The One-Day International is a 50-over format that is concluded within a day. The first-ever fifty-over ODI match was played between the West Indies and Pakistan in 1977. The next two World Cups after the inaugural 50-over game in 1979 and 1983 were 60 overs and won by the West Indies and India respectively. The first-ever 50-over cricket WC was played in 1987 and won by Australia who defeated England in the final. There have been many changes in the rules and regulations regarding the ODI format, such as the use of two new balls from both ends. This made the batter's game much easier as the factor of reverse swing was eliminated. In this article, we will tell our readers about the top 10 batters with the most fours in the ODIs.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar was the most successful batter in the history of cricket. Known as the “Master Blaster,” Sachin made his ODI debut vs. Pakistan in 1989 against the likes of Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram. The 16-year-old had no idea of Pakistan’s world-class bowling attack. He still somehow managed to come out on top and establish himself as a young prodigy in the team. The former India batter is regarded as the “God of Cricket” in the nation and is enormously respected in the world of cricket. The little master smashed an unbelievable 100 international centuries in his career including 49 in the ODIs and 51 in the longest format. He ended with 2016 fours in his ODI career.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya
One of the most stylish left-handed top-order batters in the world, Jayasuriya was an attacking opener who loved dominating the bowlers from the very first ball. Born in 1969, the southpaw made his ODI debut against Australia in 1989 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The batter was known for his aggressive batting display throughout his innings. Other than an opening batter for Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya was also a handy left-arm orthodox bowler who could bowl his full quota of overs when needed. He retired from ODI cricket in 2011 with 13430 runs to his name. He also struck 1500 fours in his 22-year-long career.
3. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara was the most important batter in the Sri Lankan team in his era. Counted among the best top-order batters in the world, Sangakkara was a different entity when he batted in full flow. His elegance while playing was unmatched and so was his hunger and consistency while batting. He was also a former captain of his nation and was considered among the best wicket-keepers in the world of cricket. In his 15-year-long career, the southpaw scored 14234 runs in the ODIs. He also smashed 1385 boundaries in just 380 innings. The wicket-keeper batter retired in 2015.
4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is arguably the best batter in modern-day cricket. Across formats, the right-handed top-order batter has performed consistently over the years. An elegant stroke-maker who is hungry and passionate for runs is an inspiration to many. The batter has already breached the 13000-run mark in the ODIs in less than 270 innings. The batter and a former skipper across formats set a high standard for his every team member and himself. The batter is just two centuries away from equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. By far, he has scored 13168 runs in his ODI career which also includes 1232 fours.
5. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was a former Australian skipper and a top-order batter. He was among the best batters and skippers in the world. His dominance in the world of cricket was unmatched and so was his consistency while scoring runs. Widely considered the best Aussie skipper, Ponting made his ODI debut against South Africa in 1995 and established himself as a player to look out for. He scored 13704 runs in his ODI career which lasted seventeen years. The player also led the team to two consecutive WC wins in 2003 and 2007. He retired from ODI cricket in 2012 with 1231 fours to his name.
6. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist was one of the most aggressive batters in the history of cricket. His style of batting was already known to the opposition teams but this would not stop Gilchrist from making an impact in the game. The wicketkeeper and an attacking left-handed middle-order batter made his ODI debut against South Africa in 1996. Since his maiden ODI match, the southpaw left an impact on the game and inspired many young cricketers with his style of playing. Adam was an equally good wicketkeeper who moved quickly behind the wickets as well. The player retired from ODI in 2008 with 1162 fours to his name.
7. Virender Sehwag
You would often see Virender Sehwag opening his account with a boundary. Such was his confidence and mind clarity when he came out to bat. Regarded as one of India’s most attacking openers, Sehwag made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1999 and continued playing until 2013. He smashed 1132 boundaries in his ODI career.
8. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle was a former left-handed opening batter for West Indies who knew only one style of batting which was to attack from ball one. He made his ODI debut against India in 1999 and played until 2019. He smashed 1128 boundaries in his 20-year-long career. He was regarded among the most feared batters in the world of cricket.
9. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly was the player who brought an immediate aggressive approach to the Indian team. Widely regarded among the best Indian skippers, Ganguly was one of the most elegant left-handed batters. He smashed 11363 runs in his ODI career and played as a top-order batter. His approach while batting was very aggressive and he ended his ODI career with 1122 fours.
10. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene is one of the rare players to score a ton in the World Cup final. This came against India in the 2011 WC. He was among the prolific batters around the world. The former Sri Lankan skipper made 12650 runs in his ODI career which includes 1119 fours. He retired from ODI cricket in 2015.
