3 most consistent ODI batsmen in the last 5 years

When we talk about the best players in any format, or in any generation, they not only have good numbers in terms of average and strike rate, but also have one thing in common, and that is consistency.

Now, defining consistency is a big task. For some, consistency refers to getting good starts regularly; for some, consistency refers to scoring big scores regularly; and for some, consistency refers to performing well in all the conditions.

However, reaching to a conclusion is difficult with varied mindsets and thought processes.

Hence, to keep things simple and relevant, we have analysed the data for the last 5 years of all modern day greats, and applied a simple methodology as shown below to be fair to players batting at different positions.

Consistency = ( Number of 40+ scores + Number of Not-outs below 40 ) / Total number of Innings *100)

Last 5 years ( 3rd November, 2013 to 3rd November, 2018)

A 40+ score is generally considered as a good score by any player, and definitely creates a value in the match. A score below that is psychology considered below average.

So, based on our methodology, who are the top 3 most consistent players in the last 5 years?

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#3 Faf du Plessis

I am sure most of you would have not been able to guess this name in the list. That's how underrated this guy is.

In the last 5 years, Faf du Plessis has scored 3520 runs from 74 innings at an average of 54.15 and a strike rate of 89.15. He scored 9 hundreds and 23 fifties in the same time period.

With a star studded batting line-up comprising of Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis often gets overshadowed.

However, he has been one of the most important players and captains for the Proteas.

His best knock in the same time period came against Sri Lanka last year where he scored a match-winning 185 of 141 balls. He single handedly helped his side reach a mammoth score of 367 in 50 overs.

Overall, Faf du Plessis gets a consistency rating of 55.41% , and Low-scores rating of 31.08%.

Some Interesting Stats:

1. 31.08%: Lowest among the top 3 most consistent players.
2. 23 Fifties: 3rd best in last 5 years.

#2 Ross Taylor

The swashbuckling Kiwi finds the number 2 spot in terms of consistency.

In the last 5 years, Ross Taylor has scored 3352 runs from 74 Innings at an average of 58.8 and a strike rate of 84.17. He scored 11 hundreds and 17 fifties in the same time period.

His strike rate seems to be on a lower side, but along with Kane Williamson, he is the pillar of the Kiwi batting line-up.

His best knock in this time period came against England earlier this year where he scored a match winning 181* off 147 deliveries to help New Zealand chase a mammoth target of 335.

Overall, Ross Taylor gets a consistency rating of 56.76% , and Low-Scores rating of 32.43%.

Some Interesting Stats:

1. 58.8 Average: 5th best in last 5 years.
2. 181*: Highest score in a successful chase in last 5 years

#1 Virat Kohli

Well, that's a no-brainer, right?

In the last 5 years,Virat Kohli has scored 5313 runs from 95 Innings at an average of 69.9 and a strike rate of 97.36. He scored 21 hundreds and 22 fifties in the same time period.

Words would not be enough to describe the greatness of this legend. He scores hundreds for fun. He ridicules the bowling line-up as if they don't deserve to live.

His extraordinary footwork, superb hand-eye coordination, and an unmatched temperament, makes him the best and the most consistent player of this generation.

Kohli has had many superb innings in this time period, but his 160 against the Proteas bowling line-up on a seemingly difficult pitch for batting was simply outstanding.

Some Interesting Stats:

1. 21 hundreds: Most by any player in last 5 years.
2. 485 fours: Most by any player in last 5 years.
3. 69.9 Average: Highest by any player in last 5 years (Minimum 500 runs).
4. 5313 Runs: Most by any player in last 5 years.
5. 19 Not-Outs: Joint Second best in last 5 years. Angelo Mathews has 23.

Overall, Virat Kohli gets a consistency rating of 57.89% , and Low-Scores rating of 32.63%.

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However, there are many other players who may not be as consistent as the above mentioned players, but are one of the best in the current era.

Given below is the consistency comparison of some of the top One Day International players in the current era.