All-rounders have a special role in cricket, especially in especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs). ODI All rounders help their teams by contributing both with the bat and the ball, making them essential players who can change the course of a game. Whether they are building a strong score, breaking tough partnerships, or taking crucial wickets, these players add balance and strength to any team.
In this article, we look at some of the best ODI all-rounders in cricket history. These players have set high standards with their skill and consistency, leaving a lasting mark on the game. Their achievements still inspire cricketers today and remind us of how they shaped the ODI format.
Top 20 ODI All-Rounders Of All Time
Here’s a table to take a quick look at the top 20 ODI all-rounders of all time:
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches Played | Runs | Wickets | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 13,430 | 323 | 123 |
| 2 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 247 | 7,570 | 317 | 60 |
| 3 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 328 | 11,579 | 273 | 131 |
| 4 | Chris Cairns | New Zealand | 215 | 4,950 | 201 | 66 |
| 5 | Kapil Dev | India | 225 | 3,783 | 253 | 71 |
| 6 | Imran Khan | Pakistan | 175 | 3,709 | 182 | 36 |
| 7 | Andrew Flintoff | England | 141 | 3,394 | 169 | 47 |
| 8 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 398 | 8,064 | 395 | 127 |
| 9 | Ben Stokes | England | 114 | 3,463 | 74 | 55 |
| 10 | Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | 115 | 1,751 | 158 | 27 |
| 11 | Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | 295 | 2,253 | 305 | 88 |
| 12 | Hansie Cronje | South Africa | 188 | 5,565 | 114 | 73 |
| 13 | Andrew Symonds | Australia | 198 | 5,088 | 133 | 82 |
| 14 | Yuvraj Singh | India | 304 | 8,701 | 111 | 94 |
| 15 | Angelo Mathews | Sri Lanka | 226 | 5,916 | 126 | 53 |
| 16 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 303 | 3,519 | 393 | 108 |
| 17 | Shane Watson | Australia | 190 | 5,757 | 168 | 64 |
| 18 | Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 142 | 3,934 | 75 | 89 |
| 19 | Ravindra Jadeja | India | 197 | 2,756 | 220 | 74 |
| 20. | Hardik Pandya | India | 61 | 1,769 | 84 | 32 |
Overview Of Each All Rounder
Now let’s explore some details about some of the best ODI all rounders of all time:
1. Sanath Jayasuriya
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1989-2011 |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
Player Description: Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI cricket with his explosive batting and effective left-arm spin bowling. Playing from 1989 to 2011, he scored over 13,000 runs and took 323 wickets in 445 ODIs. Jayasuriya’s aggressive approach at the top of the order made him a game-changer for Sri Lanka.
He is also one of the top 20 players with the most runs in ODI cricket. His powerful hitting and skillful bowling made him a trendsetter for modern cricket, inspiring many players with his fearless style in limited-overs cricket.
2. Shakib Al Hasan
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 2006-Present |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
Player Description: Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh’s most celebrated all-rounder, excelling with both bat and ball. Since 2006, he has taken 317 wickets and scored over 6,000 ODI runs in 247 matches. His left-arm spin and dependable batting make him a match-winner and a key player for Bangladesh.
Shakib’s consistent performances have helped elevate Bangladesh’s standing in world cricket, and his all-round abilities make him one of the game’s most reliable players.
3. Jacques Kallis
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1995-2014 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
Player Description: Jacques Kallis, one of cricket’s finest all-rounders, enjoyed a near 20-year career, scoring over 11,000 runs and taking 273 wickets in 328 ODIs. Known for his solid technique in batting and effective right-arm fast-medium bowling, Kallis was a steady presence for South Africa.
His calm approach and unmatched skill in all aspects of the game made him invaluable, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the game’s greatest all-rounders.
4. Chris Cairns
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1989-2006 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
Player Description: Chris Cairns was a powerful all-rounder for New Zealand, known for his aggressive batting and skillful right-arm fast-medium bowling. From 1989 to 2006, he played 215 ODIs, scoring over 4,900 runs and taking 201 wickets.
Cairns’s game-changing abilities with both bat and ball made him a key player for New Zealand, and his fearless style earned him a lasting place in fans’ hearts as one of the most exciting players of his era.
