**Ravi Shastri Names His Top Five Indian ODI Cricketers of All Time**
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared his list of the top five Indian ODI cricketers of all time amid the ongoing three-match series in Australia. Shastri not only picked the five legendary players but also ranked them in order, with current star Virat Kohli leading the list.
### Virat Kohli Tops the List
Virat Kohli stands as India’s second all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs, amassing 14,181 runs at an impressive average of 57.41 and a strike rate exceeding 93 across 304 matches. The champion batter also holds the record for the most ODI centuries with 51 to his name. Kohli’s consistent performances and ability to chase down targets have made him a vital figure in India’s limited-overs cricket.
### Sachin Tendulkar at Number Two
Following Kohli, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar takes the second spot on Shastri’s list. The “Little Master” retired with an all-time record 18,426 ODI runs at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23. Tendulkar featured in 463 matches and scored 49 centuries, cementing his place as one of the greatest cricketers ever. Both Kohli and Tendulkar played key roles in India’s memorable triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup held at home.
### Kapil Dev at Number Three
Shastri placed former all-rounder and India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev at No. 3. Kapil’s remarkable ODI career boasts 3,783 runs and 253 wickets, including a century and a five-wicket haul. His leadership and all-round contributions were instrumental in India’s first-ever World Cup victory.
### MS Dhoni Comes Fourth
At number four is MS Dhoni, another World Cup-winning captain who led India to glory in 2011. Dhoni is the sixth-highest run-scorer among Indian ODI batsmen, with 10,599 runs at an average of over 50 and a strike rate of 87.13 in 347 games. Known for his cool temperament and finishing prowess, Dhoni remains one of India’s most revered cricketers.
### Rohit Sharma Completes the List
Ravi Shastri rounds off his list with veteran right-hander Rohit Sharma, who recently captained India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title. Rohit is third in all-time ODI runs for India, accumulating 11,249 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 92.62 in 275 matches. Notably, he is the only batter in ODI history with three double-centuries, showcasing his penchant for big scores.
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### The Final List:
1. Virat Kohli
2. Sachin Tendulkar
3. Kapil Dev
4. MS Dhoni
5. Rohit Sharma
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### Why Jasprit Bumrah Was Excluded
Addressing the notable absence of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from his list, Shastri explained that the exclusion was primarily because Bumrah is still in the midst of his career. “The only reason I’ve not put Bumrah there is that Bumrah has got another three or four years of cricket left,” Shastri said. “These players are more or less coming to the fag end of their careers. They’ve played over a decade, some over a decade and a half. Barring Rohit Sharma, everyone on that list are World Cup winners.”
### Other Notable Omissions
Shastri’s top five list also excludes some greats such as Anil Kumble, who is India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs, as well as Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, both among the top five Indian run-scorers in ODIs. Another significant omission was Yuvraj Singh, who was the Player of the Tournament during India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win.
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Ravi Shastri’s list reflects players who have consistently demonstrated rare match-winning qualities over extended careers, many of whom have played pivotal roles in India’s biggest cricketing moments.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ravi-shastri-picks-top-5-indian-odi-cricketers-time-amid-aus-vs-ind-2025-series-ranks-former-captain-sachin-tendulkar
