Over the course of the ODI history, the Indian team has played various bilateral series. We will now have a look at the most runs scored by Indians in a bilateral ODI series.
1. Virat Kohli Vs South Africa (2018)
Virat Kohli had a terrific run in this series. He scored three centuries, one of them being a 160* in which he scored 100 runs just in running. He led the team to a 5-1 series victory and was adjudged the Man of the Series. Virat scored 558 runs in this series.
2. Rohit Sharma Vs Australia (2013)
This series and the Champions Trophy early this year are the two series which signalled the start of a new ODI era under the batting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. In this series, Rohit Sharma scored a 123-ball 141 when chasing a colossal target of 360 and India managed to win the match with more than six overs to spare. Rohit also scored his first double hundred in the final match of the series which was a series decider and his knock helped India win the match. Rohit Sharma scored 491 runs in this series.
3. Virat Kohli Vs West Indies (2018)
This is the same West Indies series discussed earlier. Virat Kohli as the captain and he led the team with example with his three centuries. He scored above 450 runs and was a key reason why India won the series 3-1. He was adjudged the man of the series for his batting exploits. Virat Kohli scored 453 runs in this series.
4. Rohit Sharma Vs Australia (2016)
This is the same India tour of Australia ODI series discussed earlier. Rohit Sharma scored bulk of runs especially in the first ODI where he scored 171*. India almost was on the brink of getting whitewashed, when they managed to win the final match and lost the series 1-4. However, Rohit Sharma was adjudged the Man of the series. Rohit Sharma scored 441 runs in this series.
5. Rohit Sharma Vs West Indies (2018)
Rohit Sharma made two 150+ scores in the series. But his performance was overshadowed by Virat Kohli. Overall, though, India managed the win the series 3-1. Rohit Sharma scored 389 runs in this series.
6. Virat Kohli Vs Australia (2016)
Virat Kohli started his good run of form, sometime about this series. He scored two hundreds. However, neither was it enough to attain the man of the series award, nor was it good enough to win the series. Virat Kohli scored 381 runs in this series.
7. Sachin Tendulkar Vs England (2007)
Sachin Tendulkar scored four half-centuries in the series. However, his issue of ‘Nervous Nineties’ struck him twice in the series with him getting out once in 94 and once in 99. However, in terms of overall runs scored, he had a good outing. However, despite that, India couldn’t win the series as England managed to win the series 4-3. Sachin Tendulkar scored 374 runs in this series.
8. Virat Kohli Vs New Zealand (2016)
Virat Kohli had a fine run of form in this year. He made a 150+ score and two other half centuries to go with. The series was a pretty close one with India winning it 3-2 and the bowlers had a good outing throughout the series which helped. Kohli scored big this series. Virat scored 358 runs in this series.
9. MS Dhoni Vs Sri Lanka (2005)
This series occurred in the early stages of Dhoni’s ODI career. Before he became the gold standard for an ODI finisher, he was tried in the top order for various matches. He did excel in the role. In one of the matches, India was chasing a big target of 299. However, Dhoni came in and had a whirlwind knock of 183* and made light work of the chase. That remains his highest ODI score. The knock is always considered to be an important part of his career. MS Dhoni scored 346 runs in this series.
10. Yuvraj Singh Vs Pakistan (2006)
This was a 5-match ODI series as a part of the India tour of Pakistan in 2006. Yuvraj played an integral role in the batting front, crossing 70 thrice, one of which was a century. India had a good series, winning it 4-1 and Yuvraj Singh was adjudged the man of the series. Yuvraj Singh scored 344 runs in this series.