Best ODI XI of the 21st Century

ram
Kent Spitfires v Sussex Sharks - Vitality Blast

With the outset of one-day internationals, cricket witnessed a drastic change in the number of followers. The first ODI bout was between England and Australia as a decider for the rain-affected Test match. Later, the ICC decided to make it as a regular format in the game.

This decision attracted more followers to the game as it was something different from the 5 day Test cricket.

The 1975 World Cup tournament was a trial for checking the format's popularity. As the event gained positive feedback, the ODI format became a pivotal part of every International series. Later, the ICC introduced a lot of new regulations to the format among which fielding restrictions were the most noteworthy.

Till 1996, ODIs had an orthodox scoring style, and 300+ runs were infrequent in the setup. But the 1996 World Cup was a tipping point in the era of limited overs cricket.

When Sri Lanka won the tournament, Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana displayed an unlike scoring pattern. Later, ODIs evolved as broadcasters introduced new technologies and the format became one of the best revenue-generating sports events in the world.

Now we are in the 21st century, and cricket has witnessed a lot of changes from the past. Although T20Is radicalized the game further, ODIs are still popular among cricket lovers.

Currently, 12 nations have permanent ODI status with the latest being Afghanistan and Ireland (on December 5, 2017). Every player has the dream of being part a of their national cricket team. Some of them grasp the spot, but maintaining the stance depends on their talent and skill.

Here, we take a look at the ODI players who dominated in the 21st century with their skills and expertise. The list will comprise of 11 players, counting 5 batsmen, 2 all-rounders and 4 bowlers.


1. Sachin Tendulkar(India)

Pakistan v India - 2011 ICC World Cup Semi-Final

No surprises here! If there is a list of the best in cricket, Sachin Tendulkar will have an assured spot in it.

No one expected that the 16-year-old boy would conquer all the major records when he made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1989. Till that time, cricket had only one greatest ever, Bradman, but the Little Master from India achieved things beyond the bounds of possibility in the game.

Tendulkar holds a mountain of records in cricket, and also holds the record for most number of records in the game!

He had 463 outings in ODIs and scored 18,426 runs including 49 hundreds and 96 half centuries. The interesting fact is that each number in the above statement is a record.

When Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 200 hundred against South Africa in 2010, he became the first batsmen to do so in ODIs. His records don't end there as there exist numerous others in his name.

Tendulkar's career witnessed a turning point when he was promoted to the opening spot in the New Zealand series in 1994. An exceptional 82 made him a permanent member in the position.

Considering his records, performance and consistency, Sachin Tendulkar deserves a position in the best of ODI teams.

2. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist play

Gilly was one of the consistent performers in the format. The former Australian left-handed opening batsmen and one of the greatest performers behind the stumps deserves a spot in the squad.

He was known for his fitness and excellent cricketing shots. He single-handedly destroyed many bowling lineups. His ability to score at a quick pace from the beginning of innings used to set the game for his team.

He played a crucial role in Australia's hat-trick World Cup winning campaign in 2007. He holds the distinction of scoring a minimum of 50 runs in the 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cup finals. With 21 dismissals behind the stumps, Gilchrist was the most successful wicket keeper of the 2003 World Cup.

Gilchrist played 287 ODI matches and amassed 9619 runs. With 905 scalps behind the stumps, he is next to Boucher in the record of most dismissals by a wicket-keeper.

He walked off the crease even after being given not out in the semi-finals of 2003 World Cup. This incident remains the highlight of his illustrious career.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

England v India - 3rd Royal London ODI

The chase master will easily walk into this squad. After a lot of struggles in the beginning of his career, Kohli enjoyed success in the Tri-nation ODI series held in Bangladesh in 2010. After that Kohli has never looked back.

When the senior players were on the verge of retirement, the Indian team was in a desperate need of a consistent top order batsmen. Virat Kohli rose up to the occasion and played many match winning knocks in that period of time. His contributions exceeded the expectations.

For his consistent performances in all the formats of the game, he was elevated as the skipper of the side.

Kohli's ability to perform in the crunch situations makes him the best in the format. His success rate in the chasing matches underlines the above statement. Till now, Kohli has played 211 matches with 9779 runs to his credit.

Kohli is a gifted player with strong technical skills and footwork. Currently, he is the best No. 3 ODI batsmen in the world.

4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

2nd Momentum ODI: South Africa v Bangladesh

AB de Villiers defied the laws of physics in ODIs. Versatility in shots and orthodox batting style set him apart from other batsmen of the generation. Although he announced an unexpected retirement from International cricket, Mr 360 degrees will surely be the best ODI player of this century.

He had a decent World Cup outing for Proteas. In the 2007 event, ABD scored 372 runs including a blistering 146 against the West Indies. He put up a good show in the 2011 and 2015 editions of the marquee event.

The right handed batsman played 125 innings at No.4. He has 5736 runs to his credit at an average of 53.11. Batting at this all important position, he maintained a strike rate of 98.64.

de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ton and the fastest fifty in ODIs.

