Australian fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath has revealed his list of the top five Indian ODI batsmen, ranking Virat Kohli at the top and placing Rohit Sharma above the great Sachin Tendulkar. The ranking, shared during a recent interview, has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans worldwide.
McGrath’s Top Five Indian ODI Batsmen
| Rank | Player | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | Over 13,000 ODI runs; among the fastest to 50 and 70 centuries |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma | Three double centuries; highest individual ODI score (264) |
| 3 | Sachin Tendulkar | Record 18,426 ODI runs; 49 centuries; pioneer of modern ODI batting |
| 4 | MS Dhoni | Legendary finisher; led India to 2007 T20 & 2011 ODI World Cup victories |
| 5 | Yuvraj Singh | 2011 World Cup hero; iconic all-round performances |
Notably absent from McGrath’s list is Virender Sehwag, one of India’s most explosive openers and the first Indian to score a double century in ODIs — a decision that surprised many fans and analysts.
McGrath’s Reasoning
Explaining his choices, McGrath emphasised the balance between consistency, impact, and match-winning ability.
“My second choice is Rohit Sharma. His statistics and style of play in ODIs are truly exceptional. Three double centuries and a highest score of 264 — such records are unique. Scoring over 11,000 runs in 276 matches is phenomenal,” he said.
He added,
“Number one is Virat Kohli. His run tally, average, and strike rate — everything is simply outstanding. His hunger for runs and ability to perform under pressure set him apart.”
Rohit’s Recent Milestone
Rohit Sharma continues to justify such praise. The Indian captain recently made history by becoming India’s oldest cricketer to top the ICC ODI batting rankings, reaching number one at 38 years and 182 days. He surpassed Shubman Gill to claim the position for the first time in his career.
The milestone came following his superb form in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia, where Rohit finished as the highest run-scorer with 202 runs at an average of 101. His performances included two match-defining innings that earned him the Player of the Series award.
In contrast, Gill struggled to make an impact, managing only 43 runs in the same series — a sharp reminder of Rohit’s enduring class and experience.
Statistical Snapshot
| Player | ODI Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 292 | 13,848 | 58.7 | 50 | 183 |
| Rohit Sharma | 276 | 11,370 | 49.8 | 31 | 264 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 463 | 18,426 | 44.8 | 49 | 200* |
McGrath’s list has reignited the age-old debate about India’s greatest ODI batsman — a discussion that may never have a definitive answer, but continues to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Indian cricket’s finest.