| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 121 | 8,540 | 291 | 50.24 | 24 | 45 |
| ODI | 187 | 6,721 | 189 | 47.0 | 11 | 45 |
In 1974, Sir Vivian Richards made his debut in the national cricket team, facing India for the first time. Throughout his reign, Richards exuded charisma and a commanding presence that instilled fear in bowlers.
Even before the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gilchrist, and Virat Kohli emerged, Viv Richards had already established himself as one of the most dominant and influential batsmen in the sport.
His remarkable performance of scoring 291 runs against England at the Oval in 1976 captured numerous headlines, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Across 121 Test matches, Richards amassed a total of 8,540 runs at an impressive average of 50. The Caribbean batsman, Sir Vivian Richards, continues to be hailed as the most feared cricketer of all eras, known for his impeccable timing and an attitude brimming with boundless confidence. It is for these reasons that Vivian Richards is widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of cricket.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 200 | 15,921 | 248* | 53.78 | 51 | 68 |
| ODI | 463 | 18,426 | 200* | 44.83 | 49 | 96 |
| T20I | 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
When discussing the world's greatest batsmen, it is impossible to overlook Sachin Tendulkar, who is revered as one of the finest cricketers in the history of the sport.
Beyond his impressive run-scoring abilities, Tendulkar's unwavering determination and longevity set him apart, dominating the international game for an incredible 24 years.
Fondly known as India's cricketing god, Tendulkar rightfully claims his place among the world's elite hitters. Making his debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the tender age of 16, Tendulkar embarked on a remarkable journey that knew no bounds.
His illustrious career spanned 200 Test matches and 463 One Day Internationals (ODIs), culminating in his retirement in 2013. Notably, Tendulkar etched his name in history as the first batsman to score 200 runs in a single ODI innings, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the sport.
3. Sir Donald Bradman
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 52 | 6,996 | 334 | 99.94 | 29 | 13 |
Sir Donald Bradman was instrumental in Australian cricket's most glorious era, setting an unparalleled standard that left an indelible mark on the game worldwide. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Bradman served as a benchmark for aspiring cricketers across the globe.
His remarkable career spanned two decades, during which he participated in 52 Test matches and amassed a staggering 6,996 runs with an extraordinary average of 99.94.
The iconic cricketer's final game, however, saw him dismissed for a golden duck, narrowly preventing him from achieving a rock-solid average of 100. A mere four runs in that match would have propelled Bradman to a flawless average of exactly 100, solidifying his already legendary status.
4. Brian Lara
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 131 | 11,953 | 400 | 52.89 | 34 | 48 |
| ODI | 299 | 10,405 | 103 | 35.14 | 1 | 27 |
Brian Lara, widely regarded as one of the most exceptional left-handed batsmen in the history of cricket, stands among the greatest hitters of all time. Tasked with the formidable responsibility of reviving West Indian cricket during a tumultuous period, Lara embarked on a mission to restore the glory associated with iconic players like Richards and Headley.
Throughout his illustrious career, this 52-year-old legend shattered numerous records, with his most remarkable achievement being the monumental feat of scoring the highest individual score of 400* in Test cricket. A true display of his mastery, Lara decimated the English attack in Antigua during the year 2004, amassing a staggering 400 runs from just 582 deliveries.
In his impressive career spanning 131 Test matches, Brian Lara accumulated a total of 11,953 runs at a strike rate of 52. Furthermore, he showcased his batting prowess in One Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing 10,495 runs in 299 matches at a strike rate of 79.51.
Brian Lara's exceptional contributions to the game have firmly established him as a legend, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
5. Sunil Gavaskar
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 125 | 10,122 | 236 | 51.12 | 34 | 45 |
| ODI | 108 | 3,092 | 103 | 35.14 | 1 | 27 |
Sunil Gavaskar, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest openers in the history of cricket, holds an exceptional record as the most successful opener in statistical terms.
Making his debut against the formidable West Indies in 1971, Gavaskar commenced his illustrious international career. Throughout his decorated tenure representing India, he amassed an impressive tally of 34 centuries, including four double centuries, firmly establishing his status as a batting maestro.
Therefore, his retirement in 1987 dealt a significant blow to the Indian cricket team's batting lineup. Gavaskar's exceptional career statistics speak volumes, with 10,122 Test runs scored at an average of 51.12.
Additionally, in 108 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he compiled 3,092 runs at an average of 35.14. Notably, Gavaskar's era was characterized by his remarkable resilience, as he fearlessly faced dangerous fast bowlers without the protection of a helmet, showcasing his immense courage and skill.
6. Virat Kohli
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 102* | 8,074 | 254 | 49.53 | 27 | 28 |
| ODI* | 262 | 12,344 | 183 | 57.68 | 43 | 64 |
| T20I* | 113 | 3,932 | 122 | 53.14 | 1 | 36 |
In 2008, Kohli embarked on his One Day International (ODI) journey, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. Surprisingly, prior to the Sri Lankan tour, Kohli had participated in only eight List A matches, making his selection a surprising and unexpected decision.
