In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), few roles are as demanding—or as celebrated—as that of the all-rounder. While specialist batsmen dazzle with centuries and bowlers dominate with five-wicket hauls, the all-rounder often acts as the unsung backbone of a cricket team. They are the ultimate problem-solvers—capable of rescuing a faltering innings with the bat or breaking crucial partnerships with the ball. In a game of shifting momentum, an elite all-rounder can be the difference between victory and defeat.
In this article, we delve into the careers of the Top 10 Best ODI All-Rounders of All Time. These are players who not only amassed staggering numbers but also etched unforgettable memories into the minds of cricket fans. They have performed across continents, conditions, and crunch situations, leaving a legacy that goes far beyond the scoreboard. So, whether you’re a stats enthusiast, a nostalgia-driven fan, or a curious newcomer to the game, this list is your definitive guide to the titans who ruled ODI cricket from both ends of the pitch. Let’s dive in.
10. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja has grown into one of India’s most reliable all-rounders in ODIs. Known for his pinpoint accurate left-arm spin, dynamic lower-order batting, and electrifying fielding, Jadeja has often played the role of a match-finisher and a run-saver. With over 2,500 runs and 230 wickets in ODIs, his contributions are understated but invaluable, especially in the latter half of the 2010s and early 2020s. Ravindra Jadeja recently broke the record for the longest reign as the No. 1-ranked all-rounder in Test cricket. The 36-year-old has now spent over 1,152 days at the top of the ICC Test rankings.
9. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
The man who lit up the 1999 World Cup with his brutal hitting and clinical death bowling, Lance Klusener, was a phenomenon in the late ’90s. With a batting average above 40 and nearly 200 wickets, he was the original prototype of a finishing all-rounder. Klusener’s ability to hit clean, finish games under pressure, and bowl fast-medium cutters made him a complete ODI package. His consistency at the death and Player of the Tournament award in the 1999 World Cup remain legendary.
8. Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson, one of the mainstays of Australian cricket during their golden years, combined elegance with power. A dependable opening batsman who could anchor or accelerate depending on the situation, Watson was also a reliable seam bowler who often broke partnerships. He scored close to 6,000 runs and took 168 wickets in just 190 matches. His explosive 185* against Bangladesh and clutch performances in World Cups underline his credentials.
7. Chris Cairns (New Zealand)
Chris Cairns was New Zealand’s answer to the elite all-rounders of the 90s and early 2000s. A hard-hitting batsman and a skilful seam bowler, Cairns was often the X-factor in the Kiwi lineup. With 4,950 runs and 201 wickets, his contributions were key to many famous New Zealand wins. Though injuries cut short his consistency, at his peak, he was among the most feared all-rounders in the world.
6. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
A cult hero in world cricket, Shahid “Boom Boom” Afridi was nothing short of explosive. With 395 wickets (the most by any all-rounder on this list) and over 8,000 ODI runs at a blistering strike rate, Afridi’s aggressive style defined a generation. While his batting average was modest, his game-changing abilities were unmatched. His 7/12 against West Indies remains the best ODI bowling figure by a Pakistani, and his 351 sixes are still a record.
5. Imran Khan (Pakistan)
The architect of Pakistan’s maiden World Cup triumph in 1992, Imran Khan was more than a cricketer—he was a leader, a tactician, and a warrior. In ODIs, he amassed over 3,700 runs and 182 wickets, but his real impact lay in his ability to perform in critical moments. His fast bowling in the 1980s was lethal, and his composure with the bat underlined his value. Imran’s legacy is magnified by his ability to inspire and lead from the front.
4. Kapil Dev (India)
The original Indian all-rounder, Kapil Dev, carried the Indian team on his shoulders through much of the 1980s. With over 3,700 runs and 253 wickets, Kapil was equally capable with bat and ball. His 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup is still considered one of the most crucial innings in World Cup history. A true match-winner and inspirational captain, Kapil changed the perception of Indian cricket on the global stage.
3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Arguably the best cricketer Bangladesh has ever produced, Shakib Al Hasan’s numbers speak volumes. With over 7,500 runs and 317 wickets, he has often been the lone warrior for Bangladesh in big tournaments. His consistency, fitness, and adaptability make him a modern-day great. Whether opening the innings or bowling in the powerplay, Shakib has delivered across conditions. He remains a constant fixture in the ICC top rankings for all-rounders.
2. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as the most technically sound all-rounder in cricket history. In ODIs, his 11,579 runs at an average of 44.36, along with 273 wickets, highlight his all-round dominance. What set Kallis apart was his ability to play different roles: anchor, aggressor, partnership-breaker, and even finisher. Despite being criticised for a slower strike rate in the T20 era, his consistency and composure make him a true legend.
1. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Topping this list is the man who revolutionised ODI cricket—Sanath Jayasuriya. With a rare double of 13,430 runs and 323 wickets, he is the only player in ODI history to achieve both 13,000+ runs and 300+ wickets. Jayasuriya’s impact was profound: he changed how openers played in ODIs with his aggressive approach in the first 15 overs. Add to that his left-arm spin, which provided crucial breakthroughs—he was the ultimate ODI package. A cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win, his legacy remains unmatched.
Comparative Statistics Table
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bat Score | Best Bowl Fig |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 445 | 13,430 | 32.36 | 323 | 36.75 | 189 vs Ind | 6/29 |
| 2 | Jacques Kallis | 328 | 11,579 | 44.36 | 273 | 31.79 | 139 vs WI | 5/30 |
| 3 | Shakib Al Hasan | 247 | 7,570 | 37.29 | 317 | 29.14 | 134* vs Can | 5/29 |
| 4 | Kapil Dev | 225 | 3,783 | 23.79 | 253 | 27.45 | 175* vs Zim | 5/43 |
| 5 | Imran Khan | 175 | 3,709 | 33.41 | 182 | 26.61 | 102* vs SL | 6/14 |
| 6 | Shahid Afridi | 398 | 8,064 | 23.57 | 395 | 34.51 | 124 vs Ban | 7/12 |
| 7 | Chris Cairns | 215 | 4,950 | 29.46 | 201 | 32.80 | 115 vs Ind | 5/42 |
| 8 | Shane Watson | 190 | 5,757 | 40.54 | 168 | 31.79 | 185* vs Ban | 4/36 |
| 9 | Lance Klusener | 171 | 3,576 | 41.10 | 192 | 29.95 | 103* vs SL | 6/49 |
| 10 | Ravindra Jadeja | 174 | 2,526 | 32.58 | 231 | 35.41 | 87 vs Eng | 5/36 |
READ MORE:
