The debate over who stands as the greatest One Day International (ODI) batsman of all time often centers around Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Tendulkar, with his monumental records, and Kohli, with his modern-day consistency, have both etched their names into cricketing history. However, former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar offers a different perspective, placing West Indies icon Sir Vivian Richards at the pinnacle of ODI batting greatness.
Tendulkar and Kohli: Giants of the Modern Era
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Master Blaster,” amassed 18,426 runs in ODIs, a record that still stands. His career, spanning from 1989 to 2012, showcased unparalleled skill and dedication, earning him numerous accolades, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Virat Kohli, representing the contemporary era, has been a dominant force in ODIs. As of February 2025, Kohli has surpassed the 14,000-run mark, trailing only Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara in the list of leading ODI run-scorers. His consistency and chase mastery have drawn comparisons to Tendulkar, with many considering him a modern great.
Manjrekar’s Perspective: The Richards Factor
Despite acknowledging the brilliance of Tendulkar and Kohli, Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Sir Vivian Richards holds the title of the greatest ODI batsman. Manjrekar highlights Richards’ extraordinary statistics during an era when ODI cricket was still evolving. Playing from the 1970s to the 1990s, Richards amassed 6,721 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 90.20. These figures are particularly striking given that many top batsmen of his time had averages around 30 and strike rates in the 60s.
Manjrekar emphasizes the gap between Richards and his contemporaries, noting that Richards’ dominance was unparalleled during his playing days. He points out that while modern players like Kohli and Tendulkar have impressive records, Richards’ performance in his era sets him apart as the all-time great in ODIs.
Conclusion
The debate over the greatest ODI batsman is subjective and influenced by various factors, including the era, playing conditions, and individual preferences. While Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have set benchmarks in the modern game, Sanjay Manjrekar’s endorsement of Sir Vivian Richards sheds light on the West Indian legend’s remarkable achievements. Richards’ dominance during a formative period for ODI cricket underscores his lasting impact on the sport.