With their different strategies and unrivalled skills, several batters have transformed the game of cricket via One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Setting records, creating legends, and raising the standard of performance have all occurred in the ODI format—a hybrid of the traditional test match tenacity and the fast-paced enthusiasm of T20 cricket.
Indian opener Shubman Gill recently overtook Pakistani skipper Babar Azam, who had held the title for an amazing 952 days, to take the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI Ranking for Batters in the World Cup 2023. This change at the top serves as a reminder of how the game is always evolving and how new players are always coming up with amazing moves.
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The term Babar conjures images of class and technical skill in cricket. Babar has established himself as a mainstay of the Pakistani batting order since making his debut in 2015. He didn't merely ascend; he strode there with a sophisticated, sophisticated swagger. Babar Azam was the bowler that every bowler secretly adored and feared for 952 beautiful days. Legends are created of Babar's stint at the top of ODI batting, with a bat that appeared to whisper sweet nothings to the cricket ball.
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Throughout his career, which lasted from 1990 to 2007, Lara produced several amazing innings that displayed his extraordinary skill. His distinctive high backlift and quick footwork allowed him to play speed and spin as well. Lara wasn't just playing cricket between March 9, 1996, and January 21, 1999; he was also working magic. For 1049 days, this West Indian wizard with a bat in his palm ruled the ODI kingdom with blows that left spectators spellbound and rivals in disbelief. Not only was his batting efficient, but it was also an art form, a sight that had both opponents and supporters bowing their heads.
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Jones' playing career from 1984 to 1994 saw him alter the craft of one-day hitting. Jones was a forward-thinking middle-order batsman who played ODI cricket with an aggressive and creative style. He was right-handed. He was renowned for his daring batting, frequently attacking the bowlers right away. Jones completely changed the face of ODI batting for 1146 days, from January 4, 1990, to February 22, 1993. Jonesy was the one who laughed while glaring at the convention. He was all about bold runs, cheeky singles, and an unwavering quest to reinvent the gentleman's game. His rule was a revolution in coloured apparel, not simply a time frame.
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After making his debut for his country in 2008, Kohli swiftly rose to become one of the world's most dangerous batters. Kohli's batting is characterized by his amazing wrist work, precise timing, and an aggressive style that never sacrifices technique. He has gained the reputation of "the chase master" for his ability to pursue enormous objects under duress. Kohli was a run machine with a ravenous hunger from October 22, 2017, to April 1, 2021. With a tenacity and determination that was both frightening and inspirational, this Indian talisman wasn't just making runs—he was chasing them down. He ruled the ODI scene like a juggernaut and seemed unstoppable, rather than a monarch.
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From January 22, 1999, until July 3, 2002, Bevan was the man you needed at the crease when the chips were down, narrowly defeating Kohli. His remarkable ability to lead his side to victory in trying circumstances was a defining feature of his career in Australia. Bevan was a middle-order batsman who batted left-handed and was known for maintaining his composure under duress. This Australian pursuit maestro embodied composure in the face of chaos. Despite the roaring infernos he frequently found himself in, he planned games rather than merely finishing them. Bevan was a maestro of pressure play during his heyday.
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And then there's Sir Viv Richards, the guy who owned cricket for 1748 days, from January 8, 1984, to October 20, 1988. Richards' strike rate and average were much above average for the ODI era he played in, even though scoring runs rapidly in ODIs was not typical. Bowlers had no idea how to deal with him because of his fearless demeanour and enormous hitting strength. He was an important member of the West Indies team and helped them dominate the cricket globe. This legendary West Indian batsman, who wielded his bat like a sceptre, was a member of cricketing aristocracy. With an unrivalled swagger and an unabashedly aggressive attitude, Viv's reign in ODI cricket was not simply a time of domination but also a time of regal supremacy.
Also Read: Top Five Best captains of Indian Premier League History
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