Top 6 Batters To Have Spent Most No. Of Days As World's No. 1 ODI Batter
Shubman Gill is the considered as the next bing thing in world cricket
The One Day International (ODI) format has witnessed numerous batsmen who have not just played but redefined the game with their unique styles and unmatched abilities.
The ODI format, a combination of the classical test match endurance and the high-paced thrills of T20 cricket, has been a stage where legends have been made, records have been set, and the bar of excellence has continually been raised.
Recently, Indian opener, Shubman Gill has spectacularly rose to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Ranking for Batters, surpassing Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who held the crown for an impressive 952 days. This shift at the pinnacle is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the game and the emergence of new talents.
However, this is not the first time the cricketing world has seen such dramatic shifts in rankings. Over the years, several batsmen have held the coveted position of the number one ODI batsman for extended periods, etching their names in history.
Here’s a look at the top 6 batters who have spent the most number of days at the top of the ICC ODI Rankings For Batters.
Top 6 batters with most number of days as world's number 1
6. Babar Azam: 952 days
Babar Azam (Twitter)
Babar’s is a name that resonates with cricketing class and technical finesse. Since his debut in 2015, Babar has established himself as a cornerstone of the Pakistani batting lineup. He didn’t just climb to the top; he sauntered there with a swagger that was all class and finesse. For 952 glorious days, Babar Azam was the guy every bowler dreaded but secretly admired. With a bat that seemed to whisper sweet nothings to the cricket ball, Babar's tenure at the summit of ODI batting is stuff legends are made of.
5. Brian Lara: 1049 days
Brian Lara (Twitter)
Lara’s career, spanning from 1990 to 2007, was filled with numerous breathtaking innings that showcased his exceptional talent. His high backlift and swift footwork were his trademark, allowing him to play both spin and pace with equal aplomb. From March 9, 1996, to January 21, 1999, Lara wasn't just playing cricket; he was weaving magic. This West Indian sorcerer with a bat in his hand held sway over the ODI kingdom for 1049 days, playing strokes that left audiences enchanted and opponents in awe. His batting wasn't just effective; it was an art form, a spectacle that had fans and foes tipping their hats.
4. Dean Jones: 1146 days
Dean Jones (Twitter)
Jones redefined the art of one-day batting during his playing period from 1984 to 1994. A right-handed middle-order batsman, Jones was ahead of his time, bringing an aggressive and innovative approach to ODI cricket. He was known for his fearless batting, often taking the attack to the bowlers from the get-go. Jones, for 1146 days, from January 4, 1990, to February 22, 1993, turned ODI batting on its head. Jonesy was the guy who looked convention in the eye and laughed. He was all about cheeky singles, audacious running, and a relentless desire to redefine the gentleman's game. His reign was not just a period; it was a revolution in coloured clothing.
3. Virat Kohli: 1258 days
Virat Kohli (Twitter)
Emerging on the international scene in 2008, Kohli quickly ascended to become one of the most formidable batsmen in the world. Kohli's batting is distinguished by his extraordinary wrist work, impeccable timing, and an aggressive approach that never compromises on technique. His ability to chase down huge targets in high-pressure situations has earned him the moniker of 'the chase master'. From October 22, 2017, to April 1, 2021, Kohli was a run machine with a voracious appetite. This Indian talisman wasn't just scoring runs; he was hunting them down, with a ferocity and passion that was both terrifying and inspiring. His rule over the ODI scene was not a reign; it was a a juggernaut that seemed unstoppable.
2. Michael Bevan: 1259 days
Michael Bevan (Twitter)
Just edging out Kohli by a whisker, Bevan from January 22, 1999, to July 3, 2002, was the guy you wanted at the crease when the chips were down. His Australian tenure was marked by his extraordinary ability to steer his team to victory from difficult situations. A left-handed middle-order batsman, Bevan's style was characterized by his calm and composed approach, even under intense pressure. This Australian maestro of the chase was the epitome of calm in a storm. He didn't just finish games; he scripted them with a composed demeanour that belied the raging infernos he often found himself in. Bevan's days at the top were a masterclass in pressure play.
1. Viv Richards: 1748 days
Sir Vivian Richards (Twitter)
And then there's Sir Viv Richards, the man who for 1748 days, from January 8, 1984, to October 20, 1988, didn't just play cricket; he owned it. Richards played in an era when scoring quickly in ODIs was not common, yet his strike rate and average were far ahead of his time. His ability to hit the ball with immense power, combined with his fearless attitude, made him a nightmare for bowlers. He was a key player in the West Indies team, contributing significantly to their dominance in world cricket. This West Indian legend was cricketing royalty, a batsman who used his bat like a scepter. With a swagger that was unmatched and a style that was unapologetically aggressive, Viv's reign was not just a period of dominance; it was an era of regal supremacy in ODI cricket.
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