During the conversation with Cricbuzz, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag listed his top five finest ODI batters, which featured two Indians, one South African, one West Indian, and even one Pakistani. All of these hitters appeared during his career. This comes ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starting on 19 February. All these top five players contributed significantly to their careers, building a solid mark in ODI.
Sehwag, who played 104 Tests, 251 ODIs, and 19 T20Is at the highest level between 1999 and 2013, said Virat Kohli is the greatest ODI batsman of all time, followed by Sachin Tendulkar. Since his international debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008, Kohli has scored 13,963 runs in 297 One-Day Internationals. Conversely, Tendulkar retired after scoring 18,426 runs in 463 50-over outings for the Men in Blue.
Below is the list of top 5 ODI batters according to Virender Sehwag
5) Chris Gayle
About Gayle, Sehwag mentioned, "Chris Gayle was an excellent batsman and opener. I recall India visiting the West Indies in 2002-03, and Chris Gayle scored three centuries in a six-match series. He was the first player I saw at the international level who blasted sixes from the back foot to quick bowlers."
4) AB de Villiers
The former destructive Proteas captain retired with an impressive record of 9577 runs at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 101.09, including a top score of 176 runs. "No. 4 is AB de Villiers. I really liked the way he used to play. He’s the only batsman who can hit sixes off-balance," Sehwag said.
3) Inzaman-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain, scored 11739 runs in 350 innings. Even though Inzaman has the best score of 137*, his ODI average isn't impressive. He has a 39.52 average, which is alarming in a restricted overs scenario. He had a strike rate of 74.24, which many consider to be average.
2) Sachin Tendulkar
One of the finest players in cricketing history, Sachin Tendulkar, featured in 463 ODI matches and scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. "Everyone’s favourite and my role model, Sachin Tendulkar. You know how it feels to walk on the ground with him? You’re going to the jungle with a lion. Everyone’s eyes are on the lion. And I used to quietly make my runs," Sehwag said for Sachin.
1) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli scored 13963 runs in 285 innings, the highest of which was 183 runs at an outstanding average of 57.93 anda strike rate of 93.52. “Virat Kohli is at number one. Virat Kohli jaisa khiladi shayad he aane wale samay mein aisa consistent player aaye jisko ek tag diya gaya hai—Chasemaster. In the beginning, he wasn’t the Virat Kohli who he is today. He also took his time and learnt a lot. And after 2011-12, he has changed a lot. In his fitness and in his consistency. He has played amazing innings," Sehwag said.
