The cover drive is the best example of classical cricket! 

In sports, certain moments possess the enchanting power to captivate even the most seasoned and cynical fans. The cover drive holds a special place for batsmen in cricket, standing near the pinnacle of these mesmerising moments. The execution of this shot varies among players. Some opt for a technique involving placing their foot directly on the ball's pitch and gracefully descending to one knee to elegantly guide the ball through the cover region. Others rely on impeccable timing and hand-eye coordination to send the ball racing to the boundary. Irrespective of the approach, the cover drive stands out as one of the most visually stunning aspects of the game. In this regard, we present a list of the four finest contemporary cover-drive players, assessed solely based on the aesthetic beauty of their execution.

Virat Kohli

Undoubtedly, among the current crop of batsmen, the Indian cricketer and former captain stands out as the unrivalled master of the cover drive. His mastery over the bat and body during the execution of this shot is genuinely remarkable, consistently capturing the attention of spectators. Cricket pundits from across the globe have commended the batsman from Delhi for his exceptional footwork while playing the cover drive. With a cricketing career spanning over 15 years, Kohli has established himself as one of the leading run-scorers in all formats. Notably, he holds the distinction of maintaining a batting average exceeding 50 in every game format, a feat achieved by only a select few. Virat Kohli is undeniably the preeminent cover drive player among contemporary cricketers.

Sachin Tendulkar

While numerous batters have showcased the beauty of the cover drive, Sachin Tendulkar initially underscored the significance of maintaining impeccable body balance during this exquisite stroke. His ability to retain control throughout the shot, dictating when to play the ball along the ground and when to lift it, set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers. Exploring the diverse dimensions of the cover drive, including the square drive, lofted drive, back-foot drive, and cover drive against spinners, Tendulkar emerged as the ultimate maestro. The Master Blaster's exceptional skill in executing various forms of the cover drive firmly established him as the leading authority in this nuanced aspect of batting, lastingly impacting the world of cricket.

Babar Azam

The cricketer hailing from Lahore has ascended to global stardom in the cricketing world. Often drawing comparisons with his Indian counterpart, Babar consistently proves himself on the international stage, showcasing a remarkable ability to amass runs. In addition to his run-scoring prowess, his execution of the cover drive is frequently likened to that of the former Indian captain. Having made his international debut in 2015, Babar's career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. A rare feat among batsmen, he holds a spot in the top ten rankings across all game formats. Undoubtedly, Babar stands out as one of his generation's premier cover drive exponents, contributing significantly to his reputation as a standout batsman in contemporary cricket.

Quinton de Kock

The batsman from Johannesburg stands out as one of the most accomplished players of his era, currently holding the position of South Africa's foremost batsman. His cricket prowess has earned him a place among the top 15 batters. His exceptional proficiency in a particular shot sets him apart—the cover drive. Cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike have showered praise for his mastery of the cover drive, recognising it as a standout aspect of his batting repertoire.

Cricket is a sport driven by showmanship. In an era where scoops and unconventional shots dominate the landscape, a classical cover drive is fresh air!