5. Kapil Dev
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1978-1994 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
Player Description: Kapil Dev is an iconic Indian cricketer, remembered for leading India to its first World Cup victory in 1983. Playing from 1978 to 1994, he scored over 3,700 runs and took 253 wickets in 225 ODIs.
Known for his aggressive batting and effective fast-medium bowling, Kapil was a game-changer for India. His leadership and all-round contributions established him as a legend, making a significant impact on Indian cricket’s history.
6. Imran Khan
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1971-1992 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast |
Player Description: Imran Khan, Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder and captain, led his team to World Cup glory in 1992. Playing from 1971 to 1992, he scored over 3,700 runs and took 182 wickets in 175 ODIs. Known for his sharp fast bowling and reliable batting, Imran’s leadership and all-round skill inspired generations.
His achievements, both as a player and leader, have cemented his status as one of the game’s all-time greats in Pakistan and beyond.
7. Andrew Flintoff
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1996-2009 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
Player Description: Andrew Flintoff was one of England’s most impactful all-rounders, recognized for his powerful right-handed batting and fast-medium bowling. Playing from 1996 to 2009, he scored over 3,900 runs and took 169 wickets in 141 ODIs.
Flintoff’s performance in high-stakes games, especially the Ashes series, made him a fan favorite. His passionate play and match-winning ability cemented his legacy as one of England’s most unforgettable cricketers.
8. Shahid Afridi
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1996-2018 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg-spin |
Player Description: Shahid Afridi, known as “Boom Boom,” was renowned for his explosive batting and effective leg-spin bowling. From 1996 to 2018, he scored over 8,000 runs and took 395 wickets in 398 ODIs. Afridi’s fearless style and game-changing abilities with both bat and ball made him a thrilling player to watch. He is also one of the players who took the most wickets in ODI.
His exciting performances and impactful contributions have left a lasting impression, making him one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers.
9. Ben Stokes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 2011-Present |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
Player Description: Ben Stokes is one of England’s most dynamic all-rounders, known for his powerful batting, impactful fast-medium bowling, and athletic fielding. Debuting in 2011, he has scored over 3,000 ODI runs and taken 74 wickets in 114 matches.
Stokes excels under pressure, with memorable performances like his 2019 World Cup heroics. His fighting spirit and skill have made him a crucial player for England, cementing his reputation as a modern-day cricket star.
10. Daniel Vettori
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1997-2015 |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
Player Description: Daniel Vettori is one of New Zealand’s most iconic all-rounders, renowned for his consistent left-arm orthodox spin bowling and reliable batting. Debuting in 1997, Vettori has taken 305 ODI wickets in 295 matches and scored valuable runs lower down the order.
His ability to control the game with his spin and provide crucial breakthroughs made him a vital player for New Zealand. Vettori’s cricketing intelligence and skill have left a lasting legacy in international cricket.
Top 3 Upcoming All Rounders
Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, and Glenn Maxwell are three of the top all-rounders in ODI cricket, each bringing unique skills and impact to their teams.
Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan is known for his versatile batting and off-spin bowling, showcasing his ability to stabilize the middle order or accelerate when needed. His leadership and experience have made him a respected figure in Afghan cricket.
Sikandar Raza represents Zimbabwe with a powerful batting style and evolving off-spin bowling. He is a match-winner who consistently delivers key performances, evidenced by his career-high rating of 292 in 2024. Raza’s passion for the game and dedication to his teammates inspire those around him.
Glenn Maxwell, often called “The Big Show,” is celebrated for his explosive batting and effective off-spin. Known for his ability to change the course of a game quickly, his energy and athleticism elevate the entire Australian team, making him a crucial player in limited-overs formats.
Conclusion: Sanath Jayasuriya Is The Greatest ODI All Rounder Of All Time
These exceptional ODI all-rounders have shown that versatility is the key to long-lasting success in cricket. Their ability to excel with both bat and ball transformed many games, proving how a single player can impact every phase of a match. Whether stabilizing an inning, taking critical wickets, or delivering clutch performances under pressure, these all-rounders redefined what it means to be a complete cricketer.
Their legacies go beyond records and statistics; they brought balance, strategy, and excitement to the ODI format, inspiring countless players around the world. As ODI cricket goes through changes, the mark left by these all-rounders continues to shape the game, proving that mastery in multiple roles is a powerful asset for any team.
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