In the world of cricket, scoring runs is no easy feat. It’s a challenging task that requires skill, determination, and a knack for timing the ball just right. One format of the game that demands consistency from the batsmen is One Day International (ODI) cricket, which blends the excitement of T20s with the endurance of Test matches. Over the years, only a select few cricketers have managed to scale the towering peak of 10,000 runs in ODIs. But have you ever wondered who raced to this milestone the quickest? In this article, we’ll unveil the top five batsmen in ODI history who achieved the remarkable feat of 10,000 runs at lightning speed.
1. Ricky Ponting – The Australian Maestro
Our journey to the fastest 10,000 runs in ODIs begins with Ricky Ponting, a legendary Australian cricketer. Ponting, renowned as one of the world’s finest all-round players, captained Australia to two consecutive World Cup victories. It was during his 266th ODI match that he etched his name into the record books by reaching the 10,000-run mark. Ricky Ponting’s ODI career spanned 365 innings, where he amassed an incredible total of 13,704 runs, featuring 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries.
2. Sourav Ganguly – The Dependable Indian Opener
Next in line is Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and a white-ball opening sensation. Known for his reliability as a batter, Ganguly achieved the 10,000-run milestone in just 263 innings, making him the third-fastest in history to do so. His elegant strokes and fearless approach to batting earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
3. Sachin Tendulkar – The Little Master
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Little Master,” is a name synonymous with cricketing greatness. While Virat Kohli eventually overtook his records, Tendulkar was the first to reach 10,000 ODI runs. He accomplished this remarkable feat in a mere 259 innings. Tendulkar’s ODI career concluded with a staggering 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, including a high score of 200 not out.
4. Rohit Sharma – The Hitman’s Ascent
Moving on to the second spot, we have Rohit Sharma, the modern-day maestro of Indian cricket. Rohit recently joined the elite club of 10,000-run achievers in ODIs. Surpassing even Sachin Tendulkar, he became the second-fastest batter in ODI history to reach this milestone. With his impeccable timing and elegant strokeplay, Rohit Sharma continues to mesmerize cricket fans worldwide.
5. Virat Kohli – The Record-Breaking Phenom
Finally, we arrive at the fastest batsman to reach 10,000 runs in ODIs, none other than Virat Kohli. Kohli’s remarkable journey saw him achieve this incredible feat 54 innings faster than Sachin Tendulkar. He accomplished the feat in just 205 innings, leaving cricket pundits and fans alike in awe of his consistency and batting prowess. To date, Virat Kohli has amassed an astonishing 13,024 runs in ODIs, maintaining an enviable batting average of 57.62, including 47 centuries and 65 half-centuries.
Conclusion
In the world of ODI cricket, the race to 10,000 runs is a true test of a batsman’s skill, determination, and consistency. These top five cricketers, from Ricky Ponting to Virat Kohli, have left an indelible mark on the sport with their remarkable achievements. Each of them brought their unique style and flair to the game, earning the admiration of cricket lovers worldwide. As cricket continues to evolve, we can only wonder who will be the next to join this exclusive club of the fastest 10,000-run scorers in ODI history.
