All-Time Best XI of Game Changers in ODI Cricket

The 50-over aka One Day International (ODI) cricket began on January 5, 1971, with the first game played at the iconic venue Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia and England. Initially, as the format evolved with time, the game was played with different overs. However, later on, as a standard practice, the number of overs was fixed at 50 overs by the mid-90s era.

But the key revolution which led to the starting of the ODI format can be credited to Kerry Packer, who started a World Series Cricket in coloured jerseys. Moreover, he went up a notch ahead and also included the concept of day-night matches which was the era of the late 1970s. As a result, the first ODI World Cup took place in the year 1975. As time slipped like sand grains, many more innovations took place which included things like powerplays, two balls being used and beyond. So far, 4,776 games have been played in the ODI history till now.

However, only a few players of elite pedigree have seen a complete evolution of the format across various generations and have successfully adapted to the modern demands of the game by constantly working on their technique and game awareness. As a result, these batters have produced special performances with an incredible ability to change the complexion of the game in the blink of an eye.

Let’s have a look at the elite players who are game-changers in the ODI format:

1.Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Fondly known as the ‘God of Cricket’, the Indian legend defined how to evolve and play ODI cricket across various generations. Such was Sachin Tendulkar's batting genius that not only he could set the tempo of the game with his explosive boundary-hitting abilities but also milked singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard ticking. Moreover, he also added some innovative shots to his batting arsenal like the 'uppercut' and paddle sweep to keep the bowlers guessing.

Sachin’s ability to keep adapting to the change, in turn, changed the game in India. This was also the reason that made him the first batter in ODI history in men’s cricket to score 200 in an innings. He proved the saying ’change is the only thing that is constant in life.’ Eventually, the Indian legend bid adieu to the game after scoring a mind-boggling 18,426 runs with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries to his name. Tendulkar featured in 463 ODIs while averaging an impressive 44.83 in his illustrious career.