In the age of T20Is and franchise cricket, One Day Internationals are still as important as ever. The players with the most centuries in ODI showcase their skill, temperament, and ability to perform over 50 overs, making this format a true test of cricketing excellence.
Virat Kohli leads the list of players with the most ODI centuries, breaking records with his unmatched consistency and hunger for runs. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar last year in Wankhede, showing his dominance in the format.
This article explores the players who have scored the most centuries in ODI history. It highlights their achievements, their impact on the game, and why they are celebrated in cricket. For fans of records and milestones, this is a must-read!
Top 10 Most Centuries In ODI Cricket
Virat Kohli has the most centuries in ODI, and he’s way ahead of others. Only Rohit Sharma is among the active players in this list. This table will give you a better idea.
| Player | Matches | Centuries | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 295 | 50 | 13906 | 58.18 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 463 | 49 | 18426 | 44.83 |
| Rohit Sharma | 265 | 31 | 10866 | 49.16 |
| Ricky Ponting | 375 | 30 | 13704 | 42.03 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 445 | 28 | 13430 | 32.36 |
| Hashim Amla | 181 | 27 | 8113 | 49.46 |
| AB de Villiers | 228 | 25 | 9577 | 53.50 |
| Chris Gayle | 301 | 25 | 10480 | 37.83 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 404 | 25 | 14234 | 41.98 |
| David Warner | 161 | 22 | 6932 | 45.30 |
Overview Of Players With Most Centuries In ODI Cricket
This list includes only two current players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In this list, only two players are currently active in ODI – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Let’s take a detailed look at the complete list:
1. Virat Kohli
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 183 | 50 | 72 | 1302 | 151 |
Virat Kohli is the leading century scorer in ODI cricket, scoring 50 centuries in just 295 matches. Known for his consistency and chasing skills, he has scored 13,906 runs at an average of nearly 58. His ability to anchor innings and finish games makes him one of the best in modern cricket.
Kohli’s unmatched hunger for runs and ability to perform under pressure has made him a game-changer for India. He is often compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and continues to set new benchmarks in world cricket.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 200* | 49 | 96 | 2016 | 195 |
Sachin Tendulkar held the record for the most centuries in ODIs with 49 until Virat Kohli surpassed him. Across 463 matches, he scored 18,426 runs with an average of 44.83. His technique and adaptability made him a dominant force for over two decades.
Tendulkar’s legacy as the “God of Cricket” stems from his incredible consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure games. he has scored the Most Runs In ODI Cricket. His records remain a benchmark for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
3. Rohit Sharma
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 264 | 31 | 57 | 1012 | 331 |
Rohit Sharma has 31 centuries in just 265 ODIs, scoring 10,866 runs at an average of 48.69. Known for his effortless stroke play, he is the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs.
Rohit’s ability to accelerate in the latter stages of an innings and convert starts into massive scores sets him apart. He is regarded as one of the most dangerous opening batsmen in the game.
4. Ricky Ponting
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 164 | 30 | 82 | 1231 | 162 |
Ricky Ponting scored 30 centuries in his ODI career, amassing 13,704 runs in 375 matches. Known for his aggressive captaincy and batting, he was a crucial part of Australia’s dominance in world cricket.
Ponting’s ability to handle pressure and lead by example made him one of the greatest players of his era. Along with handling the captaincy of his team, he used to bat like a pro. He remains an inspiration for his leadership and remarkable batting record.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 189 | 28 | 68 | 1500 | 270 |
Sanath Jayasuriya scored 28 centuries in 445 matches, with 13,430 runs to his name. Known for his explosive batting, he revolutionized the role of openers in ODI cricket.
Jayasuriya’s fearless approach in the powerplay overs and ability to dismantle bowling attacks made him a key player for Sri Lanka. He remains one of the most exciting batsmen in cricket history.
6. Hashim Amla
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 159 | 27 | 39 | 822 | 53 |
Hashim Amla scored 27 centuries in just 181 matches, amassing 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46. Known for his elegance and calm demeanor, he was a reliable top-order batsman for South Africa.
Amla’s ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency made him a standout player in his prime. His record for being the fastest to multiple milestones is a testament to his skill.
7. AB de Villiers
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 176 | 25 | 53 | 840 | 204 |
AB de Villiers scored 25 centuries in 228 matches, with 9,577 runs to his name. He has scored the fastest century in ODI cricket. Known as “Mr. 360,” he could play shots all around the ground and dominate any bowling attack.
De Villiers’ innovative batting and ability to accelerate at any moment made him one of the most feared batsmen. His versatility across formats has left an indelible mark on cricket.
8. Chris Gayle
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 215 | 25 | 54 | 1128 | 331 |
Chris Gayle scored 25 centuries in 301 ODIs, accumulating 10,480 runs with an average of 37.83. Known for his power-hitting, Gayle could change the game in a matter of overs.
Gayle’s ability to hit big sixes and his charisma on the field made him a fan favorite. He is considered one of the best T20 players but left an equally strong mark in ODIs.
9. Kumar Sangakkara
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 169 | 25 | 93 | 1385 | 88 |
Kumar Sangakkara scored 25 centuries in 404 matches, with 14,234 runs to his name. Known for his elegance and technique, he was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting for many years.
Sangakkara’s ability to perform in crucial matches and his consistency in all formats made him one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.
10. David Warner
| Debut | Highest Score | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 179 | 22 | 33 | 733 | 130 |
David Warner has scored 22 centuries in 161 matches, with 6,932 runs at an average of 45.16. Known for his aggressive batting, Warner can dominate bowlers from the start of an innings.
Warner’s explosive approach at the top of the order and his ability to perform in high-pressure games make him one of the most exciting players to watch in ODI cricket.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli Has The Most Centuries In ODI Cricket
Centuries in ODIs are more than just numbers—they represent a player’s brilliance and ability to win matches. From Tendulkar’s classic innings to Kohli’s modern-day dominance, these records show the evolution of batting in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking journey is an inspiration, proving that hard work and consistency lead to greatness. Alongside him, other players on the list have left unforgettable marks on the sport.
This article celebrates these milestones and reminds us why ODIs remain a vital and exciting format of cricket. Whether you’re a fan of stats or a lover of the game, we hope you enjoyed reading it!
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