10 Greatest ODI cricketers of all-time

To analyze the impact of ODI cricket retrospectively, we must go all the way back to the 70s when a certain Kerry Packer saw a vision through his World Series Cricket. The Australian business tycoon wanted to cash in on the game’s popularity and although ODI cricket’s inception took even before his emergence, the game truly changed after his arrival.

Not many might believe this, but Test cricket’s popularity in the late 60s and early 70s was so huge that no one expected one-day cricket to succeed. Things have unravelled quickly and in a way very few expected, but ultimately, one has to concede that this format has thus far provided sensational entertainment.

Hard and fast flowing cricket, innovative strokeplay, dancing down the track to fast bowlers, slog sweeps, sixes over covers, point and third man – Most of this stuff was impossible during the 70s and 80s. The introduction of white balls, colourful uniforms, cricket under the lights and various other reforms contributed profusely to making this game what it is today.

The format though, didn’t become successful all by itself overnight. There were many individuals on and off the field who contributed significantly. Here’s a small tribute to some of the finest cricketers of the shorter format, who helped the game proliferate its popularity like wildfire.

To cut down a list like this to ten is pretty difficult and we tend to miss out a few humongous personalities in the process. The names are listed in no particular and the numbers are just descending chronological positions.

10. MS Dhoni

Whenever India was not doing well, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam would tell his friend SP Singh “Don’t worry the captain (Dhoni) will come out and set it out.” Cool, calm and collective – with no expression on the outside, MS Dhoni and his bat told a story which neither this nation nor the cricketing world can ever forget.

Apart from scoring over 10,000 runs coming in predominantly at number 5 or lower, he led the Indian contingent to three ICC titles in six years. One of his greatest contributions though is making this side one of the finest fielding units of all time. He took some harsh steps on its way, which led to him losing the fans’ support momentarily, but he stood firm with his plans and the rest, as they say, is history.

The 37-year-old is now in the fag end of his career and but his lighting-fast hands still function better than many youngsters behind the stumps. Not many realise what void his absence would leave but one thing is clear, ever when he will be gone, he will not be forgotten.

Career Statistics

Matches – 332 | Runs scored – 10,173 | Batting average – 50.11 | Highest score – 183*| 100s/50s – 10/67 | Dismissals inflicted – 425