Best ODI Batsman in the World 2024: Cricket is a popular sport played all over the world and has been around since 1726. Over the years, the way cricket is played has changed a lot, with batting becoming a crucial part of the game. To be considered the best batsman in the world and score the most runs, you need to have a wide range of skills, determination, and the ability to stay calm on the field.
In One Day International (ODI) cricket, there are a few players who have exceptional talent and skill in batting. These players can dominate the game with their impressive batting abilities. They can captivate the audience with their elegant shots, incredible power, and consistent performance. Among them, there is one player who is widely recognized as the best ODI batsman in the world. This remarkable player consistently proves his ability to score runs in any playing conditions, against any opponent, and even in high-pressure situations.
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Best ODI Batsman in the World 2024
In this article, we will discuss the top ODI batsman in the world in 2024. We’ll highlight their exceptional skills and achievements in one-day international cricket.
NOTE
The list of the top 10 best ODI batsmen in the world in 2024 is always changing because new players come up and others drop in performance. However, there are a few batsmen who have consistently performed well and remained at the top of the rankings. We consider those players who have consistently played well over the last 2 to 3 years to create this list.
10. Rohit Sharma
- Date of Birth: 30 April 1987
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Off Spin
- Country: IND
- ODI Ranking: 10
Rohit Sharma is currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI batting rankings, which means he is considered the 10th best ODI batsman in the world in 2024. However, he is still a very talented batsman and has the potential to become the best ODI batsman again. This year, the World Cup is taking place in India, and many cricket experts believe that India has an advantage because they are playing on home ground.
Sharma is a well-rounded batsman who can score runs in all types of conditions. He is also a skilled captain and has led India to some impressive victories recently.
Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in a one-day international match. He scored 264 runs against Sri Lanka in Kolkata on 13 November 2014. He is the only player to have scored three double-centuries in ODIs. In January 2020, Sharma was named the ODI Player of the Year by the International Cricket Council (ICC). During the 2019 World Cup, Sharma became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single edition of the tournament.
9. Jos Buttler
- Date of Birth: 08 September 1990
- Role: Wicket-Keeper
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Country: ENG
- ODI Ranking: 15
According to the ICC ODI batting rankings, Jos Buttler is currently ranked 15th. Despite this, he is considered a very talented batsman with the potential to become the best ODI batsman in the world.
Buttler is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to score runs quickly. He is often relied upon as a finisher for the England team, tasked with hitting the winning runs. In his ODI career, he has scored more than 4,536 runs at an average of over 40, including 11 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
One of Buttler’s notable achievements in ODI cricket is his highest score of 150, which he achieved in February 2019 against the West Indies at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada. This is also the highest ODI score by an English player against the West Indies.
However, there are a few factors that could impact Buttler’s chances of becoming the best ODI batsman in the world. One factor is his aggressive batting style, which may bring risks along with its rewards. Another factor is his recent captaincy skills, as he led England to victory in the T10 World Cup 2022 in Australia. These factors may influence his overall performance and future prospects as a top cricketer.
8. Shai Hope
- Date of Birth: 10 November 1993
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Country: WI
- ODI Ranking: 12
Shai Hope is currently ranked 12th in the ICC ODI batting rankings. He is known for his strong technical skills as a batsman, allowing him to perform well in various conditions. He possesses excellent timing and can hit the ball to any part of the ground. In his ODI career, he has scored 4,488 runs at an impressive average of 49.86. He has also recorded 14 centuries and 21 half-centuries.
A notable achievement for Hope was on March 21, 2023, when he scored an unbeaten 128 runs, leading the Windies to victory in the second ODI of their 2023 tour of South Africa at Buffalo Park, East London. This inning made him the second West Indian, after Richie Richardson, to score a century on his ODI captaincy debut. Furthermore, on December 22, 2019, during the third match against India, Hope became the second-fastest batsman, in terms of innings, to reach 3,000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in his 67th innings.
However, there are a couple of factors that may influence Hope’s chances of becoming the best ODI batsman in the world. One factor is his consistency, as he has experienced ups and downs in his career. To be considered the best, he will need to exhibit greater consistency in his performances. Another factor is the tough competition from other talented ODI batsmen around the world. To distinguish himself, Hope will have to consistently deliver his best performances and stand out among his peers.
