Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has achieved a historic milestone by scoring his 50th century in One Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record. This record-breaking century came during India’s semi-final match against New Zealand at the Men’s Cricket World Cup. Along with the most ODI centuries, Kohli also surpassed Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup. This was Kohli’s third century in the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, with previous centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa.

In this article, we are going to discover the top 5 players with the most ODI hundreds in cricket.

Top 5 Players with the Most ODI Hundreds in Cricket

1. Virat Kohli – 50*

Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, is an iconic figure in the world of cricket. He has set a new benchmark in ODI cricket. As of November 17, 2023, he has amassed an impressive 50 centuries in ODIs. Kohli’s journey in ODI cricket began in 2008, and over the years, he has played 291 matches, scoring 13,794 runs with a striking average of 58.69 (as of November 16, 2023). His highest score in an ODI is an impressive 183 runs. Kohli’s ability to consistently score and his aggressive batting style have made him a formidable opponent in the international cricket arena.

• He is the highest run-scorer in T20I and Indian Premier League.

• He was named the male cricketer of the decade in 2020.

In 2013, he reached the number-one spot in the rankings for ODI batsmen for the first time. His form continued to soar, and in 2019, he became the first player to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade.

Kohli’s performances have earned him numerous awards and recognition

• He was the ODI Player of the Year in 2012 and won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018. 
• Additionally, he was named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for three consecutive years, from 2016 to 2018. 
• At the national level, Kohli was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honor, in 2018.

2. Sachin Tendulkar – 49

Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” has left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, India, Tendulkar’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of eleven. His Test debut came in 1989 against Pakistan, and he played his last Test in 2013 against the West Indies. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he debuted in 1989 against Pakistan and played his last ODI in 2012, also against Pakistan.

Tendulkar’s career statistics are staggering. In Tests, he played 200 matches, scoring 15,921 runs with an average of 53.78, including 51 centuries and 68 fifties. His highest score in Tests was an unbeaten 248. In ODIs, he played 463 matches, scoring 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, with 49 centuries and 96 fifties, his highest score being an unbeaten 200.

• Tendulkar is the all-time highest run-scorer in both ODI and Test cricket. 
• He also holds the record for the most player of the match awards in international cricket. 
• His career was adorned with numerous awards and recognitions, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, making him the first sportsperson and the youngest recipient of this honor.

Check Who has the most runs in the World Cup. Virat vs Sachin

3. Rohit Sharma – 31*

Rohit Sharma, another Indian cricket star, has made significant contributions to the ODI format. As of November 17, 2023, Sharma has played 261 matches, scoring 10,662 runs at an average of 49.13. He has hit 31 centuries in ODIs, with his highest score being a breathtaking 264 runs. Sharma is known for his elegant batting style and ability to play long innings, making him one of the most reliable batsmen in the Indian cricket team.

Remarkable Achievements of Rohit Hitman Sharma

• World Record ODI Score: Rohit Sharma holds the world record for the highest individual score in a One Day International (ODI) match, an astonishing 264 runs against Sri Lanka. This feat alone cements his status as one of the game’s greats.
• Double Centuries in ODIs: Sharma is the only player in the history of ODI cricket to have scored three double-centuries, showcasing his ability to play long and impactful innings.
• World Cup Heroics: In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Sharma achieved a unique record of scoring the most hundreds (five) in a single World Cup edition. His total tally of runs in that tournament was a staggering 648, earning him the Golden Bat award.
• IPL Success: Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), making him one of the most successful captains in the history of the Indian Premier League.
• National Honors: Recognizing his contributions to Indian cricket, Sharma has been awarded the Arjuna Award in 2015 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020.

Check – Fastest Double Centuries in ODI Cricket History

4. Ricky Ponting – 30

Ricky Ponting, an Australian cricket icon, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He has had extraordinary success during his time as the Australian national team’s captain. Ponting captained Australia in Test cricket from 2004 to 2011 and in One Day Internationals (ODIs) from 2002 to 2011. His leadership skills led Australia to numerous victories, making him the most successful captain in international cricket history, with a winning rate of 67.91%.

 In his ODI career from 1995 to 2012, Ponting played 375 matches, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03. He has 30 centuries in ODIs, with his highest score being 164 runs. Ponting’s aggressive batting and sharp cricketing mind have earned him a place among the greats of the game.

Remarkable Achievements by Ricky Ponting

• World Cup Victories: Under Ponting’s captaincy, Australia clinched the Cricket World Cup in 2003 and 2007, showcasing his exceptional leadership in the most prestigious ODI tournament.
• Champions Trophy Success: Ponting also led Australia to victory in the Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009, further cementing his legacy as a captain who thrived in major tournaments.
• Test Cricket Dominance: As a Test captain, Ponting’s record is equally impressive. He is one of the most successful Test captains of all time, with 48 victories in 77 Tests.
• Prolific Batsman: Beyond his captaincy, Ponting was a prolific run-scorer. He is Australia’s leading run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket and is third in the list of cricketers by the number of international centuries scored.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan cricket legend, is known for revolutionizing the ODI opening batting approach in the mid-1990s. Born on June 30, 1969, in Matara, Ceylon, Jayasuriya was a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, playing a pivotal role as an all-rounder. Playing from 1989 to 2011, Jayasuriya participated in 445 matches, scoring 13,430 runs at an average of 32.36. He has 28 ODI centuries, with his highest score being 189 runs. Jayasuriya’s explosive batting and effective bowling made him a valuable all-rounder in the Sri Lankan team.

• He is notably the only player to have scored over 10,000 runs and taken more than 300 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
• Jayasuriya scored 28 centuries in ODIs, with his highest score being 189 runs against India in 2000, the highest ODI score by a Sri Lankan.
• He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1996 Cricket World Cup and was recognized as one of the Five Cricketers of the Year by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 1997.
• As a bowler, he took 323 wickets in ODIs, including four 5-wicket hauls, showcasing his versatility as an all-rounder.

Top 20 players with the most hundreds in ODI matches

Who has the most odi centuries for india?

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most One Day International (ODI) centuries by an Indian player. He achieved this milestone by scoring his 50th ODI century, surpassing the previous record held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had 49 ODI centuries to his name. This record-breaking century from Kohli came during India’s semi-final match against New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup 2023

Who has most double centuries in odi cricket

Rohit Sharma, Indian current cricket team skipper, holds the record for the most double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). As of 25 November 2023, Sharma has scored three double centuries in ODIs, with his highest score being an impressive 264 runs.

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At Gamesys11, our team includes dedicated blog writers, who bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to our content. From early cricket careers at divisional and district levels to deep dives into statistics and player insights, our writers are passionate about the sport. They specialize in crafting engaging blogs that explore team lineups, player statistics, and strategic predictions for upcoming contests, enhancing the experience for every cricket fan.