ODI centuries remain the truest measure of batting reliability in limited-overs cricket.
The format demands patience and aggression in equal measure.
Unlike T20s, where quick runs matter most, 50-over cricket tests a batter’s ability to build innings under sustained pressure.
The players with most centuries in ODI international cricket have adapted across different eras and conditions.
Scoring hundreds consistently requires technical mastery and mental strength.
Bowling attacks change, field restrictions evolve, and match situations vary.
Top 10 Players With Most Centuries In ODI 2026
Only a select few have maintained century-scoring form across years and oppositions.
Top 10+ Players With Most Centuries In ODI International Cricket
Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to hold the record for most ODI centuries. Here’s the updated ranking of Players With Most Centuries In ODI as of January 2026:
| Rank | Player | Country | ODI Matches | ODI Runs | ODI Centuries | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 311 | 14,773 | 54 | 58.20 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 18,426 | 49 | 44.83 |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | India | 282 | 11,577 | 33 | 49.10 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 375 | 13,704 | 30 | 42.03 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 13,430 | 28 | 32.36 |
| 6 | Hashim Amla | South Africa | 181 | 8,113 | 27 | 49.46 |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 228 | 9,577 | 25 | 53.50 |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 301 | 10,480 | 25 | 37.83 |
| 9 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 14,234 | 25 | 41.98 |
| 10 | Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 160 | 7,009 | 22 | 46.41 |
| 11 | David Warner | Australia | 161 | 6,932 | 22 | 45.30 |
Overview Of Players with Most Centuries In ODI Cricket
Virat Kohli
The World No. 1 ODI batter holds the record for Most Centuries In ODI with 54 hundreds from 311 matches. Kohli recently scored his 7th ODI century against New Zealand in Indore, extending his record for most ODI hundreds against the Black Caps. His strength lies in chasing totals with surgical precision. He moved past Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to claim the top position.
Sachin Tendulkar
India’s batting legend from the 1990s and 2000s scored 49 ODI centuries across 463 matches. Tendulkar’s adaptability across rule changes and bowling eras defined consistency. He was the first batter to reach 18,000 ODI runs. His technical perfection made him the gold standard for two decades.
Rohit Sharma
India’s opening batter has 33 ODI centuries from 282 matches. Rohit’s core strength is converting starts into massive scores with minimal risk. He holds the unique record of three ODI double centuries. His temperament in building innings after powerplays is unmatched.
Ricky Ponting
Australia’s former captain from the late 1990s to 2012 scored 30 ODI centuries in 375 matches. Ponting’s aggressive batting style suited Australia’s dominant era perfectly. He captained his team to two World Cup victories. His ability to accelerate without losing a wicket made him dangerous.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka’s explosive opener from 1989 to 2011 scored 28 ODI centuries in 445 matches. Jayasuriya revolutionized powerplay batting with fearless aggression. He was key to Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph. His left-arm spin added all-around value to the team.
Hashim Amla
South Africa’s elegant top-order batter scored 27 ODI centuries in just 181 matches between 2008 and 2019. Amla’s calm approach and classical technique brought consistency. He became the fastest to 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 ODI runs. His conversion rate of starts into centuries was exceptional.
AB de Villiers
South Africa’s innovative middle-order batter scored 25 ODI centuries from 228 matches. De Villiers’ 360-degree shot-making ability redefined batting possibilities. He holds the record for the fastest ODI century (31 balls). His strike rotation and power hitting combined perfectly.
Chris Gayle
West Indies’ power-hitting opener scored 25 ODI centuries in 301 matches. Gayle’s brute force and timing made him one of cricket’s most feared batters. He scored 331 sixes in ODI cricket, the most among century-makers. His ability to dominate from the first ball was unique.
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter from 2000 to 2015 scored 25 ODI centuries in 404 matches. Sangakkara’s elegant batting technique brought consistency across conditions. He scored four consecutive World Cup centuries in 2015. His dual role as keeper and batter showcased versatility.
Quinton de Kock
South Africa’s aggressive opener has 22 ODI centuries from 160 matches since 2013. De Kock’s quick starts in powerplays set match momentum early. He maintains a high strike rate while building substantial scores. His wicketkeeping skills add crucial value beyond batting contributions.
David Warner
Australia’s attacking opener scored 22 ODI centuries in 161 matches since 2009. Warner’s explosive approach destroys bowling attacks from the first over. He averages 45.30 with an aggressive strike rate throughout. His performance in knockout matches under pressure stands out.
Players With Most Centuries In ODI International Cricket – Performance Breakdown
| Player | Centuries While Chasing | Centuries Batting First | Conversion Rate (50s to 100s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 28 | 26 | 41.9% |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 17 | 32 | 33.8% |
| Rohit Sharma | 16 | 17 | 35.5% |
| Ricky Ponting | 12 | 18 | 26.8% |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 11 | 17 | 29.2% |
| Hashim Amla | 13 | 14 | 40.9% |
| AB de Villiers | 15 | 10 | 32.1% |
| Chris Gayle | 9 | 16 | 31.6% |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 10 | 15 | 21.2% |
| Quinton de Kock | 11 | 11 | 40.7% |
| David Warner | 9 | 13 | 40.0% |
Conclusion:
The players with most centuries in ODI international cricket represent batting excellence across different generations and playing conditions.
These records separate occasional brilliance from sustained dominance.
Why these milestones matter:
- ODI centuries define greatness because they require both survival skills and scoring ability across 50 overs
- Era differences matter as older players faced different rules, while modern batters benefit from protective regulations
- Kohli’s dominance stems from converting fifties into hundreds more consistently than any contemporary batter
- Elite batters score hundreds regularly, but historic batters maintain this across 10+ years against top opposition
Statistical superiority emerges from performing under pressure rather than in favorable conditions alone.
The conversion rate from fifties to hundreds separates good players from record-holders.
These numbers reflect mental strength as much as technical skill.
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