Who is the best odi batsmen of all time? At IceCric, we understand this debate is about more than numbers. We have taken on the task of ranking the greatest ODI batsmen to ever grace the 50-over format. We studied the ability to perform in the biggest moments.
In this feature, we break down the batsmen who have not only amassed the most runs. But have also changed the course of matches. Here are the top ten ODI batsman.
A Look At The IceCric Top 10 ODI Batsmen of All Time
1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar sits atop the throne as the best ODI batsmen of all time. He remains the all-time leading run scorer in ODI history with a monumental 18,426 runs. For many years Sachin Tendulkar also held the record for the most ODI centuries with 49 and was the first batsman to achieve the feat of scoring a double century in ODI cricket. Sachin Tendulkar played against the fearsome pace attacks of the 1990s and also excelled in the modern era of T20 power hitting.
2. Virat Kohli – The Modern Day Chase Master
Virat Kohli’s inclusion on this list is no longer a matter of debate. It is a statement of fact. He has redefined what it means to be a batsman in the modern era and his numbers are truly staggering. He is the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000 and 12,000 ODI runs. His true greatness lies in his ability to chase down targets under pressure.
3. Kumar Sangakkara – The Elegant Left Hander
Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most prolific run scorers in ODI history. He played 404 matches and scored 14,234 runs at an average of 41 with 25 centuries. He amassed over 14,000 runs and retired after a stellar performance in the 2015 World Cup. His style made him the backbone of Sri Lankan cricket for many years.
4. Ricky Ponting – The Ultimate Winner
Ricky Ponting was not just a great batsman. He was the ultimate winner. He was instrumental in their three consecutive World Cup wins from 1999 to 2007. His individual records are immense. He scored over 13,700 ODI runs and is one of the few batsmen to have scored 30 centuries in the format.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – The Revolutionary Opener
Sanath Jayasuriya is fifth on the top ten ODI batsman list. His aggressive stroke play in the 1996 World Cup changed the game forever. He played 445 matches and scored 13,430 runs with a strike rate of 91 and 28 centuries. He was a key architect of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph. Jayasuriya could destroy any bowling attack in the powerplay overs. He remains a true legend of the ODI format.
6. Sir Vivian Richards – The Original Game Changer
Long before T20 cricket made aggressive batting the norm, Sir Vivian Richards was doing it with a swagger. He was the original game changer in ODI cricket. He was a fearless batsman who revolutionized the sport in the 1970s and 80s. With over 6,700 runs at an average of 47 Richards was far ahead of his time. He was instrumental in the West Indies World Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1979.
7. Brian Lara – The Prince of Port of Spain
Brian Lara was a brutal and dominant batsman who could single handedly dismantle any bowling attack. He is one of the finest left handers to ever play the game. He played 299 matches and scored 10,405 runs at an average of 40.17 with 19 centuries. Lara held the record for the highest individual Test score twice. He was a true artist who played with grace and flair.
8. MS Dhoni – The Greatest Finisher
MS Dhoni is one of the greatest captains in ODI history. He is known for his calm demeanor and lightning-fast wicketkeeping. He played 350 matches and scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57. He is the only captain to win all three major ICC white ball trophies. He led India to victory in the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. He used to chase down any total under pressure.
9. AB de Villiers – The Ultimate ODI Innovator
AB de Villiers was a phenomenon that cricket had never seen before. His 360 degree stroke play combined with a classical technique allowed him to play shots that seemed impossible. He could hit any bowler to any part of the ground and he did so with breathtaking consistency. His fastest ODI century scored in just 31 balls is a record that may stand for a long time.
10. Rohit Sharma – The Hitman
Rohit Sharma holds the tenth spot in the top 10 ODI batsmen rankings. He is the only batsman with three double centuries in ODIs. He played 265 matches and scored 10,709 runs at an average of 49.12 with 31 centuries. He holds the record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket with 264 runs. His elegant timing and powerful hitting make him a nightmare for bowlers.
FAQs
Q. Who is the greatest ODI batsman of all time?
A. IceCric ranks Virat Kohli as the greatest ODI batsman.
Q. How many ODI runs has Sachin Tendulkar scored?
A. Sachin Tendulkar scored 18,426 ODI runs.
Q. How fast did AB de Villiers score an ODI century?
A. He scored an ODI century from 31 balls.
Q. How many ODI runs did Ricky Ponting score?
A. Ricky Ponting scored more than 13,700 ODI runs.
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