Cricket is a sport that demands exceptional skill and technique. No matter the format, players must demonstrate unparalleled dedication to be recognized among the game's greats. Scoring runs and hitting the highest number of centuries in ODIs is a formidable achievement, especially against some of the most skilled and formidable bowlers.

Yet, the world of cricket boasts several extraordinary players who have achieved remarkable feats by scoring numerous centuries in ODIs. In this article, we will highlight some of these top players with the most centuries in ODI cricket history.

Top 10 ODI Century Scorers in Cricket History

1. Sachin Tendulkar (INDIA)

• Span: 1989-2012
• Matches: 463
• Innings: 452
• 100s: 49
• Runs: 18,426
• Highest Score: 200*

Topping the list is the "Master Blaster," Sachin Tendulkar. Although it took him a few years to score his first ODI century in 1994, he ended his illustrious career with 49 centuries, the most by any player in ODI history. His 200* against South Africa was the first double century in ODI cricket.

2. Virat Kohli (INDIA)

• Span: 2008-2022
• Matches: 260
• Innings: 251
• 100s: 43
• Runs: 12,311
• Highest Score: 183

Second on the list is former Indian captain Virat Kohli, known as the "Chase Master." With 43 centuries to his name, Kohli is on the brink of surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries.

3. Ricky Ponting (AUSTRALIA)

• Span: 1995-2012
• Matches: 375
• Innings: 365
• 100s: 30
• Runs: 13,704
• Highest Score: 164

Australian legend Ricky Ponting ranks third with 30 ODI centuries. He holds the distinction of scoring centuries against every cricketing nation with permanent ODI status.

4. Rohit Sharma (INDIA)

• Span: 2007-2022
• Matches: 230
• Innings: 223
• 100s: 29
• Runs: 9,283
• Highest Score: 264

Rohit Sharma, known for his impeccable timing, has 29 centuries and holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI (264).

5. Sanath Jayasuriya (SRI LANKA)

• Span: 1989-2011
• Matches: 445
• Innings: 433
• 100s: 28
• Runs: 13,430
• Highest Score: 189

Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the role of the opening batsman with his aggressive style. He amassed 28 centuries in his career, the most for Sri Lanka.

6. Hashim Amla (SOUTH AFRICA)

• Span: 2008-2019
• Matches: 181
• Innings: 178
• 100s: 27
• Runs: 8,113
• Highest Score: 159

Hashim Amla, known for his elegance, scored 27 centuries in ODIs, the most by any South African player.

7. AB de Villiers (SOUTH AFRICA)

• Span: 2005-2018
• Matches: 228
• Innings: 218
• 100s: 25
• Runs: 9,577
• Highest Score: 176

AB de Villiers, also known as "Mr. 360°," holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs. He has scored 25 centuries in his career.

8. Chris Gayle (WEST INDIES)

• Span: 1999-2019
• Matches: 301
• Innings: 294
• 100s: 25
• Runs: 10,480
• Highest Score: 215

Chris Gayle, the "Universe Boss," is known for his explosive batting. He has scored 25 centuries, including a record double century in the 2015 World Cup.

9. Kumar Sangakkara (SRI LANKA)

• Span: 2000-2015
• Matches: 404
• Innings: 380
• 100s: 25
• Runs: 14,234
• Highest Score: 169

Kumar Sangakkara, one of Sri Lanka’s finest batsmen, scored 25 centuries during his ODI career, placing him among the top century-makers in the format.

10. Sourav Ganguly (INDIA)

• Span: 1992-2007
• Matches: 311
• Innings: 300
• 100s: 22
• Runs: 11,363
• Highest Score: 183

Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as "Dada," rounds out the list with 22 centuries. His partnership with Tendulkar made them one of the most formidable opening pairs in cricket history.