Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie picked his top five Indian ODI cricketers of all-time ahead of the five-match T20 series between the two cricket teams starting on Wednesday. The former fast bowler surprisingly left out great Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar but kept him at number 6 in his list.
Sachin Tendulkar ended his illustrious ODI career as the highest run-scorer in the format with 18,426 runs in 463 matches at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23. The “Little Master” scored 49 centuries, the second most in ODIs. He also played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup win on home soil.
Jason Gillespie picks the top 5 Indian ODI cricketers of all time; except Sachin Tendulkar
Jason Gillespie has placed former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan at number five in his list of India’s greatest ODI players. Dhawan’s strike rate and average remained excellent throughout his career.
Known for his explosive starts and consistency at the top of the order, Dhawan scored 6,793 runs in 167 matches at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35. He made significant contributions in ICC tournaments, especially alongside Rohit Sharma.
Legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, who has exceptional finishing abilities and leadership qualities, came fourth in Gillespie’s list. The former Indian captain scored 10,599 runs in 347 ODI matches at an average of 50.23 and a strike rate of 87.13, leading India to the 2011 World Cup title.
Virat Kohli tops Jason Gillespie’s list of best Indian ODI cricketers of all time
Jason Gillespie placed Virender Sehwag at the third position in his list for his fearless stroke play and extraordinary strike rate of over 104 in 241 ODI matches. Sehwag is the only Indian batsman to score more than 7,000 runs while maintaining a strike rate above 100.
He placed second on his list of Rohit Sharma, who recently led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title, for his remarkable consistency and record-breaking achievements, including three double centuries, the most by any player in ODI history.
Rohit has scored 11,370 runs at an average of 49.22 and strike rate of 92.66. He recently won the Player of the Series award during the three-match ODI series against Australia.
Gillespie described Virat Kohli as India’s greatest ODI batsman of all time. Kohli has scored 14,255 runs at an average of 57.71 and strike rate of 93.25. He is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history and the all-time leader in terms of centuries with 51 centuries.
Jason Gillespie’s Top 5 Indian ODI Batsmen of All Time: 1. Virat Kohli 2. Rohit Sharma 3. Virender Sehwag 4. MS Dhoni 5. Shikhar Dhawan
Glenn McGrath picks the top 5 Indian ODI cricketers of all time
Jason Gillespie’s former fast bowler Glenn McGrath also revealed his top five Indian batsmen in One Day Internationals. McGrath named Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the top two names in his list.
McGrath chose Sachin Tendulkar for the number 3 spot on his list. Tendulkar was India’s leading run-scorer during the 2011 ODI World Cup campaign. McGrath took the name of MS Dhoni at number four.
McGrath chose all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2011 World Cup, for the final spot. Yuvraj played a key role in India’s World Cup success. He scored 8,609 runs in 301 ODI matches at an average of 36.47 and strike rate of 87.43.
Glenn McGrath’s Top 5 Indian ODI Batsmen of All Time: 1. Virat Kohli 2. Rohit Sharma 3. Sachin Tendulkar 4. MS Dhoni 5. Yuvraj Singh
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