Iceland cricket The cricketing world has spoken once again after presenting our selection of the top five ODI batsmen of all time. The cricketing body, known for its entertaining and often thought-provoking social media posts, has named some legends as their picks for the greatest hitters to play in the 50-plus format.
Interestingly, the list is not in any particular order, leaving fans free to debate who deserves the top spot. The selections span multiple generations of ODI cricket, from the early days of the format to the modern era, showcasing players who have dominated in very different conditions and eras of the game.
Iceland cricket names 5 ODI batsmen of all time
Sachin Tendulkar is the benchmark of ODI greatness
Few names are as synonymous as ODI cricket Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian legend remains the highest run-scorer in the history of the format with 18,426 runs from 463 matches at an average of 44.83. He also holds the record for most ODI centuries with 49 and became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODIs.
Tendulkar’s remarkable longevity saw him represent India for more than two decades, during which he played in six ODI World Cups and was a key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad. His consistency and ability to adapt to changing times always makes him an automatic choice in ODI discussions.
Viv Richards – The original ODI game changer
Long before aggressive hitting became commonplace, Viv Richards was redefining ODI cricket with his fearless approach. The West Indies icon scored 6,721 runs in 187 ODIs at an impressive average of 47.00 which was considered revolutionary in his era. He also scored 11 centuries and 45 fifties.
Richards was instrumental in West Indies’ World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979 and was widely regarded as the most intimidating batsman of his generation. His dominance against world-class bowling attacks laid the foundation for the aggressive batting styles seen in modern cricket.
AB de Villiers – The best ODI innovator
South African superstar AB de Villiers changed the way people looked at ODI batting. Nicknamed ‘Mr 360’ for his ability to play shots all over the ground, de Villiers combined innovation with extraordinary consistency.
In 228 ODIs, he scored 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries, amassing 9,577 runs at an astonishing average of 53.50. He also holds the record for the fastest ODI century, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015. His ability to pace the innings while maintaining a high average makes him one of the most complete ODI batsmen ever.
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Virat Kohli – Modern day chase master
Virat Kohli‘s inclusion in the list will resonate with cricket fans around the world. The former India captain has established himself as one of the greatest ODI players of the modern era with his unique ability to perform under pressure.
Kohli scored over 14,000 ODI runs and became the first player to score 50 ODI hundreds, eclipsing Tendulkar’s record of ODI centuries. He earned a reputation as the greatest chaser in ODI history, repeatedly guiding India to victories in tough run-outs. His consistency, fitness and hunger to run have helped him maintain elite standards throughout his career.
Many pundits and former players now place Kohli next to Tendulkar in the debate for the greatest ODI batsman of all time.
Michael Bevan – Master finisher
While other names on the list are known to have accumulated over the centuries, Michael Bevan earned a reputation for his ability to finish matches under pressure. The Australian left-hander was one of the pioneers of the finisher role in ODI cricket.
Bevan has amassed 6,912 runs in 232 ODIs, an excellent average of 53.58, one of the highest among players with a significant career. Although he scored only six centuries, his 46 fifties and countless match-winning knocks made him Australia’s most reliable batsman in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His composure under pressure played a major role in Australia’s rise as a dominant force in world cricket.
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