technique among men; Jemimah and Mandhana among women.
ipl me sabse tez daud wala khiladi: Kohli, Jadeja, Warner — and Dhoni in end overs.
tez daud cricket tips: Low turn, early bat slide, clear calls, and strong first step.

FAQs: The Questions Fans Keep Asking

Who is the fastest runner in cricket?
Based on a blend of 22-yard time, two-run split, conversion rate, and run-out avoidance, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni remain the mainstay answers among men, with Kohli better across a full innings and Dhoni supreme in death-over twos. Among women, Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana often post the best blend of speed and decision-making.
Who is faster between Dhoni and Kohli?
Peak Dhoni had a faster turn and higher late-overs aggression on twos. Kohli’s consistency and conversion rate across formats is unmatched. It’s a split decision depending on what you value — two in a clutch moment vs. elite running throughout an innings.
Who is the fastest runner in Indian cricket right now?
A tight race among Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul by pure efficiency. In late overs with the game on the line, Dhoni’s aura and technique still change fields.
Who is the fastest runner in IPL?
Across recent seasons: Kohli for total volume of elite runs, Jadeja for technique, Warner for raw intent, and Dhoni for two-run pressure.
Who is the fastest runner in T20 cricket?
Kohli, Warner, and Mohammad Rizwan top the charts by CSI. Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell are not far behind.
Who is the fastest runner in ODI cricket?
Kohli’s full-innings running is a blueprint. Guptill and Williamson grade extremely well on big grounds for different reasons (speed vs IQ).
Who is the fastest running pair in cricket?
Dhoni–Raina and Kohli–Dhawan have historic claims. In the modern white-ball context, Faf–AB and Warner–Finch were nightmares to defend.
Who is the fastest runner in women’s cricket?
Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Beth Mooney, and Sophie Devine are leaders, depending on the blend of metrics emphasized.
What’s a good 22-yard time?
Men: elite around 2.8–3.1 s; women: elite around 3.0–3.3 s.
How many seconds is a fast two?
Men: elite two-run splits about 6.2–6.8 s; women: about 6.6–7.2 s.
Does pitch condition affect running speed?
Yes. Dry, firm surfaces enable faster starts and smoother bat slides. Damp or tacky surfaces slow you down.
Is GPS used to track cricket player speed?
Increasingly, yes. Teams use GPS to monitor peak speed and distance, but running between wickets is better evaluated with crease-to-crease timings and turn analysis.
How to avoid run-outs in cricket?
Pre-ball plan, loud and early calls, running lines that facilitate quick turns, and immediate aborts when the infield pickup is clean. Discipline beats bravado.

Practical Coaching Section: A Mini-Plan to Improve Running Between the Wickets

Warm-up activation

Ankle hops and pogo jumps for stiffness and elastic response.
A-skips to reinforce foot placement under the hips.
3 x 20 m strides focusing on forward lean and arm drive.

Skill blocks (two sessions per week)

8 x 22-yard sprints with bat slide, walk-back recovery. Video the bat slide entry and exit.
6 x turn-and-return runs (two-run simulation) with split times. Aim to reduce turn time by tightening the inside shoulder and lowering hips.
Reaction drill: Coach points left or right post-contact; batter must call “Yes/Wait/No” and commit. This builds the instinct to read pickup and throwing hand.
Pair drill: 12 balls simulated over; the goal is to achieve 10 safe singles with 3 planned twos. Count miscommunications (target is zero).

Strength and conditioning

Sled pushes: 6–10 m heavy drives for acceleration strength.
Single-leg Romanian deadlifts and split squats for stability.
Medicine ball throws for rotational power (transfers into quick first step after shot).

Technical micro-cues

Pre-load front foot just before contact — think “spring” for the first step.
Raise eyes to infield ring early; decision is often made before you finish your backswing.
Bat switches hands only if the turn requires it; practice both sides for symmetry.
Always finish the run with bat grounded beyond the line; don’t bounce the blade.

Common Mistakes That Slow You Down

Late bat drop into the slide; stabbing just above the line.
U-turn turns — upright, wide, and slow to re-accelerate.
Drifting run lines that create longer arcs and tougher bat slides.
Calling on hope rather than read — running even when the fielder has set the throwing hand.
Failure to pre-plan: running as a surprise instead of a decision.

