Introduction

Cricket is a game that has given the world unstoppable heroes — players whose names echo across generations.
Few cricketers, however, have achieved the status of being G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
In the One Day International (ODI) format, some legends have cemented their places with record-breaking victories, leadership, and influence.

At the pinnacle of this exclusive club is Virat Kohli, whose statistics, legacy, and global reach make him the figurehead of cricket’s modern-day greatness.
Let us examine why Virat is the GOAT and discover the other timeless legends who set the history of ODI cricket.

Virat Kohli: Redefining Greatness in Modern Cricket

A Record-Breaking Career

Virat Kohli has dominated across all formats:

• 13,000+ ODI runs, second only to Sachin Tendulkar

• 4,000+ T20I runs, among the format’s highest scorers

• 8,000+ Test runs with an average above 50

With over 77 international centuries, Kohli is closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record — a testament to his consistency and hunger for greatness.

Transforming Team India

Kohli’s leadership redefined Indian cricket:

• India became World No.1 in Test cricket

• Historic Test series wins in Australia and England

• Revolutionized team fitness and aggression standards

While he didn’t lift an ICC trophy as captain, Kohli’s legacy lies in building a team that believes it can dominate anywhere in the world.

Impact Beyond Cricket

Virat Kohli brought a fitness revolution to cricket, setting a new gold standard for athleticism.
Off the field, his influence continues to grow:

• 265+ million followers on Instagram

• Brand ambassador for Puma, Audi, MRF

Virat is a worldwide symbol of greatness, motivating millions not just as a cricketer but as a leader, businessperson, and fashion icon too.

All-Time Legends of ODI Cricket: The G.O.A.T.s Who Redefined the Game

The past of cricket has seen legends abound, who reshaped the ODI game in their own manner of dominance, invention, and appeal.
A nod to the ultimate icons whose works are irretrievably marked on cricket’s blueprint:

1. Sachin Tendulkar

The “God of Cricket” heads this illustrious list:

• 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs

• First to score an ODI double-century

• Winner of the 2011 World Cup

• Bharat Ratna Awardee

 Even today, shouts of “Sachin! Sachin!” reverberate through the grounds, a testament to his eternality.

2. Viv Richards

The one who pioneered bold aggression in ODI batting.
Viv Richards transformed batting strategies through his strike rates, daring generations to come to play attacking cricket.

3. Muthiah Muralitharan

Cricket’s spin master:

• 534 wickets in 350 ODIs

• Mastered unorthodox off-spin variations

• Integral to Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win

Murali’s magic remains unmatched in cricket history.

4. Kumar Sangakkara

The best wicketkeeper-batsman ODI cricket has ever seen:

• 13,975 runs

• 25 centuries and 90 half-centuries

• 4 consecutive World Cup centuries in 2015

His artistry with both bat and gloves defined a generation of cricket.

5. M.S. Dhoni

Captain Cool revolutionized leadership and finishing in ODIs:

• 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy winner

• 10,773 runs with over a 50-average

• Legendary helicopter shot and the ability to stay as cool as ice when pressure is applied

MS Dhoni has made an elephant-sized impact on world cricket.

6. Jacques Kallis

Best all-round all-rounder in cricket:

• Over 11,500 ODI runs

• 273 wickets

• 17 centuries and 86 half-centuries

Kallis elevated the all-rounders’ role to unprecedented heights, dominating every element of the game.

7. Ricky Ponting

Australia’s greatest captain and batting great:

• 13,704 runs

• Won three World Cup championships with Australia

• 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries

Ponting’s record as a brawler and master strategist continues to stand alone.

8. Wasim Akram

The Sultan of Swing:

• 502 wickets in 356 ODIs

• Master of reverse swing and key to Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory

Wasim’s precision and elan made him one of cricket’s most feared bowlers.

9. Sanath Jayasuriya

The architect of powerplay supremacy:

• Over 13,000 runs

• 300+ wickets

• Key architect of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win

Jayasuriya’s explosive starts changed how opening batting was approached forever.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Eternal Stars of Cricket

From Virat Kohli’s modern-day brilliance to Sachin Tendulkar’s timeless grace, from Wasim Akram’s lethal swing to MS Dhoni’s masterclass in leadership — these legends have crafted cricket’s glorious history.

Each one of them showcases what it means to be called the G.O.A.T.
Their records, passion, influence, and style are still inspiring millions and making the essence of cricket ageless.

Cricket can evolve, but the legacies of these greats will always be there.

FAQs

■ Q1. Why is Virat Kohli referred to as the GOAT of cricket?
A1. Due to his unmatched consistency, record-shattering centuries, leadership impact, and fitness revolution in world cricket.

■ Q2. Who holds the record for the most ODI run-scores in history?
A2. Sachin Tendulkar with 18,426 ODI runs.

■ Q3. Who transformed ODI batting in the 80s?
A3. Viv Richards, through his attacking and high-strike-rate batting.

■ Q4. Who is the top wicket-taker in ODI cricket?
A4. Muthiah Muralitharan, with 534 ODI wickets.

■ Q5. Which captain is the most successful in ODIs?
A5. Ricky Ponting, who led Australia to a number of World Cup victories.