Highest Centuries in ODI: From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli

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One Day International (ODI) cricket is one of the most exciting formats of the game. Scoring a century (100 runs in a single inning) is a big achievement for any player. Over the years, many great batsmen have scored hundreds of runs in ODIs, setting records and helping their teams win matches.

Top 10 Players with the Most ODI Centuries

Rank	Player	Country	Centuries
1	Virat Kohli	India	51
2	Sachin Tendulkar	India	49
3	Rohit Sharma	India	32
4	Ricky Ponting	Australia	30
5	Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	28
6	Hashim Amla	South Africa	27
7	AB de Villiers	South Africa	25
8	Chris Gayle	West Indies	25
9	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	25
10	David Warner	Australia	22

Top 10 Players With The Highest Centuries in ODI

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batters in ODI cricket history. With 51 centuries, he has broken several records and set new benchmarks. Known for his aggressive yet controlled batting, Kohli has been a match-winner for India in all conditions. His ability to chase targets under pressure makes him one of the best finishers in the game. Kohli’s fitness, consistency, and hunger for runs have helped him dominate world cricket for over a decade. With each century, he cements his legacy as one of the finest players ever to play ODI cricket.

ODI Centuries & Achievements

Kohli scored his first ODI century in 2009 against Sri Lanka.
He became the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
He broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries in 2023, becoming the player with the most centuries in ODI history.
Kohli has scored centuries against all major cricketing nations, proving his dominance worldwide.
Many of his hundreds have come in successful run chases, earning him the title “Chase Master.”

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, also known as the “God of Cricket,” is one of the greatest batters in ODI history. He held the record for the most ODI centuries (49) for over a decade until Virat Kohli surpassed it in 2023. Tendulkar played a crucial role in making ODI cricket popular with his elegant stroke play, consistency, and ability to score runs against any bowling attack in the world.

ODI Centuries & Achievements

He scored his first ODI century in 1994 against Australia after playing 78 matches without a hundred.
He became the first cricketer to score 200 runs in an ODI*, achieving this historic feat against South Africa in 2010.
He was the first player to reach 10,000 ODI runs and later became the highest run-scorer in ODI history with 18,426 runs.
Sachin scored 9 centuries in World Cups, the most by any player, and was the highest run-scorer in the 2003 World Cup.
His last ODI century came in 2012 against Bangladesh, completing 100 international centuries (ODIs + Tests), a record that remains unbeaten.

Legacy & Impact

Sachin played a huge role in shaping Indian cricket. He inspired generations of cricketers with his discipline, technique, and ability to perform under pressure. His ability to adapt to different conditions and play breathtaking shots made him a nightmare for bowlers.

Winning the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was the crowning moment of his career, fulfilling his lifelong dream. Even after his retirement in 2013, his records and impact on the game continue to be celebrated. Sachin Tendulkar remains a legend and an icon of world cricket.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman”, is one of the most dangerous batters in ODI cricket. His effortless six-hitting, elegant stroke play, and ability to score big runs make him a nightmare for bowlers. With multiple records, including three double centuries in ODIs, he has cemented his place among cricket’s all-time greats. His hunger for runs and leadership skills continue to inspire millions.

Rohit Sharma’s ODI Centuries & Records

Rohit Sharma has been one of the most consistent run-scorers in ODIs, with 32 centuries to his name. His ability to build innings and accelerate when needed makes him one of the finest batters in limited-overs cricket.

First ODI Century: 114* vs Zimbabwe (2010)
Most centuries in a single World Cup: 5 centuries in 2019 (breaking Kumar Sangakkara’s record of 4 in 2015)
Fastest Indian to 10,000 ODI runs (241 innings)
More than 10,000 ODI runs, making him one of India’s greatest openers

Rohit Sharma’s Leadership in ODIs

In 2022, Rohit was appointed India’s full-time ODI captain, taking over from Virat Kohli. Under his leadership:

India won the 2023 Asia Cup
India reached the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final
His calm and composed captaincy has been praised by many experts

Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Ricky Ponting, one of the greatest captains and batters in cricket history, was a dominant force in ODI cricket. With 30 centuries, he remains one of the top players with the most ODI centuries. Known for his aggressive batting and leadership, Ponting played a crucial role in Australia’s golden era, helping his team win multiple ICC trophies. His ability to perform under pressure and lead from the front made him a true cricketing legend.