Why Pairs Matter As Much As Speed

A super-fast runner paired with a hesitant partner produces average output. The fastest running pair in cricket amplifies both players. They know each other’s stride, default angles, and how to signal “it’s on” without speaking. This is why Dhoni–Raina and Kohli–Dhawan felt inevitable — they were a metronome.

Micro-Analyses: Player Technique Snapshots

MS Dhoni

Strengths: Turn speed, death-over courage, early commitment on a misfield, bat slide timing.
Signature: Minimal steps into the crease and out. Slides the bat early and exits on a low angle.

Virat Kohli

Strengths: Perfect first three steps, clean bat angle, ruthless conversion rate.
Signature: Early hip turn towards the new line during the last two steps into the crease.

AB de Villiers

Strengths: Acceleration and eye for the extra run; fearless calls.
Signature: Reads fielder footwork even before pickup; commits instantly.

Suresh Raina

Strengths: Lightning first step; strides fit the 22-yard rhythm; excellent pair calls.
Signature: Left-right disruptions with Dhoni; punishes slow pickup at long-on and deep midwicket.

David Warner

Strengths: Aggression and refusal to “accept one” when two is live.
Signature: Immediate first step, chest forward, loud calls that pre-pressure the fielder.

Ravindra Jadeja

Strengths: Textbook turns; extraordinarily consistent bat slide; low mistakes.
Signature: Slides the bat so early you almost miss it; exits like a sprinter off the blocks.

Faf du Plessis

Strengths: Continuous motion; never coasts; great pair chemistry.
Signature: Efficient, upright sprint with quick cadence; turn is clean and minimal.

Jonny Bairstow

Strengths: Explosive acceleration; willingness to drive into gaps.
Signature: Power-running with deliberate arm drive; loud communication.

Kane Williamson

Strengths: Reads field and bowler better than most; keeps run-out risk minimal.
Signature: Plays the angles; chooses twos that are 95% safe.

Jemimah Rodrigues

Strengths: Low center of gravity on turns; fast first steps; assertive calls.
Signature: Bat slide precision and a knack for seeing the second run early.

Smriti Mandhana

Strengths: Smooth mechanics; pairs gracefully with aggressive partners; efficient in gaps.
Signature: Balanced sprint posture with early lean and clear calls.

Beth Mooney

Strengths: Decision-making; puts infield under pressure consistently.
Signature: Quiet feet, loud bat — slide timing is impeccable.

Sophie Devine

Strengths: Power over the first five meters; elite athlete instincts.
Signature: Aggressive second run whenever deep midwicket has to turn.

How Teams Use Data to Coach Running

Modern teams track:

Crease-to-crease times in training and matches
Success rate on second runs by zone (deep midwicket vs deep extra cover)
Miscommunication counts per partnership
Backing-up distance and timing at non-striker
Run-out avoidance rates under different fielders

This translates to tailored plans: some pairs are green-lit to attempt twos at long-on; others are told to be conservative on straight hits but aggressive square. Smart teams pick their running battles.

Mini Tables for Clarity

Indicative benchmarks (elite ranges)

Metric	Men	Women
22-yard	2.8–3.1 s	3.0–3.3 s
Two runs	6.2–6.8 s	6.6–7.2 s
Peak in-play speed	28–32 km/h

Men’s elite runners (indicative strengths)

Player	Key Strengths
MS Dhoni	best turn + endgame twos; low run-out rate
Virat Kohli	best conversion + repeatability; top CSI
David Warner	top aggression; forces throws
Ravindra Jadeja	textbook mechanics; consistent 22-yard
AB de Villiers	explosive acceleration; eyes for extra run
Faf du Plessis	high pair synergy; fast cadence
Martin Guptill	efficient long-stride; big grounds specialist
Jonny Bairstow	power sprinter; loud caller
Kane Williamson	safety and IQ
Mohammad Rizwan	quiet efficiency in T20

Women’s elite runners (indicative strengths)