5. Andrew Symmonds (Australia)

Australian batsman Andrew Symmonds (R) b

"Symmo" was phenomenal on the field for the Kangaroos. The former Queensland all-rounder showcased great stagings throughout his career, but had many contentious outings too.

The right-hand batter played 198 ODI matches for his side and scored 5088 runs. He had a versatile bowling action and was capable of bowling medium pace as well as off-spin. Exceptional fielding skills made him one of the best all-rounders of the century.

When Australia won the World Cup twice (in 2003 and 2007), Symmonds played a crucial role in the success. His 143 runs in the 2003 World Cup against Pakistan will be one of the most memorable innings in the history of World Cup.

He had an undisciplined nature towards the game. His boorish attitude ultimately led to his ouster from the team.

But as a cricketer, Symmonds has the right to be in the list.

6. MS Dhoni (India)

CRICKET-ENG-IND-ODI

One of the greatest finishers of the century, the only captain to win all the ICC events - MS Dhoni has achieved practically everything in the cricketing world.

An exceptional 148 staging against Pakistan in 2004 helped him seal a permanent place in the Indian squad, which was the beginning of Dhoni's era.

Nicknamed Captain Cool, Dhoni remained unbeaten almost 20+ times in ODIs when India tasted victory, including the 2011 World Cup final. His calm nature, decision making and attitude towards the game always inspired his teammates and followers.

In the ODI series against England in July 2018, Dhoni made an entry into the 10000 runs club in ODIs. For a batsman who has batted lower down the order for a large part of his career, its a big achievement.

Though his finishing prowess has been on wane, he still is an asset for the Indian limited overs team.

7. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

QAS V South Africa Cricket Tour Match

A genuine all-rounder for the Proteas, Shaun Pollock made his ODI debut in 1996 against England. He is arguably one of the greatest all-rounders of the century.

Polly played 303 ODIs for his team and claimed 393 wickets. He holds the record for taking the most number of ODI wickets when playing at home soil (193 wickets). He was chosen as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2003.

His 130 runs innings against Asia XI in 2006 is regarded as one of the best innings by a No.7 all-rounder.

He belongs to a family of cricketing legends. He is the son of Peter Pollock and nephew of the legendary Graeme Pollock.

8. Brett Lee (Australia)

Mumbai Sports And Fitness

Brett Lee's deliveries fueled with aggression and pace was one of the thrilling scenes in ODIs. He managed to carve a niche for himself during the McGrath- Warne era.

When Aussies won the 2003 World Cup, this man had 22 wickets to his name besides a hat trick in the Super Six stage. In the same tournament, the smiling assassin delivered balls at 160km/h thrice.

In 221 ODI outings, Brett Lee dismissed 380 batsmen. He took 171 matches to reach 300 wickets, which is still the fastest in the ODI history. For his ability to intimidate the batsmen with his sheer pace and toe-crushing yorkers, Lee deserves a spot in the squad.

9. Shoaib Akthar (Pakistan)

Pakistan v Australia - 1st Twenty20 International

There was a time in the past where fast bowlers used to induce fear in the batsmen's mind. Totals above 300 were a rarity on the ground. If we take a look at list of hostile bowlers in the 21st century, Shoaib Akhtar will be at the top.

The Rawalpindi Express made his ODI debut in the year 1998 with pace and length as his prime weapons. His exceptional bowling spells molded him as the linchpin of the Pakistan pace attack.

His ability to frequently clock speeds in excess of 150 kmph made him one of the best fast bowlers.

Akhtar played 163 ODI matches for Pakistan with 247 wickets to his name. Due to recurring injuries, Akhtar had to quit his career at the age of 35.

10. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

TOPSHOT-CRICKET-SRI-IND

When it comes to the death over bowlers, Lasith Malinga will hold the top place for sure. Since his ODI debut in 2004 against UAE, Malinga has never looked back. His slinging deliveries are lethal for the opponents.

When it comes to wicket-taking or economy, Malinga has been impressive in every format. It will be difficult to forget his four wickets in four balls performance against South Africa in World Cup 2007. The Sri Lankan pacer has played 204 ODI matches till now with 301 wickets to his name.

He is aiming for a spot in the Sri Lankan team for the 2019 World Cup event. If he works on his form and fitness, we can expect a return from Malinga in the 2019 World Cup.

11. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)

(FILES) This April 2, 2011 file photo sh

Spin magician, Muttiah Muralitharan will be the 11th member in the squad. Throught his career, Murali maintained the same vigour and ardour in his bowling.

Although he was called for chucking on numerous ocassions, the same was never proved. In 350 ODI outings, Murali took 534 wickets. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in ODIs and Test cricket.

For his contributions and performance in the spin department, Murali is considered as the all-time best spinner in ODIs.

Check RCB Squad 2024 Details. Follow Sportskeeda for IPL 2024 Live Score, Schedule, Points Table

Quick Links

Edited by Kumud Ranjan