This list highlights the amazing depth of talent that India has in One-Day International cricket
Have you ever wondered which Indian batters achieved the coveted milestone of 2,000 ODI runs the quickest? Prepare to be amazed by these players' incredible skill and swiftness!
The newest member of the 2,000-run club, KL Rahul, might surprise some. This talented batsman has established himself as a true all-rounder for India, comfortable opening the batting or playing anywhere in the middle order. Remember his dream debut against Zimbabwe in 2016, where he became the only Indian to score a century on his first ODI appearance?
Rahul reached the 2,000-run mark in just 53 innings, boasting an impressive average of over 45 and a strike rate that keeps the scoreboard ticking at over 86. He can not only bat brilliantly, but his wicket-keeping skills add another dimension to his value. No wonder he's considered one of the most flexible batsmen in the Indian ODI setup!
Is Virat Kohli's name on this list surprising at all? Regarding ODI batting records, there is no need to introduce the former Indian captain. Kohli reached the 2,000-run mark in 53 innings, much like KL Rahul. However, that is only the start of his amazing tale.
The fastest batter to achieve many milestones—8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and even 12,000 ODI runs—is Kohli!
Many fans might remember Navjot Singh Sidhu for his colourful commentary stints and witty one-liners. But before the mic, Sidhu was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He was a prominent name in the Indian batting line-up during the late 80s, 90s, and even the early 2000s.
Known for his exceptional skills against spin bowling, Sidhu reached the 2,000-run mark in just 52 innings. He might not have the sky-high averages of some on this list, but his consistency was impressive, averaging over 37 in his ODI career.
Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as Dada, is another former Indian captain who deserves a place in this elite group. He, along with Navjot Singh Sidhu, jointly holds the second-fastest record for reaching 2,000 ODI runs, achieving it in just 52 innings.
One of the greatest captains ever of Indian cricket // Picture Courtesy – Hindustan Times
Ganguly's legacy goes beyond just this milestone. He's regarded as one of the most accomplished ODI batsmen in cricket history. With over 11,000 runs at an average of 41, he's the third-leading run scorer for India in ODIs. He also holds the record for being the fastest to several 1,000-run landmarks, although some younger players have since surpassed him.
Shikhar Dhawan, the current leader of the list, may not be a favourite with the selectors right now, but his legacy is assured. At the end of an incredible 48 innings, Dhawan became the quickest batter in Indian history to score 2,000 runs!
Dhawan has significantly impacted Indian cricket in the 50-over format, even if he is not a member of the current team. With a strike rate of 91 and nearly 6,800 runs at an amazing 44.11 average, he keeps the scoreboard moving. His record of scoring high scores—17 ODI centuries—is widely known.
