Top 10 Best Batsmen in ODI Cricket in the World of All Time

One-Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed a plethora of batting maestros who have enthralled fans with their artistry, consistency, and sheer brilliance. Over the years, the format has evolved, but the impact of these exceptional batsmen remains unparalleled. Let’s delve into the world of ODI batting and explore the Top 10 Best Batsmen in ODI Cricket in the World of All Time.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Often hailed as the ‘God of Cricket’, Sachin Tendulkar’s dominance in ODI cricket is legendary. With a staggering record of 18,426 runs, including 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries, Tendulkar’s consistency and ability to adapt to any situation are unmatched. His innings were a blend of elegance and power, captivating audiences worldwide.

He played in multiple tournaments between the span of 1990 to 2012. He played a total of 463 matches and scored 18426 runs. He has always been very impressive with his batting performance. He is not only a record holder in ODIs but also Test cricket. 

2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Ricky Ponting’s captaincy prowess is well-known, but his batting exploits often overshadow his leadership skills. With a penchant for big scores, Ponting’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed was crucial to Australia’s ODI dominance. His 13,704 runs, including 30 centuries, speak volumes about his batting prowess.

He played a total of 375 matches and scored 13704 runs. When it comes to Test format matches, he played 168 matches and scored 13378 runs. He was not an aggressive player, so he didn’t play a good role in T20 matches. 

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli is a modern-day batting legend in ODIs. He has amassed over 13,800 runs at an astonishing average of nearly 60. Known for his aggressive yet technically sound batting, Kohli boasts a strike rate well above 90. His highest ODI score is a testament to his explosive power.

Kohli’s consistency, coupled with his penchant for big scores, has solidified his position as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.

4. Viv Richards (West Indies)

Considered by many as the most explosive batsman to ever grace the cricket field, Viv Richards redefined ODI batting. His fearless approach, combined with his ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground, made him a formidable force. Richards’ strike rate of 90.20 and his seven ODI centuries are a testament to his impact on the game.

He played a total of 187 ODI matches and scored 6721 runs with a strike rate of 90.2. His highest individual score is 189 runs. He has a very aggressive batting stance.

He just wears a cap while batting and rarely uses his helmet. He was also a part of the World Cup when West Indies won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979. He was very good at his batting skills and some he bowls very well, West Indies players are always known for their best all-rounder performances.

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Kumar Sangakkara’s elegance and technique were a treat to watch. His ability to convert starts into big scores was exceptional, and his consistency across different batting positions made him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team. Sangakkara’s 14,234 runs, including 25 centuries, place him among the elite of ODI batting.

Kumar Sangakkara is a Sri Lankan cricketer and is a most successful wicketkeeper with 54 dismissals. The 2015 World Cup Series was one of the best series for him. He scored a total of 541 runs with a strike rate of 108.20. It also includes four back-to-back centuries and by doing so, he was the first batsman to do so in ODIs. 

As captain, he took Sri Lanka to the finals against India, scoring 465 runs with an average of 93.00, which also included one century and three fifties. Total runs scored by him- 1532 with an average of 56.74.

6. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Another West Indian batting legend, Brian Lara’s strokeplay was a sight to behold. His ability to score runs at an astonishing rate and his penchant for big hundreds made him a crowd favourite. Lara’s 10,405 runs, including 19 centuries, showcase his immense talent.

Brian Lara had a wonderful ODI as well as a World Cup career. He was known as the saviour of his team for many years. Brian Lara was part of five world cups, which started in 1992. Lara played a total of 34 tournaments and also took the lead in 1999 and 2007. 

He knocked a total of two centuries each in 1996 and 2003. He was known for scoring at least 200 runs in all the editions. His top score of 116 runs came against South Africa in the 2003 World Cup. He scored 1225 runs with an average of 42.24. He is amongst the top scorers in the ODI format.

7. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI cricket with his aggressive opening batting. His ability to take on the bowlers from the outset and lay a solid foundation for the team was invaluable. Jayasuriya’s 13,430 runs and 28 centuries underline his impact on the game.

Jayasuriya ended his journey in the 2007 World Cup and he was the second-highest runner after Mahela Jayawardene. In the 1996 edition, Jayasuriya was the most valuable player. He was part of a total of five World Cups and appeared in 38 matches. 

Jayasuriya also captained the team in the semi-finals in 2003, he scored 120 against New Zealand. He gave his best performance in the ODI series. 

8. Jacque Kallis

Jacque Kallis is a South African Cricketer. He is one of the best all-rounders in the South Africa team but when it comes to bat, he becomes very aggressive. He has a good personality as an athlete. He has always played as a record-maker player.

He played a total of 328 ODI matches and managed to score 11579 runs. He was also known for his performance in Test cricket, he played 166 matches and scored 13289 runs.

He was very consistent in his test cricket performance and also a good performer in the T20 format where he played 98 matches and scored 2427 runs. 

9. Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene is a Sri Lankan player. He is a very skilled as well an experienced player. He is considered the best cricketer in the history of cricket and also one of the most consistent players in his batting performance. 

He is currently acting as a mentor for the Sri Lankan team as well has mentored Mumbai Indians in IPL. He played a total of 448 ODI matches and scored 12650 runs.

He was also a very brilliant player during his test matches where he played a total of 149 matches and 11814 runs and also played well during his T20. Mahela Jayawardene being a skipper, has a very good capability of taking his team to a huge victory and for this, he has been always ahead. 

10. Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist was more than just a wicketkeeper; he was a revolutionary force in ODI cricket. Opening the innings, Gilchrist unleashed a barrage of boundaries, setting an aggressive tone for the Australian team. His ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the powerplay overs was unparalleled.

Coupled with his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, he was an invaluable asset to the Australian side. He also holds the record of most catches in the world cup history. Gilchrist total scored 110 highest runs, with an average of 36.16. He is amongst the best batsmen in the ODIs.

Gilchrist’s impact extended beyond his statistics. His fearless approach inspired a generation of cricketers and transformed ODI cricket into a high-scoring spectacle. While the format has evolved since his retirement, his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time remains undisputed.

This list is not exhaustive, and many other exceptional batsmen have contributed immensely to ODI cricket. However, the players mentioned above have consistently performed at the highest level and have left an enduring legacy on the game.