7. Rassie van der Dussen
- Date of Birth: 07 February 1989
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Country: RSA
- ODI Ranking: 2
Rassie van der Dussen is currently ranked as the second-best batsman in One Day International (ODI) cricket according to the ICC rankings. He has been in excellent form lately and has proven his ability to score runs in various playing conditions.
Van der Dussen is a technically skilled batsman who can score runs all around the field. He has a good sense of timing and can hit the ball with power. In his ODI career, he has scored more than 1500 runs at an average of over 55. He has also achieved four centuries and eleven half-centuries.
What sets van der Dussen apart is his calm and composed demeanor, and he is not afraid to take on the bowlers. He is a team player and always prioritizes the team’s success over individual achievements.
In April 2021, during a match against Pakistan, van der Dussen scored his first century in an ODI, remaining unbeaten on 123 runs. At the age of 32 years and 54 days, he also became the oldest South African cricketer to achieve a century in an ODI match.
Many people compare van der Dussen to AB de Villiers, considering him as the potential to become 2nd de Villiers.
6. Shubman Gill
- Date of Birth: 08 September 1999
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Off Spin
- Country: IND
- ODI Ranking: 5
Shubman Gill is currently ranked as the fifth-best batsman in One Day International (ODI) cricket according to the ICC rankings. He has scored 1311 runs in 24 ODIs with an impressive average of 65.55. He has achieved four centuries and five half-centuries.
Gill is a highly talented batsman with immense potential. He has a great ability to time the ball well and can hit it to all parts of the field. He is particularly skilled at playing spin bowling.
As evidenced by his ODI record, Gill has performed exceptionally well in this format of the game. He is still young and developing, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the best batsmen in the world.
In the 2023 season, Gill had a remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring 890 runs. He became the second-highest run scorer in a single IPL season and won the orange cap, which is awarded to the leading run-scorer. Gill achieved the feat of scoring back-to-back centuries, with scores of 101 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and an unbeaten 104 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In the Qualifier 2 match against the Mumbai Indians, Gill scored the highest individual score of the season, hitting 129 runs off 60 balls. He also set the record for the highest-ever score in an IPL playoffs match. Gill ended the season with three centuries, making him one of the players with the second-most centuries in an IPL season. Although Gill reached his third consecutive IPL final, his team, the Titans, lost to the Chennai Super Kings.
Only time will tell whether Shubman Gill can fulfill his potential and become the best ODI batsman in the world.
5. Joe Root
- Date of Birth: 30 December 1990
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Off Spin
- Country: ENG
- ODI Ranking: 19
Joe Root is currently ranked 19th in the ICC ODI batting rankings. He is considered a highly skilled and versatile batsman, capable of scoring runs in various playing conditions. Root was honored with the ICC ODI Team of the Year award in both 2015 and 2018.
Although he may not be at the top of the rankings currently, Root is still regarded as a talented batsman. He has the potential to regain his status as the best ODI batsman in the world.
It’s important to highlight that Root has shown good form in recent ODI matches, suggesting that he could climb back up the ICC rankings in the near future.
4. Kane Williamson
- Date of Birth: 08 August 1990
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Off Spin
- Country: NZ
- ODI Ranking: 17
Kane Williamson is currently ranked 17th in the ICC ODI batting rankings, and while he may not be at the very top, he is still regarded as a highly skilled batsman. He holds the 4th position in our ranking for the best ODI batsman in the world in 2023.
Although Williamson may not have been in as good form in recent years as he was in the past, he remains a very talented player. He has the ability to score runs in all conditions, showcasing his versatility as a batsman. Additionally, Williamson is known for his leadership skills, having captained the New Zealand cricket team to several notable victories. It is worth mentioning that he has experienced the disappointment of losing two world finals as a captain.
Considering his abilities and potential, Kane Williamson still possesses the qualities to reclaim the title of the best ODI batsman in the world.
