Scoring centuries in ODI cricket remains one of the most challenging feats in modern cricket.
The format demands both aggression and patience across 50 overs.
Unlike Test cricket’s time luxury or T20’s quick hitting, ODI hundreds test a batter’s complete skillset.
The players with most centuries in ODI international cricket have mastered this balance perfectly.
Consistency under pressure separates good players from legendary ones.
Building an innings through powerplays, middle overs, and death bowling requires mental strength.
Top 10 Players With Most Centuries In ODI 2026
The list of century-makers reveals who thrives when the stakes are highest.
Top 10+ Players With Most Centuries In ODI International Cricket
Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to become the leading century-scorer in ODI history.
Here’s the complete ranking of Players With Most Centuries In ODI as of January 2026:
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | 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 leads with 54 centuries from 311 matches.
Kohli recently scored his 7th ODI century against New Zealand in Indore, breaking the record for Most Centuries In ODI against the Black Caps.
His chasing ability and consistency, with an average of 58.20, make him the format’s most dominant force.
He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to claim the top position.
Sachin Tendulkar
The former record-holder scored 49 ODI centuries across 463 matches spanning 24 years.
Tendulkar’s technical mastery and adaptability defined ODI batting for two decades.
His 18,426 runs remain the highest in ODI history.
He was the first to reach the 40-century milestone in the format.
Rohit Sharma
India’s opener has 33 centuries from 282 matches with a 49.10 average.
Rohit is the only player with three ODI double centuries.
His ability to accelerate after settling makes him dangerous in the middle overs.
He’s converted 14 centuries on Indian soil, second only to Kohli.
Ricky Ponting
Australia’s former captain scored 30 centuries in 375 ODIs with aggressive intent.
Ponting led Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the 2000s.
His 13,704 runs came at crucial moments in high-pressure matches.
He combined captaincy excellence with consistent batting performance.
Sanath Jayasuriya
The Sri Lankan explosive opener revolutionized ODI batting with 28 centuries.
Jayasuriya’s fearless powerplay approach changed how teams utilized the first 15 overs.
His 13,430 runs across 445 matches showcased remarkable longevity.
He was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph.
Hashim Amla
South Africa’s elegant batter scored 27 centuries in just 181 matches.
Amla was the fastest to reach multiple ODI milestones, including 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 runs.
His calm demeanor and classical technique made him highly reliable.
He maintained a stellar 49.46 average throughout his career.
AB de Villiers
“Mr. 360” scored 25 centuries with innovative shot-making across 228 ODIs.
De Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century (31 balls).
His ability to dominate any bowling attack from any position made him unpredictable.
He maintained a remarkable 53.50 average with explosive strike rates.
Chris Gayle
The West Indian power-hitter scored 25 centuries with brute force and timing.
Gayle’s six-hitting ability and intimidating presence changed match dynamics quickly.
His 10,480 runs came with 331 sixes, the most by any player in this list.
He was equally destructive across all formats of cricket.
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter scored 25 centuries with textbook elegance across 404 matches.
Sangakkara’s 14,234 runs make him one of the highest run-scorers in ODI history.
His four consecutive World Cup centuries in 2015 remain unmatched.
He combined wicketkeeping duties with consistent batting excellence.
Quinton de Kock
South Africa’s explosive opener has 22 centuries with aggressive stroke play.
De Kock’s quick starts in powerplays and high strike rate make him dangerous.
His ability to convert starts into big scores is a defining trait.
He’s one of the fastest century-makers in modern ODI cricket.
David Warner
Australia’s attacking opener scored 22 centuries from 161 matches with aggressive intent.
Warner’s explosive approach at the top destroys bowling attacks early.
His 6,932 runs came at 45.30 average with 733 boundaries.
He performs exceptionally well in high-pressure knockout matches.
Players With Most Centuries In ODI International Cricket – Key Records Snapshot
| Player | Centuries in Home ODIs | Centuries vs Top 8 Teams | Centuries in Winning Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 27 | 47 | 44 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 20 | 38 | 33 |
| Rohit Sharma | 14 | 28 | 27 |
| Ricky Ponting | 12 | 26 | 25 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 11 | 21 | 19 |
| Hashim Amla | 13 | 23 | 21 |
| AB de Villiers | 10 | 21 | 20 |
| Chris Gayle | 9 | 18 | 16 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 8 | 20 | 18 |
| Quinton de Kock | 11 | 19 | 17 |
| David Warner | 14 | 19 | :18 |
Conclusion:
The players with most centuries in ODI international cricket have defined what excellence looks like in limited-overs batting.
These records reflect consistency maintained over the years and pressure situations.
Why these records matter:
- ODI centuries separate consistent performers from occasional match-winners across long careers
- Modern players like Kohli combine aggressive scoring with traditional century-building patience
- Kohli sits at the top through relentless hunger for runs and unmatched conversion rates
- Great players score centuries; record holders score them repeatedly against top opposition
The gap between occasional brilliance and sustained dominance is measured in these numbers.
Statistical superiority comes from performing when teams need it most, not just in favorable conditions.
Also Check:
- Virat Kohli Total Centuries in All Formats
- Who Saved Virat Kohli Career
- Virat Kohli IPL Century List
- Virat Kohli’s Workout Routine
- Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries in Test Cricket
- Virat Kohli Water Price
- Virat Kohli Total Runs in All Formats
- Expensive Cars Owned By Virat Kohli
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