Top 3 Indian batsmen with most ODI runs without a century

Just like catches win matches, even centuries can win you matches. The importance of scoring runs in every format can never be overstated, and the sizable contributions like centuries are particularly memorable and useful.

But even though big knocks are important, we tend to forget some invaluable runs that come from the middle and lower middle order. Those runs often help the team in crossing the line or make the difference between a good total and a formidable one.

The Indian team has frequently had lower-order players who can accelerate from the word go. They may not have achieved a lot of personal batting milestones, but when it comes to the bigger picture, their contribution would be right up there along with those of the best batsmen.

Here, we take a look at three Indian players who have scored the most ODI runs without a century to their name.

#3 Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan was one of the most under-rated all-rounders of his time. Not only was he good with his variations, he was also flexible enough to bat at any position - always putting the team ahead of himself. That helped cement his spot in the team in the mid and late 2000s.

As a bowler Pathan could bowl upfront with pace and also control the run-rate in the middle overs by giving crucial breakthroughs.

A less known fact about Pathan is that he is one of the few batsmen to have played in all batting positions except the 11th. Overall, he scored 1544 runs in 87 matches with five fifties and a high score of 83 against Sri Lanka in 2005.

Pathan's bowling career looks equally impressive with 173 wickets at an economy of 5.27 including two fifers in the limited overs format.

Considering the skills he possessed, Pathan would definitely look back and regret not getting a ton in his ODI career.

Also see – World Test Championship points table

#2 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik made his ODI debut way back in 2004 and was seen as the first-choice wicket-keeper for years to come. But with MS Dhoni coming in and establishing himself in the international arena, Karthik’s chances took a nosedive.

Still, he took the limited opportunities that came his way with both hands and performed decently. Apart from his wicket-keeping skills, Karthik was a solid middle-order batsman with good technique.

As the years rolled by, he kept going in and out of the team due to the shortage of space in the team. In spite of everything that went against him, Karthik played in 94 ODIs and amassed 1752 runs.

His highest score of 79 came against South Africa in 2010, but he was never able to get to the three-figure mark. He was also considered as the backup wicketkeeper for many years, but that responsibility was eventually taken off his shoulders.

#1 Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has been an asset to the Indian team as an all-round performer. He is the kind of a player who can pick wickets at crucial moments with the ball, score runs at the death, or cause havoc with some extraordinary catching on the field.

Jadeja showcased his talent at the highest level when he went on to win the ‘Golden Ball’ in the 2013 Champions Trophy. His sheer consistency with the ball separates him from the pack.

In the 103 ODIs that he has played for India, Jadeja has scored 2128 runs at an average of 30.84 and a strike-rate of 85.42 with 11 half-centuries to his name. He has also taken 177 wickets at an economy of 4.87.

Despite all his achievements though, Jadeja is yet to score a hundred in the limited overs format.