Most Not Outs In Internationals! How MS Dhoni Mastered The Art Of Staying Unbeaten

Most Not Outs In International Cricket [Source: @YashPan95976454/X.com, Reuters]

In cricket, getting out is just part of the game. But there have been certain players who have perfected the art of remaining unbeaten, returning not dismissed, saving the match, or just being plain stubborn.

These players have the most not-outs in the history of international cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined). Let us take a glimpse at the top 5 players who made it their mission to never leave the crease without a struggle.

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5. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) - 108 Not-Outs

5. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) - 108 Not-Outs [Source: @AkshayTadvi28/X.com]

In fifth spot is Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas, a fast-bowling legend who knew how to stick around. With 108 not-outs in 384 innings, Vaas proved that bowlers could be gritty with the bat too. He often supported top-order batters by batting sensibly and protecting his wicket at the tail end of the innings. Overall, Vaas has 5147 runs with a century and a half-century. 

4. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) - 113 Not-Outs

4. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) - 113 Not-Outs [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]

Fourth position is occupied by South Africa's Shaun Pollock, a world-class all-rounder, with 113 not-outs in 370 innings. Pollock was technically a sound lower-order player and very dependable as well. His not-outs were often match-saving or momentum-shifting, particularly in tight finishes. 

In his illustrious global career, Pollock scored 7386 runs with 3 hundreds, 30 half-centuries, and a 28.73 average. Whether he played anchor, closed games, or just kept one end up, Pollock was a reassuring figure for the Proteas.

3. Muthiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) - 119 Not-Outs

3. Muthiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka) - 119 Not-Outs [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Coming third is Sri Lankan spin great Muthiah Muralitharan, who was left not out 119 times in 328 innings from 495 matches. Though primarily a bowler, Muralitharan became an immovable object in the tail, frequently surviving batters more talented than he, purely on sheer grit. 

His stubborn resistance at the crease frustrated bowlers and added invaluable runs in many situations. As for the overall tally, Muralitharan had 1936 runs with a single fifty in his international career.

2. MS Dhoni (India) - 142 Not-Outs

2. MS Dhoni (India) - 142 Not-Outs [Source: @Shivayaaah/X.com]

Number two on the list is MS Dhoni, India's legendary finisher and cricket's one of the wisest minds. Dhoni registered 142 not-outs in 526 innings during his 538-match international career. With his calmness under pressure, Dhoni rarely left the job unfinished. 

His unmatched ability to time run-chases and absorb pressure made him one of the most feared and respected finishers in the world. Dhoni has a flourishing career, hitting 17266 runs with 16 hundreds, 108 fifties, and a 44.96 average across all three formats combined.

1. James Anderson (England) - 160 Not-Outs

1. James Anderson (England) - 160 Not-Outs [Source: Reuters]

At the very top of this list is legendary England fast bowler James Anderson, with an incredible 160 not-outs in 348 innings across 401 games. While Anderson is popular for his bowling, he has elevated the art of survival at the crease to the optimum level. 

Batting mostly at number 10 or 11, Anderson has saved England countless times by simply not getting out, blocking deliveries for hours, and frustrating opposition bowlers in tense moments. Despite scoring just 1627 runs in his legendary career, Anderson’s grit fetched him a special record.

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