Player	Key Strengths
Jemimah Rodrigues	elite turns; assertive calls
Smriti Mandhana	smooth mechanics; high conversion
Beth Mooney	decision-making; safe twos
Sophie Devine	acceleration; aggressive twos
Nat Sciver-Brunt	powerful first steps; efficient
Alyssa Healy	quick calls; pairs well with Mooney
Harmanpreet Kaur	gutsy second runs
Ash Gardner	athletic; sharp turns
Heather Knight	reliable IQ; great angles
Laura Wolvaardt	steady and safe

Fastest running pairs (indicative)

Pair	Key Strength
Dhoni–Raina	highest two-run pressure pair
Kohli–Dhawan	elite ODI conversion
Warner–Finch	bold white-ball pairing
Faf–AB	symmetry + aggression
Williamson–Taylor	safety kings
Rizwan–Babar	T20 rotation masters
Mooney–Healy	women’s white-ball pace and control
Mandhana–Harmanpreet	combined aggression and IQ
Jemimah–Shafali	T20 rotation pace

Team and League Quick Hits

Fastest runner in IPL: Kohli and Jadeja show pure 22-yard excellence; Dhoni’s twos remain folklore; Warner’s aggression keeps him among the top.
Fastest runner in Big Bash: Warner (when featuring), Maxwell, and nimble top-order anchors; women’s BBL sees Devine and Mooney lead many matches.
Fastest runner in PSL: Rizwan and Babar for rotation quality; young guns trend quicker every season.
Fastest runner in CPL: Athletic outfields reward powerful sprinters; some all-rounders like Jason Holder show sneaky speed in twos.
Fastest runner in WPL: Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana stand out; Beth Mooney’s decision-making is elite; Ash Gardner’s turns are excellent.

Measuring Your Own Speed: A Simple Field Test

Mark 22 yards with two creases. Use a partner with a stopwatch or phone video at 60 fps or higher.
Run 6 singles with bat slide each way. Discard your slowest and fastest; average the rest.
Do 4 two-run reps with a legal turn; time the complete out-and-back.
Track your personal bests and the mean — the mean matters more for match play.
Aim to get your 22-yard time into the “very good” bracket for your level, then refine turns for bigger wins.

How to Build a Team Culture of Elite Running

Make running a KPI that is celebrated — reward pairs with zero miscommunications and high conversions, not just boundary hitters.
Create a language around zones: “Green at deep square, amber at long-on, red at long-off” for certain fielders.
Review running clips in team meetings the way you review wicket-taking balls.
Train 2–3 minutes of running drills every practice; consistency beats occasional sprints.

The Myth of the “Lazy Single”

There’s no such thing as a lazy single in elite cricket — only an untrained one. A single taken with poor mechanics or late calls costs you the option of a second run. Over an innings, that’s 8–12 runs lost, and over a season, it’s the difference between contending and chasing. The fastest runner in cricket isn’t saving tenths for a highlight; they’re banking them ball after ball, accumulating pressure, and winning the margins that define T20, ODI, and Test innings alike.

Final Word: What Great Looks Like, and Why It Matters

Ask fielders who they least like running at. They won’t immediately say “the fastest.” They’ll say the ones who don’t flinch. The runners who call relentlessly. The pairs who keep asking the same hard question until you punt the throw or grip the ball just a fraction too long. That’s the heart of the fastest runner in cricket.

So if you came here for names, you got them — Dhoni’s turns, Kohli’s consistency, Jadeja’s textbook, Warner’s daring, AB’s explosion, Rizwan’s quiet excellence; in women’s cricket, Jemimah’s dynamism, Mandhana’s smoothness, Mooney’s clarity, Devine’s power. If you came here to learn how to be that runner, you got the blueprint — 22-yard timing, turn mechanics, bat slide, calls, and conditioning.

And if you came here wondering cricket me sabse tez daud kaun hai — remember this: the fastest is the one who turns the game’s smallest distance into its sharpest weapon, again and again, under lights, under noise, and under pressure. That’s the truest speed in cricket.

Handsome cricketer in India: Definitive Guide to Top 25

Fastest Century in T20: All-Time, T20I & League Records

Longest six in cricket history: Verified records, science & myths