Kohli's insatiable hunger and unwavering passion for success propelled him to become one of the finest cricketers in the world, earning him the moniker "king of cricket" among his devoted fans.
Renowned for his ability to play power-hitting shots while maintaining a classical approach to the game, Kohli has established himself as an epitome of consistency across all formats.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of our time, Kohli's phenomenal statistics reinforce his claim to this title, even though he is still an active player. With 8,074 runs in 102 Test matches, Kohli has left an indelible mark in the longest format of the game.
In the realm of ODIs, he stands as a modern-day great, accumulating an impressive tally of 12,344 runs at an average of 57.68. Notably, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in international cricket, with a remarkable 71 centuries to his name over nearly 13 years of illustrious career. As it stands, no other batsman has achieved such an extraordinary feat.
7. Kumar Sangakkara
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 134 | 12,400 | 319 | 57.14 | 38 | 52 |
| ODI | 404 | 14,234 | 169 | 41.99 | 25 | 93 |
| T20I | 56 | 1,382 | 78 | 31.41 | 0 | 8 |
Kumar Sangakkara, an exceptional left-handed batsman, made a lasting impact on the international cricket stage. With over 15 years of representing the Sri Lankan team, Sangakkara has left an indelible mark on the sport.
He commenced his career with a scintillating innings of 156 runs against Zimbabwe, setting the stage for his remarkable journey. Sangakkara's repertoire includes a fine array of strokes, admirable wicketkeeping skills, and impressive speed on the field.
Notably, he stands among the rare few batsmen to have surpassed the 10,000-run mark in both Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs), a truly remarkable feat. Across 134 Test matches, Sangakkara amassed an impressive total of 12,400 runs at an average of 57. Additionally, his record of 11 double centuries in Test cricket since 2000 remains unparalleled, further solidifying his stature in the game.
8. Wally Hammond
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 85 | 7,249 | 336 | 58.4 | 22 | 24 |
Regarded as the most extraordinary batsman of his time, Sir Wally Hammond of England earned widespread acclaim for his remarkable skills at the crease.
Sir Walter Hammond's prowess was often likened to that of Don Bradman, solidifying his status as one of the premier batsmen of his era. This English cricket stalwart garnered a reputation for his exceptional, unparalleled, and resolute batting prowess.
Making his debut against South Africa in 1927, Hammond embarked on a career that witnessed him amassing 7,249 runs in 85 Test matches, boasting an impressive average of 58.46.
This remarkable feat firmly established his position among the world's finest batsmen. Notably, Hammond engaged in a compelling rivalry with Bradman throughout their respective careers, with a particularly noteworthy highlight being his record-breaking innings of 336 against Australia, surpassing Sir Donald Bradman's world record for the highest individual Test score.
9. Ricky Ponting
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 168 | 13,378 | 257 | 51.85 | 41 | 62 |
| ODI | 375 | 13,704 | 164 | 42.04 | 30 | 82 |
| T20I | 14 | 401 | 98 | 28.64 | 0 | 2 |
Throughout his remarkable career, Ricky Ponting consistently ranked among the finest batsmen globally. This Australian cricket legend has accumulated numerous accolades and triumphs over the years.
His exceptional captaincy played a pivotal role in Australia's triumphant campaign, securing three consecutive World Cup victories. Ponting made his debut against Sri Lanka in 1995, and throughout his tenure, he amassed an impressive tally of 13,378 Test runs in 168 matches, boasting an average of 51.85.
Additionally, in One Day Internationals (ODIs), Ponting showcased his batting prowess by accumulating 13,704 runs in 375 matches, along with 401 runs in 17 T20I matches.
Despite bidding farewell to professional cricket in 2012, Ponting's impact remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. He is particularly renowned for his impeccable pull shot, cementing his status as one of the greatest batsmen to grace the sport.
10. Jack Hobbs
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 61 | 5,410 | 211 | 56.95 | 15 | 28 |
Regarded as the original cricket maestro, Jack Hobbs revolutionized the sport by introducing numerous innovative batting techniques during his era.
Making his debut for England in 1908, at the esteemed Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia, Hobbs displayed his skills right from the start. In his inaugural match, he contributed a commendable score of 83 in the first innings, thereby aiding England in achieving a respectable total.
Hobbs held the distinction of being the first batsman to maintain an average exceeding 50 in Test cricket, accomplishing this milestone without any formal professional coaching.
Notably, he also became the first cricketer to receive a knighthood from the Queen. Throughout his illustrious career, Hobbs recorded an impressive tally of 15 centuries and 50 half-centuries, a feat accomplished by only a select few batsmen of his time. His extraordinary achievements extended to the realm of first-class cricket as well, where he amassed a staggering 61,237 runs and secured 199 centuries.
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