Top 5 Most Centuries in ICC Cricket World Cup

image-lnlwoy1kRohit Sharma created history with ton vs Afghanistan (Twitter)

On Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the World Cup 2023 witnessed an innings of sheer magnificence, courtesy of Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Playing against Afghanistan in Match 10 of the tournament, Rohit scored a ton and put on a batting display that would be remembered for ages.

Top 5 batters with most centuries in World Cup history

The right-handed batting maestro unfurled an array of strokes, painting a picture of perfection. Whether it was the sky-kissing lofted drives, his trademark pull shots, or the exquisitely timed flicks that danced to the boundary, Rohit's innings was filled with breathtaking strokes.

However, it wasn't just the aesthetic appeal of his innings that made headlines. Rohit's century against Afghanistan was his seventh in World Cup matches, allowing him to go past the record he previously shared with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Both were tied at six tons prior to this match, making Rohit's seventh century an even more monumental achievement.

But the records didn't stop there. Rohit's aggressive approach saw him reaching the three-figure mark in just 63 balls. This breakneck speed surpassed a long-standing World Cup record set by the legendary Kapil Dev, who scored a century off 72 balls. With this, Rohit now holds the accolade for the fastest World Cup century by an Indian.

As Rohit celebrates his seventh World Cup ton, here’s a look at top five batters with the most centuries in ICC Cricket World Cup.

1. Rohit Sharma ( 7)

With his impeccable elegance at the crease, Rohit Sharma stands out as an epitome of batting brilliance. Renowned as ‘Hitman’, his unforgettable innings against Afghanistan showcased a plethora of breathtaking strokes, reinforcing his stature as the unrivalled king of World Cup centuries. With a stellar count of seven centuries, Rohit has ascended to a league of his own, even outshining the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. 

image-lnlwu12wRohit Sharma (Twitter)

What's striking about Rohit is his combination of a composed temperament with unyielding aggression, making him an arch-nemesis for bowlers worldwide. His pinnacle was witnessed in World Cup 2019 in England, where he not only dominated but also set an unprecedented record by scoring five centuries in a single World Cup edition, despite it being just his second World Cup outing. Tracing back, it's noteworthy that Rohit's journey of World Cup centuries began in 2015 when the then 36-year-old marked his maiden ton.


2. David Warner (6)

image-lpkx1vl5David Warner [Ap photos]

Australia’s explosive opener, David Warner is known for his fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers from the get-go. In World Cup matches, Warner's approach has remained the same, which is evident from his four blistering centuries. Despite having participated in just three World Cups, Warner has stamped his authority, particularly in the 2019 edition where he accumulated 647 runs.

His centuries, marked by aggressive shot-making and quick run-scoring, have often given Australia the required momentum, making him a vital player in their World Cup campaigns. The dynamic batter added two more centuries to his tallies in World Cup 2023.


3. Sachin Tendulkar (6)

Sachin Tendulkar's legacy in cricket, particularly in World Cups, is historic. Often revered as the 'God of Cricket', Tendulkar's magical bat weaved stories that are eternally etched in cricketing history. Six sublime centuries, each scored with impeccable technique, and unmatched elegance, highlight Tendulkar's exalted stature in the cricketing world. 

image-lnlwuz7mSachin Tendulkar (Twitter)

With an aura that goes beyonf records, the maestro has ingrained his feats in the adoring hearts of billions around the globe. Spanning six editions from 1992 to 2011, the virtuoso amassed a staggering 2,278 runs in 45 matches, positioning himself as the leading run-scorer in the tournament's illustrious history. Each run, each century, isn’t just a statistic but a chapter of the epic tale of a man who wasn't just a cricketer but an emotion, a phenomenon, and for many, a religion.

4. Kumar Sangakkara (5)

Kumar Sangakkara is celebrated for his delightful cover drives and consistency. The left-handed maestro has five World Cup centuries which is an attestation to his skills and temperament under the spotlight of the world stage. Sangakkara combined grace with intelligence, a pairing that makes him a conundrum for bowlers and captains alike. 

image-lnlwvoqpKumar Sangakkara (Twitter)

The southpaw’s repertoire in World Cup cricket is rich with performances that narrate tales of class and dominance. Occupying the third position in the list of players with the most World Cup hundreds, amassed 1,532 runs in 37 outings. The 2015 World Cup was the epitome of Sangakkara's sensational form where he scored four consecutive centuries He concluded the tournament with 541 runs, averaging a magnificent 108.20.



5. Ricky Ponting (5)

Australia's legendary captain, Ricky Ponting made a name for himself in World Cup cricket. A leader of men and a master with the bat, Ponting's charisma and audacity were evident in every match he graced. His iconic pull shots, executed with authority, are embedded in the memory of fans worldwide. With a collection of five stellar centuries, his contribution to the Australian World Cup saga is unmatched. 

image-lnlww9ezRicky Ponting (Twitter)

In a glorious career spanning 46 World Cup matches between 1996 and 2011, he notched 1,743 runs. But numbers alone don’t sum up the essence of Ponting - it’s the moments of audacious brilliance and incredible spirit that define him. Three World Cup titles grace his illustrious career, testifying to his leadership and cricketing skills. Ponting wasn't just a participant in these iconic victories but a catalyst. As a player in the 1999 triumph and the marauding captain in the 2003 and 2007 victories, his influence was seminal.

Note: Other illustrious names in the cricketing world such as Sourav Ganguly, AB de Villiers, Mark Waugh, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Mahela Jayawardene have equally distinguished themselves with four centuries each to their names.