Ricky Ponting’s ODI Centuries & Records

Ricky Ponting was a consistent match-winner for Australia. His 30 centuries in ODIs showcase his dominance across different conditions and against top teams.

First ODI Century: 102* vs Sri Lanka (1996)
Most ODI Centuries for Australia: 30 centuries
Over 13,000 ODI Runs: Ponting scored 13,704 runs in 375 ODIs, making him one of the highest run-scorers in ODI history.
Two-Time World Cup-Winning Captain: Led Australia to victory in 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cups.
Fastest Australian to 10,000 ODI runs – He reached the milestone in just 266 innings.
Most centuries in ICC tournaments: Ponting scored 5 centuries in World Cups, proving his big-match ability.

Ponting’s Leadership in ODIs

Two-Time World Cup-Winning Captain (2003, 2007)
Won 165 ODIs as captain – most by any player in history
Led Australia to a record 34-match winning streak in World Cups

Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the most explosive openers in ODI history. With 28 centuries in ODIs, he is among the players with the highest centuries in ODI . Jayasuriya changed the way limited-overs cricket was played with his aggressive batting, especially during the powerplay. His fearless approach made him a nightmare for bowlers and helped Sri Lanka achieve great success on the world stage.

Sanath Jayasuriya’s ODI Centuries & Records

Jayasuriya was a game-changer who scored centuries against the best teams in the world. His ability to dominate bowlers set him apart.

First ODI Century: 102 vs Australia (1994)
Total ODI Centuries: 28 – one of the highest century scorers in ODI cricket
Over 13,000 ODI Runs: Jayasuriya scored 13,430 runs in 445 ODIs, making him one of the top run-scorers in ODI history.
Fastest ODI Fifty at the Time: Scored a 50 off 17 balls against Pakistan in 1996, a record at that time.
1996 World Cup Hero: Played a key role in Sri Lanka’s first-ever World Cup win in 1996, revolutionizing opening batting.
One of the Best All-Rounders: Took 323 ODI wickets, making him one of the few cricketers with both 10,000+ runs and 300+ wickets.

Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Hashim Amla was a batting genius who combined elegance with remarkable consistency. Known for his stylish stroke play and calm presence at the crease, he became one of South Africa’s greatest ODI batters. With 27 centuries in ODIs, Amla ranks among the players with the highest centuries in ODI . His ability to score runs quickly without taking risks made him a nightmare for bowlers. Breaking multiple records for the fastest milestones in ODI cricket, Amla set new standards for batting excellence and proved that class and technique can dominate in the modern game.

Hashim Amla’s ODI Centuries & Records

Amla was a run machine who dominated bowlers worldwide with his effortless batting style.

First ODI Century: 102* vs Bangladesh (2008)
Total ODI Centuries: 27, placing him among the batters with the most ODI centuries
Fastest to 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, and 7,000 ODI runs, breaking multiple records
10,000+ ODI Runs: Scored 8,113 runs in just 181 ODIs at an average of 49.46
Fastest to 27 ODI Centuries: Took just 167 innings, quicker than Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar
2015 World Cup Star: Played a key role in South Africa’s strong performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup

Amla’s Legacy in ODI Cricket

Hashim Amla’s records and achievements place him among the best ODI batters. His ability to score centuries at a rapid pace made him stand out. Even after retirement, he remains one of the top players with the most ODI centuries, proving his greatness in cricket history.

AB de Villiers (South Africa)

AB de Villiers, known as “Mr. 360”, changed the way ODI cricket is played. With 25 centuries in ODIs, he is among the batters with the most ODI centuries in Cricket history. His ability to hit the ball in any direction, combined with his lightning-fast reflexes, made him one of the most feared batters in world cricket. Whether playing a classic cover drive or an audacious scoop over the keeper’s head, de Villiers was pure entertainment. His impact on the game remains unmatched.

AB de Villiers’ ODI Centuries & Records

AB de Villiers was known for his ability to score runs at an unbelievable strike rate while maintaining consistency.

