To select the ODI bowler of the decade, we kept a minimum criteria of taking 100 wickets in the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. To further narrow the list, the bowlers which are being compared have an average of less than 30.00, an economy of less than 5.50 and a strike rate of less than 32.00. It is important to mention that we excluded Rashid Khan of Afghanistan from the list though he passed all the criteria. This was done because he played most of his matches against lesser opposition. Lastly, I would like to remind you that the stats in the article are not the career stats of the players but only their stats in the 2010s. So, let us begin our comparison of the best 11 bowlers of the decade on 11 criteria for the title of Stat Sensei ODI Bowler of the Decade.
Primary Criteria
The 3 most important stats in which a player can earn a maximum of 200.0 points. The other bowlers are given points as a ratio of their performance to the top bowler.
#1 Prolific
Points given for number of wickets taken in the period
#2 Consistent
Points given for average in the period
#3 Economic
Points given for economy in the period
Secondary Criteria
8 other criteria in which a player can earn a maximum of 100.0 points. The other bowlers are given points as a ratio of their performance to the top bowler. In criteria where both wickets and strike rate are considered, points are calculated by the formula: (1/Average X 2500) + (1/Strike Rate X 500).
#1 Attacking
Points given for strike rate or number of balls taken to get a wicket
#2 Big Performance Consistency
Points given for average number of innings taken to get a 4 wicket haul
#3 Big Performance Potential
Points given for the 10 best performances in an inning
#4 In Mean Mood
Points given for the 5 best innings in terms of economic rate with a minimum criteria of 5 overs bowled. Most economic performance is in the format Overs/Maidens/Runs/Wkts
#5 In Top Form
Points given for most wickets taken in a calendar year
#6 Against Top Opposition
Points given for average and economy rate against teams which have a better than 1.0 Win Loss Ratio during the decade. These teams are India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England.
#7 In Victories
Points given for average and economy rate in innings in which their nation won the match.
#8 At The Big Stage
Points given for wickets, average and strike rate in ICC tournaments, i.e. the World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Points for wickets are calculated by Wkts/ Max Wkts X 100.
The Final Rating
Total number of points in the 11 criteria reduced to per 1,000 points.
Stat Sensei ODI Bowler of the Decade (2010 – 2019)
