The first One Day International (ODI) cricket match was played on January 5, 1971. Since its inception, this format has captivated audiences worldwide and played a crucial role in shaping modern cricket. The popularity of ODI cricket reached its peak with the introduction of the World Cup in 1975, as it brought together the best teams from around the globe and provided fans with unforgettable moments that have been cherished for generations. Many great cricketers have graced ODI cricket with their exceptional talent, mental fortitude, and match-winning abilities.
While several batsmen have briefly held the top spot in ODIs, very few have consistently dominated this format and maintained the number one ranking in the ICC ODI rankings for an extended period. In this blog, we will look at five players who have spent the most days as the number one ranked batsman in One Day International cricket.
Top 5 players with most days as No. 1 ODI ranking
| Rank | Player | Country | Total Days at No. 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viv Richards | West Indies | 2,306 |
| 2 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 2,079 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | 1,547 |
| 4 | Michael Bevan | Australia | 1,361 |
| 5 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 1,359 |
1. Viv Richards
Richards is considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Playing at a time when the format was still developing, he was known for his fearless approach and consistent ability to dominate bowlers. Richards scored 6,721 runs in ODIs at a remarkable average of 47 and a superb strike rate of 90, figures that were exceptionally rare for that era. His aggressive mindset revolutionized ODI batting and set new standards for future generations. He spent a record 2,360 days at the top of the ICC ODI rankings, the most by any batsman in the history of the format.
2. Brian Lara
West Indies' Brian Lara, known as the "Prince of Port of Spain," played during a highly competitive era in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when he was at the peak of his career. Despite this fierce competition, Lara held the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings for 2,079 days, more than both Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. With his elegance, superb timing, and exquisite technique, Lara inspired an entire generation of left-handed batsmen to take up the game.
3. Virat Kohli
The Indian right-handed batsman has made his mark in every format of the game, but he has been most successful in ODIs. Whenever Virat takes the field in this format, he consistently breaks records. He has topped the ICC ODI batting rankings 11 times and held the number one spot for a total of 1,547 days, the most by any Indian player. Virat Kohli is widely considered one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time, having scored over 14,000 runs in this format at an average of nearly 58.
4. Michael Bevan
Michael Bevan is often considered one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, and his impact on the ODI format was immense. Playing during Australia's golden era, Bevan was a crucial part of one of the strongest teams the game has ever seen. Bevan finished his ODI career with an average of over 53 and more than 6,900 runs. He also holds the record for being one of the longest-reigning top-ranked batsmen in ODI cricket history. He spent 1,361 days at the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings, the most by any Australian batsman.
5. Babar Azam
Pakistani batsman Babar Azam represents the new generation of Pakistani cricketers. He overtook Virat Kohli in 2021 to claim the number one batsman spot in ODIs and remained at the top of the ICC ODI rankings for over 1,359 days. Babar is considered one of Pakistan's finest ODI cricketers, having scored over 6,500 runs in this format at an impressive average of 53.
Also Read: Top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in WPL history
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