First ODI Century: 103* vs West Indies (2007)
Total ODI Centuries: 25, placing him among the batters with the most ODI centuries
Fastest ODI Century: Scored a 100 off just 31 balls vs West Indies (2015) – a world record
Fastest 150 in ODIs: Reached 150 in just 64 balls vs West Indies (2015)
Over 9,500 ODI Runs: Scored 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs at an average of 53.50
Three-Time ICC ODI Player of the Year: Won in 2010, 2014, and 2015
Explosive World Cup Performances: Scored a 66-ball 162 vs West Indies in the 2015 World Cup

Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Chris Gayle, known as “The Universe Boss,” is one of the most powerful hitters in cricket history. With 25 centuries in ODIs, he is among the batters with the most ODI centuries in Cricket. Gayle’s ability to hit massive sixes and dominate bowlers made him one of the most entertaining players in world cricket. Whether in ODIs, T20s, or Tests, his fearless batting style changed the way cricket was played. He was a key player for West Indies, delivering match-winning performances throughout his career.

Chris Gayle’s ODI Centuries & Records

Chris Gayle’s aggressive batting and ability to score big runs made him one of the most dangerous batters in ODI history.

First ODI Century: 152 vs Kenya (2002)
Total ODI Centuries: 25, placing him among the players with the most ODI centuries
Over 10,000 ODI Runs: Scored 10,480 runs in 301 ODIs at a strike rate of 87.19
First Player to Hit a Double Century in a World Cup: 215 vs Zimbabwe (2015)
Most Sixes in ODIs: Hit 331 sixes, making him one of the biggest six-hitters in history
One of Only Four Players with Over 10,000 Runs in Both ODIs & T20s
Led West Indies to Victory in ICC Tournaments: Played a key role in T20 World Cup wins (2012, 2016)

Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Kumar Sangakkara was the pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for over a decade. With 25 centuries in ODIs, he is among the players with the most ODI centuries. His technique, temperament, and ability to perform in big matches made him a nightmare for bowlers. Whether playing a patient knock or accelerating the scoring rate, Sangakkara always adapted to the team’s needs, proving his greatness.

Kumar Sangakkara’s ODI Centuries & Records

Sangakkara was a run machine who dominated bowlers with his timing and technique. His records in ODI cricket are remarkable:

First ODI Century: 100* vs Pakistan (2003)
Total ODI Centuries: 25, placing him among the players with the most ODI centuries
Over 14,000 ODI Runs: Scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs at an average of 41.98
Only Player to Score 4 Consecutive Centuries in a World Cup (2015)
Most Runs in a Single World Cup Edition: Scored 541 runs in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
Highest Run-Scorer for Sri Lanka in ODIs
One of the Best Wicketkeeper-Batters: Over 500 dismissals in international cricket

David Warner (Australia)

David Warner is one of the most explosive opening batters in ODI cricket. With 22 centuries in ODIs,. Known for his aggressive batting style, Warner can take down any bowling attack from the very first ball. His ability to score quickly, adapt to different conditions, and perform in big matches makes him one of Australia’s greatest ODI batters.

David Warner’s ODI Centuries & Records

Warner’s attacking approach and consistency have made him one of the top run-scorers in modern cricket. His key achievements include:

First ODI Century: 163 vs Sri Lanka (2012)
Total ODI Centuries: 22, ranking him among the batters with the most ODI centuries
Over 6,000 ODI Runs: Scored 6,932 runs in 161 ODIs at an average of 45.30
Three World Cup Centuries: Scored multiple hundreds in ICC Cricket World Cups
2019 World Cup Star: Scored 647 runs in the tournament, second only to Rohit Sharma
One of Australia’s Best Openers: A key player in Australia’s ODI success over the years
Fastest Australian to 4,000 ODI Runs: Achieved in just 93 innings

Conclusion

These players have made history with their incredible performances in ODI cricket. They have entertained millions of fans and inspired young cricketers worldwide. As cricket continues to evolve, new players may join this elite list, but the legends mentioned here will always be remembered for their contributions to the game.

Top 10 Players with the most centuries in ODI in Cricket History