A century is always a special achievement for any batter in the world. To reach the 100-run mark, the batsman must put in a lot of effort. But then, there are a few batsmen who have mastered this art. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of the list for the most international centuries in his career. But is there anyone who can break his record?
The former Indian captain Virat Kohli is the nearest one. However, when it comes to ODI cricket, a few batters have shown how to create the start to a really big one. And here we will discuss the batters who have scored the most hundreds in the history of 50-over cricket.
Most Hundreds in ODI Cricket
| Player | Span | Mts | 100s | Runs | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 2008-2023* | 292 | 50 | 13848 | 72 |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1989-2012 | 463 | 49 | 18426 | 96 |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2007-2023* | 262 | 31 | 10709 | 55 |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 1995-2012 | 375 | 30 | 13704 | 82 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 1989-2011 | 445 | 28 | 13430 | 68 |
| Hashim Amla (SA) | 2008-2019 | 181 | 27 | 8113 | 39 |
| AB de Villiers (SA) | 2005-2018 | 228 | 25 | 9577 | 53 |
| Chris Gayle (WI) | 1999-2019 | 301 | 25 | 10480 | 54 |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 404 | 25 | 14234 | 93 |
| Sourav Ganguly (IND) | 1992-2007 | 311 | 22 | 11363 | 72 |
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – 28 Centuries in 445 innings
Former Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya was certainly the best white-ball batter in his ear from his country. He made his ODI debut in December 1989 and played for over two decades. Jayasuriya played a total of 445 ODIs, which is the second-highest total in history. In his career, he amassed 13430 runs and scored 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries. Not just with the bat, he was more than a useful bowler. Jayasuriya took 323 wickets in his career.
4. Ricky Ponting – 30 Centuries in 375 innings
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and the biggest name to ever captain an international team, finished with 30 ODI centuries. He made his ODI debut in February 1995 against South Africa and played for the next 17 years. Ponting led Australia to 2003 and 2007 ODI World Cups glory. He scored 13704 runs in 365 innings at 42.03 with 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries. Ponting is the highest run-getter for his country at international level.
3. Rohit Sharma* – 31 Centuries in 234 innings
Indian batting star Rohit Sharma is third on the list, and he is still active, which gives him time to climb up the ladder. Rohit made his ODI debut in June 2007 and has become the backbone of the Indian team. He smashed five centuries in the 2019 ODI World Cup, which is a record in itself. Rohit has scored 29 centuries and 47 half-centuries with 9537 runs so far in 229 innings. He can be in the top-three before he retires from the game.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 49 Centuries in 452 innings
If there is one man who holds almost all the batting records, it is “Master Blaster” Sachin Tendulkar. The former Indian legend was the best at what he did in this game. Especially in ODIs, it is very hard to break some of his records. He ended as the highest run-getter, with the most centuries and most half-centuries. Sachin scored 49 centuries (plus 51 test centuries) in 452 innings and 96 half-centuries. He scored 18426 runs at an average of 44.83.
1. Virat Kohli* – 50 Centuries in 292 innings
If there is one man who can break the all-time record of Sachin Tendulkar, then it is the former Indian captain Virat Kohli. He’s moving up the ranks quickly, and in fewer innings. Virat Kohli is widely regarded as the greatest ODI batter of all time. He has scored 50 ODI centuries and 72 half-centuries in just 277innings, and he still has a few years of cricket left in him. He has also scored 13800+ runs at an average of 57.72.