One Day Internationals (ODIs) have long been a format that tests a batter’s skill, temperament, and consistency. From playing grinding innings under pressure to accelerating when required, scoring centuries in ODIs is not just about numbers; it’s about legacy. Over the decades, a select few cricketers have carved their names into the annals of cricket history by not just scoring runs, but doing so with such regularity that they became the pillars of their respective teams. This article celebrates the five giants of ODI cricket who have amassed the most centuries, legends who made three-figure scores a habit, not a milestone.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka/Asia XI) – 28 Centuries
Sanath Jayasuriya was a revolutionary figure who redefined the role of an ODI opener during the mid-90s. His fearless strokeplay during field restrictions laid the foundation for modern-day power hitting. Jayasuriya was not only an explosive batter but also a handy left-arm spinner, making him one of the best all-rounders in ODI history.
His 28 ODI centuries often came at breakneck speed, rattling bowlers and giving Sri Lanka flying starts. He was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph and continued to play a vital role in their success for over a decade. ST Jayasuriya’s ability to dominate bowling from ball one set him apart in an era of conservative openers.
Sanath Jayasuriya – ODI Career Stats
| Span | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Ducks | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–2011 | 445 | 433 | 18 | 13,430 | 189 | 32.36 | 14,725 | 91.20 | 28 | 68 | 34 | 1500 | 270 |
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 30 Centuries
One of Australia’s greatest-ever captains, Ricky Ponting, was the embodiment of grit and dominance. His aggressive batting style, coupled with flawless technique, made him a constant threat in the ODI format. A tactician on the field and a workhorse with the bat, Ponting’s centuries came during Australia’s golden era, often against top sides in high-pressure games.
Ponting was known for his pull shots and front-foot punches, and he thrived in ICC tournaments. Whether it was the 2003 World Cup final blitz or crucial knocks in bilateral series, he was always in the thick of things. His 30 centuries speak volumes of his ability to anchor and finish innings with the same level of authority.
Ricky Ponting – ODI Career Stats
| Span | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Ducks | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–2012 | 375 | 365 | 39 | 13,704 | 164 | 42.03 | 17,046 | 80.39 | 30 | 82 | 20 | 1231 | 162 |
3. Rohit Sharma (India) – 32 Centuries
Rohit Sharma, famously known as the “Hitman,” redefined power hitting in ODIs with his towering sixes and lazy elegance. What makes Rohit’s centuries remarkable is how he builds them, often starting slow and exploding in the latter half of the innings. His record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka remains the highest individual score in ODIs, a feat that epitomises his hunger for big innings.
After being promoted to the opening slot in 2013, Rohit transformed his ODI career. He has multiple double centuries to his name and is one of the few players who has made centuries look effortless. His ability to accelerate without risk makes him a nightmare for bowlers once he’s set.
Rohit Sharma – ODI Career Stats
| Span | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Ducks | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2025 | 273 | 265 | 36 | 11,168 | 264 | 48.76 | 12,034 | 92.80 | 32 | 58 | 16 | 1045 | 344 |
2. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 49 Centuries
The name Sachin Tendulkar is synonymous with cricketing greatness. Known as the “God of Cricket,” Tendulkar carried the expectations of a billion fans for more than two decades. His record of 49 centuries in ODIs was considered untouchable until Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Tendulkar’s ODI hundreds came in different eras, across continents, and against the best bowling attacks in the world. From his iconic 200* against South Africa to his masterclass at Sharjah against Australia, Tendulkar played some of the most iconic ODI knocks ever witnessed. His technique, balance, and elegance were a joy to behold, and his ability to adapt his game as the sport evolved made him truly timeless.
Sachin Tendulkar – ODI Career Stats
| Span | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Ducks | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–2012 | 463 | 452 | 41 | 18,426 | 200* | 44.83 | 21,368 | 86.23 | 49 | 96 | 20 | 2016 | 195 |
1. Virat Kohli (India) – 51 Centuries
Virat Kohli, often hailed as the modern-day master, redefined consistency in ODI cricket. With an insatiable hunger for runs and unmatched chase-master ability, Kohli has shattered records one after the other. His centuries often came in match-winning causes, especially while chasing. What sets Kohli apart is not just his volume of runs but the quality of composed innings under pressure, aggressive counterattacks, and surgical precision in strike rotation.
Nicknamed “The Run Machine,” Kohli has dominated bowling attacks across conditions and formats. From his early days as a brash youngster in 2008 to becoming India’s go-to match-winner, his evolution is remarkable. His 51 centuries stand as a testament to unmatched dedication and fitness levels that allowed him to maintain peak form for over a decade and a half.
Virat Kohli – ODI Career Stats
| Span | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Ducks | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2025 | 302 | 290 | 45 | 14,181 | 183 | 57.88 | 15,192 | 93.34 | 51 | 74 | 16 | 1325 |
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