ODI cricket has seen many great players over the years. Some of them have retired after making history with their performances. These players entertained fans with their batting, bowling and match-winning performances.
Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene are among the greatest players in ODI cricket history. Let’s look at the top 5 best players who retired from ODI cricket.
Top 5 Best Retired ODI Players
|
Rank |
Player |
Country |
Matches |
Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Sachin Tendulkar |
India |
463 |
18,426 |
|
2 |
Kumar Sangakkara |
Sri Lanka |
404 |
14,234 |
|
3 |
Ricky Ponting |
Australia |
375 |
13,704 |
|
4 |
Sanath Jayasuriya |
Sri Lanka |
445 |
13,430 |
|
5 |
Mahela Jayawardene |
Sri Lanka |
448 |
12,650 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is one of the greatest batters in cricket history. He played ODI cricket for India for more than 23 years and broke many records.
Tendulkar made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1989. He played 463 matches and scored 18,426 runs. He also scored 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.
He became the first player to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket. He achieved this record against South Africa in 2010.
Tendulkar was also part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team. He retired from ODI cricket in December 2012.
ODI Career Records:
-
Matches: 463
-
Runs: 18,426
-
Highest Score: 200*
-
Centuries: 49
-
Half-centuries: 96
-
Average: 44.83
2. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara was one of the best wicketkeeper-batters in cricket. He played an important role in Sri Lanka’s success in international cricket.
Sangakkara made his ODI debut in 2000. He played 404 matches and scored 14,234 runs. His record includes 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries.
He was known for his strong batting and ability to score runs in difficult situations. He also helped Sri Lanka reach the 2011 World Cup final.
Sangakkara retired from ODI cricket after the 2015 World Cup.
ODI Career Records:
-
Matches: 404
-
Runs: 14,234
-
Highest Score: 169
-
Centuries: 25
-
Half-centuries: 93
-
Average: 41.98
3. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was one of Australia’s greatest batters and captains. He played a major role in Australia’s success during the 2000s.
Ponting made his ODI debut in 1995. He played 375 matches and scored 13,704 runs, including 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries.
He led Australia to two consecutive ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. His 140-run innings against India in the 2003 World Cup final is one of his best performances.
Ponting played his last ODI in 2012 and ended his international career in the same year.
ODI Career Records:
-
Matches: 375
-
Runs: 13,704
-
Highest Score: 164
-
Centuries: 30
-
Half-centuries: 82
-
Average: 42.03
4. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya was known for his attacking batting. He changed the way teams played during the first 15 overs of ODI cricket.
Jayasuriya made his ODI debut in 1989. He played 445 matches for Sri Lanka and scored 13,430 runs. He also scored 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries.
Apart from batting, he was also a useful bowler. He took 323 wickets in ODI cricket.
Jayasuriya played an important role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory. He retired from ODI cricket in 2011.
ODI Career Records:
-
Matches: 445
-
Runs: 13,430
-
Highest Score: 189
-
Centuries: 28
-
Half-centuries: 68
-
Wickets: 323
5. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene was one of Sri Lanka’s most successful batters. He was known for his calm batting and ability to play important innings for his team.
Jayawardene made his ODI debut in 1998. He played 448 matches and scored 12,650 runs. His career includes 19 centuries and 77 half-centuries.
One of his best performances came in the 2011 World Cup final against India. He scored an unbeaten 103 runs in that match.
Jayawardene retired from ODI cricket after the 2015 World Cup.
ODI Career Records:
-
Matches: 448
-
Runs: 12,650
-
Highest Score: 144
-
Centuries: 19
-
Half-centuries: 77
-
Average: 33.37