To select 10 top ODI batsmen from the hundreds that came and went, and some of whom are still around, is a monumental effort indeed.Before getting down to the actual listing, I would mention the criteria on which these batsmen were chosen.
No bias on basis of nationality
No regard for batting position
Multiple players of similar style can be selected together
This is not an absolute ranking...these players are simply my best 10 without any order whatsoever
Here’s my list...
- Sir IVA Richards
Part of the greatest team ever...the most devastating batsman in either form of the game...easily the most feared by the bowlers...another very interesting fact about him is that he never wore a helmet while playing..in fact he disliked even the cap..which he sometimes used...imagine facing lillee and thomson and kapil and imran and botham without a helmet....ask sachin to do that....
- Sachin Tendulkar
Records speak for themselves...most number of centuries, most number of runs, phenomenal average, shane warne admitting getting nightmares of sachin et al
- Adam Gilchrist
Attacking and consistent....very fear inducing...i care a damn attitude...
- Virender Sehwag
Attacking and consistent again...very similar to Gilchrist...team man to the core....excellent strike rate...decent average...always in for long innings
- Ricky Ponting
very very classy....technically sound, and the most elegant batsmen around
- Andy Flower
remember the times when all of us used to think...andy flower gaya to jeet gaye hum....that is the mark of a great batsman..commanding respect from the opposition...giving one day cricket the gift of the reverse sweep..
- Inzamam ul Haq
the run outs aside...he is truly a class act..capable of turning the match around at any moment in the game...can play the new ball and the old leather with equal elan...
- Brian Lara
Remember the 153 against Sri Lanka???That knock and his credentials tell the tale by themselves.
- Aravinda De Silva
The sheer fact that he scored a 66 in the semi finals against India at Eden Gardens and stole the match away is testimonial enough for the calibre of this man...a genius to the core...after the early dismissals of Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana and celebrations across India came gloom...nationwide mourning...
- Mark Waugh
’Casual as usual’...this man comes in for the sheer elegance and grace he brought with him to the crease...rash, impetous..whatever...........but a performer and an entertainer..this much i’m sure all agree to.
Others in contention
Saeed Anwar
Martin Crowe
Gary Kirsten
Sanath Jayasuriya
and many more..
These guys lost out on the consistency factor...all of them had a dream run sometime in their career...but the ones that made the list have been solid performers throughout their career (except maybe Mark Waugh)...As they say..’Form is temporary..but class is permanent’...adding further...’class is long lasting, but genius is unstoppable’