Most Centuries in ODI Cricket

Most Centuries in ODI Cricket

One Day International (ODI) cricket has been a platform for some of the most remarkable batting feats in the history of the sport. Scoring a century in ODIs is considered a significant milestone, as it reflects a player’s skill, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. Over the decades, several legendary cricketers have etched their names into history by accumulating impressive numbers of centuries.

The record for the most centuries in ODI cricket is held by Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli. As of 2025, Kohli has scored over 48 ODI centuries, surpassing previous legends like Sachin Tendulkar. Known for his remarkable consistency and ability to chase targets, Kohli’s centuries often come at crucial moments, particularly in run-chases, earning him the nickname “Chase Master.” His batting style combines technical precision with aggressive intent, making him a formidable force across all conditions.

Before Kohli, the record was famously held by Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Tendulkar accumulated 49 ODI centuries during his illustrious career spanning over two decades. His record-breaking achievements set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers worldwide. Tendulkar’s centuries were characterized by a perfect balance of patience and aggression, and he often dominated bowling attacks from all cricketing nations. He was also the first player to score a double century in ODI cricket, showcasing his unmatched ability to play long innings.

Other notable players with significant century counts include Ricky Ponting of Australia and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka. Ponting scored 30+ ODI centuries, consistently leading the Australian team during their dominant years in the late 1990s and 2000s. Sangakkara, known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor, contributed over 25 centuries in ODI cricket, helping Sri Lanka in numerous successful campaigns.

In recent years, players like Babar Azam of Pakistan and Rohit Sharma of India have also joined the elite list of century-makers. Rohit Sharma, in particular, is known for his ability to score double centuries in ODIs, a rare feat that highlights his explosive and consistent batting.

Scoring centuries in ODIs requires a mix of concentration, timing, and adaptability, as players must balance aggression with the strategic demands of a limited-overs game. The players who dominate this list are celebrated not only for their statistics but also for their contributions to cricket history, inspiring millions of fans globally.

If you want, I can also make a table of the top 10 century-makers in ODI cricket with their exact numbers and countries for a more visual and precise summary. Do you want me to do that?