Picking the best cricketer in the world at any given moment is never a straightforward task. With several international stars delivering exceptional performances across formats, the debate often comes down to consistency, match-winning ability and overall impact on a team’s fortunes. However, former South African fast-bowling great Dale Steyn appears to have made his choice, and picked a star all-rounder as the best cricketer at present.
Dale Steyn picks best cricketer in the world at present
Steyn has named Marco Jansen as the best cricketer in the world at present after the South African all-rounder produced a remarkable performance in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The former Proteas speedster expressed his admiration for Jansen through a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the impact the left-arm pacer has been making with both bat and ball.
“Marco Jansen is currently the best cricketer in the world,” Steyn wrote.
Marco Jansen is currently the best cricketer in the world.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) October 21, 2026
The statement came after Jansen played a pivotal role in putting South Africa in a commanding position. He scored a valuable 85 runs with the bat before returning to dismantle Australia’s batting line-up with a five-wicket haul. South Africa had been struggling at 110/6 when Jansen joined captain Temba Bavuma in the middle. The 25-year-old responded with an aggressive yet controlled innings, scoring 85 off 100 deliveries, including nine boundaries and three sixes.
His partnership with Bavuma proved instrumental in turning the contest around. The duo added 132 runs for the seventh wicket, establishing a record partnership for South Africa at St George’s Park and breaking a mark that had stood since 1896. Bavuma contributed a magnificent 179, while Simon Harmer scored 82 as the hosts eventually declared at 425/9.
Jansen subsequently delivered another devastating spell, claiming five wickets for 33 runs in 11 overs. He removed Travis Head, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey and Beau Webster as Australia were dismissed for just 99, allowing South Africa to enforce the follow-on.
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Why Steyn’s pick indeed makes sense?
Steyn’s assessment might spark debate among cricket fans, but Jansen’s performances provide a compelling argument for the former fast bowler’s choice. Modern cricket increasingly values players who can influence a match in multiple departments, and Jansen has demonstrated precisely that quality.
His batting against Australia showcased his ability to respond under pressure. Rather than allowing South Africa’s difficult position to dictate his approach, he took the initiative and helped his captain rebuild the innings. His contribution also demonstrated that he can provide much more than lower-order runs.
With the ball, Jansen offers a different kind of threat. His left-arm angle, ability to extract bounce and knack for generating movement make him a dangerous opponent, particularly in Test cricket. His five-wicket haul against Australia underlined his capacity to exploit favourable conditions and deliver breakthroughs when his team needs them most.
His height and natural bounce can trouble even accomplished batters, while his growing confidence with the bat adds considerable value to his overall package. These attributes make him a valuable asset across formats, even as he continues developing his game. Of course, calling any active player the world’s best remains subjective, given the extraordinary competition at the highest level. Nevertheless, Jansen’s ability to change the course of a Test with both bat and ball explains why Steyn is so impressed.
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