Top 5 Batters With Most Centuries In International Cricket

Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar at the 2011 World Cup (x.com)

In the expansive world of international cricket, a few chosen wielders of the bat have already etched their names onto the revered pages of cricketing folklore. Their penchant of centuries, the holy grail for all batters, stands as a testament to their resolve and unwavering skill.

To excel in international cricket as a batsman demands more than just talent; it necessitates an amalgamation of technique, resilience, and adaptability across varied formats and playing conditions. Here at OneCricket, we take a look back into the careers of five such extraordinary batters who have prolifically amassed the highest number of centuries across all international formats, showcasing their unparalleled ability for their respective nations.

Top Five Batters With Most International Centuries:

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 100 centuries

Sachin Tendulkar, the embodiment of cricketing genius, stands unparalleled in the pantheon of batsmanship with a record 100 centuries in international cricket. Fondly revered as the “Master Blaster” by his worshippers and cricket experts alike, his mastery transcended eras and formats.

Making his debut at a tender age of 16 back in 1989, Tendulkar went on to rule the stage for the subsequent 24 years, solidifying his reign as the quintessential Test match and ODI luminary. His unrivalled Test feat encompasses 51 alluring tons, as he continues to lead the all-time century race of the game’s purest format. Tendulkar’s sublime strokeplay fetched him an additional 49 ODI centuries, thus making him a heavyweight in 50-overs internationals as well.

Remarkably, 20 of Sachin Tendulkar’s combined tons came against Australia, the absolute behemoth of his playing times.

2. Virat Kohli - 80 centuries

Exemplifying batting excellence with 80 international centuries, Indian legend Virat Kohli has already transcended modern-day cricketing greatness. His mastery in ODIs is unparalleled, as he recently usurped his ‘idol’ Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest century-maker of the format. Remarkably, the impact of Kohli’s hundreds even precedes that of Tendulkar’s, considering 42 of his 50 ODI tons have resulted in emphatic wins for Team India.

The elegant right-hander has also carved numerous Test match specials across all conditions, including on tough playing conditions like Australia, England and South Africa. Kohli has an additional triple-figure score to his name in T20Is, for he punched out his magnum opus innings in the format during a 2022 Asia Cup game against Afghanistan.

3. Ricky Ponting - 71 centuries

Ricky Ponting epitomized excellence both as a batsman and an exemplary leader of Australia’s cricketing dynasty during his playing days. His century-making prowess intertwined seamlessly with his captaincy tenure, where he orchestrated Australia’s dominance on the global stage. He racked up 30 tons in coloured clothing, with his World Cup winning one from the 2003 final standing out among the most revered knocks of tournament’s folklore.

A champion batsman and a player, the charismatic Australian also conquered challenges in Test cricket across nations, marking his authority on pitches worldwide. Ponting’s additional 41 Test specials extended his tally to 71 international tons, thus elevating him to an elite echelon of cricketing legends.

4. Kumar Sangakkara - 63 centuries

Kumar Sangakkara, a paragon of elegance and finesse, mesmerized the cricketing world with 63 centuries, imprinting his legacy as a Sri Lankan legend and an enduring batting icon. Sangakkara’s grace as a cover driver elevated him to an artist with the willow, charming spectators worldwide.

His 38 Test centuries, including a memorable triple, exemplified his mastery in the longest format, showcasing both endurance and flair. While often considered a Test purist, the dynamic southpaw stood out as an ODI colossal as well, notching up 25 centuries in the format during his 404-match career.

Remarkably, Sangakkara scripted four of his 25 ODI centuries in succession, all during the 2015 World Cup in Australia.

5. Jacques Kallis - 62 centuries

South African great and Test legend Jacques Kallis accumulated 45 centuries in 166 matches across 280 innings, all while boasting a staggering average of 55.37. Surpassing even the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in terms of batting average, Kallis adorned each innings with a blend of resilience and elegance, and anchored South Africa’s line-up for over two decades up until his retirement in 2013.

The broad-shouldered batting giant also blasted 17 additional scores of 100 runs or more in ODIs. While Kallis’ Test statistics resonate with excellence, his contributions in ODIs further underscore his versatility and invaluable role as a linchpin for South Africa across all levels of the game.

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