Ranking top 10 ‘all-time greats’ in ODI cricket history

2. Sachin Tendulkar

Having played international cricket in four decades, Sachin Tendulkar just didn’t pile a mountain of runs but inspire generations. With his sheer determination and firm self-belief, the 5.5 ft guy from Dadar gave nightmares to many potent bowlers and took India to several wins. Bowlers came and went, rules were changed, and many injuries threatened to cut short Tendulkar’s career.

However, the legendary batsman defied all the odds and delivered consistently. He started his ODI career as a middle-order batsman but earned the opening slot with his tremendous performances, and we all know what happened next. Tendulkar played numerous staggering knocks at the top order and rewrote the record books.

Performing at big stages was another important aspect of Tendulkar’s game as he was the leading scorer of two World Cups (1996 and 2003). He even holds the record of most runs and hundreds in ODIs. However, Tendulkar’s journey was certainly not just about his on-field performances. His personality and aura upstaged the contests, and the ‘Sachin..Sachin’ chants can still be heard.