3. Steve Smith
- Date of Birth: 02 June 1989
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Country: AUS
- ODI Ranking: 11
Steve Smith is indeed a highly skilled ODI batsman, currently ranked 11th in the ICC ODI batting rankings. He is recognized for his versatility as a batsman, capable of scoring runs in all types of playing conditions. Smith has also showcased his leadership abilities as the captain of the Australian cricket team, leading them to impressive victories.
While Smith has faced some disciplinary issues in the past, resulting in his suspension from international cricket, he made a successful return to the sport.
In October 2022, Smith was selected for the Australian ODI squad for a home series. He performed exceptionally well, scoring 195 runs, including two half-centuries, in three matches with an average of 97.50. Australia won the series convincingly with a 3-0 whitewash.
In May 2023, Smith was named in the Australian squad for the final match of the ICC World Test Championship held at The Oval. In the first innings, he played a crucial role, forming a 285-run partnership with Travis Head and scoring 121 runs. This century marked Smith’s 31st in Test cricket.
With Smith’s significant contribution, Australia emerged victorious against India in the final, winning by a margin of 240 runs. This achievement made Smith, along with David Warner and Mitchell Starc, the first men’s cricket players to win the ICC World Cup, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and the ICC World Test Championship.
All in all, Steve Smith’s performances and accomplishments make him a highly regarded ODI batsman.
2. Virat Kohli
- Date of Birth: 05 November 1988
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Medium Seam
- Country: IND
- ODI Ranking: 8
Virat Kohli is widely recognized as one of the greatest ODI batsmen in cricket history. He has held the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings for an incredible 268 weeks, a record that stands unmatched. Kohli has amassed over 12,000 runs in ODI cricket with an average of over 55, solidifying his status as a prolific run-scorer. His impressive tally includes 46 centuries and 65 half-centuries. Notably, he is the only player to have achieved the feat of scoring 2,000 runs in a calendar year on four different occasions.
Kohli’s abilities as a batsman are comprehensive, allowing him to excel in various playing conditions. He is equally effective in both chasing targets and setting them. In fact, he holds the record for the most ODI centuries while chasing, with 26 to his name. Additionally, Kohli’s leadership skills shine as he has guided the Indian cricket team to notable victories.
Not only is Kohli considered a world-class batsman, but he is also regarded as an incredibly exciting player to watch. His skills, determination, and consistency make him a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to push boundaries and achieve remarkable milestones, there is no doubt that Kohli will leave an indelible mark on the sport. In recognition of his exceptional achievements, he was honored as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade for 2011-2020.
Virat Kohli earned the Player of the Tournament title in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. His exceptional performance included scoring a record-breaking 765 runs, the highest in a single edition of the tournament, along with three centuries. Kohli achieved the highest batting average of 95.62 in the ICC ODI World Cup. Remarkably, he became the third Indian cricketer to receive the Player of the Tournament (Man of the Series) in the ODI World Cup, following Sachin Tendulkar in 2003 and Yuvraj Singh in 2011.
1. Babar Azam
- Date of Birth: 15 October 1994
- Role: Batter
- Batting Style: Right Hand
- Bowling Style: Right-Arm Off-Spin
- Country: PAK
- ODI Ranking: 1
Babar Azam is currently regarded as the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world in 2023. He holds the number 1 position in the ICC ODI batting rankings and has displayed exceptional form in recent years. Azam has accumulated over 5,000 runs in ODI cricket with an impressive average of over 55. He has recorded 18 centuries, showcasing his ability to score big.
Azam is recognized as a complete batsman, capable of performing well in all playing conditions. He possesses a wide range of strokes and is particularly admired for his stylish cover drive. Many cricket enthusiasts draw comparisons between Azam and Virat Kohli, and Azam is gradually breaking some of Kohli’s records.
In 2022, Azam broke Ricky Ponting’s record for the most fifty-plus scores in a calendar year, registering 25 scores of fifty or more. At the age of 28, he achieved the distinguished Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award, making him the youngest cricketer ever to receive this honor.
Babar Azam is undoubtedly a world-class batsman and ranks among the most exciting players to watch in cricket. Given his talent and consistency, it is highly likely that he will continue to set new records and accomplish great feats in the years ahead.
