One-Day International is one of the most popular formats in international cricket. It is also one of the oldest formats in the history of the sport. It is always a daunting task for the players to shine in this format.
Scoring runs is always going to be a challenge in the 50-over format. However, a notable portion of the players from every nook and corner of the country defied the odds and came through with flying colours.
Now, in this article, we will take a look at the seven players who finished the calendar year as the No.1 ODI batsman on most occasions.
1. Sir Vivian Richards
Sir Vivian Richards is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He scored 6721 runs in ODIs at an average of 47. During his playing days, he finished a year as the No.1 ODI batsman on five occasions.
2. Brian Lara
Brian Lara is widely recognized as one of the greatest batters of all time. The former West Indies captain scored 10405 runs at an average of 40.5. Notably, he ended the calendar year as the No.1 ODI batter on 5 occasions.
3. Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell scored 2331 runs in ODIs at an average of 40.1. The former Australian cricketer finished a year as the No.1 ODI batsman on five occasions during his playing days.
4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli who is currently the best all-format player in the world finished the calendar year as the No.1 ODI batsman on four occasions. He will be looking to achieve more records in his career.
5. AB de Villiers
Proteas’ batting great AB de Villiers is widely recognized as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He scored 9577 runs in ODIs at an average of 53.5 and has finished a year as the No.1 ODI batter four times.
6. Michael Bevan
Former Australian cricketer Michael Bevan was considered one of the greatest finishers for the national cricket team during his playing days. He ended a year as the No.1 ODI batsman on four occasions.
7. Dean Jones
Dean Jones is best remembered for revolutionising the ODI format. He was recognised as among the best ODI batsmen in the world in the early ’80s and early ’90s. Jones ended a year as the No.1 ODI batter 4 times.
