Six Indian cricketers have achieved the milestone of playing 300 or more One Day International (ODI) matches for their country. The Indian cricket team has established itself as a dominant force in world cricket, securing two World Cups and two Champions Trophy titles in the 50-over format.
Virat Kohli will achieve this milestone against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy on Sunday. The 36-year-old Kohli will become the seventh Indian player to achieve this milestone. Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin was the first Indian player to play 300 ODIs in October 1998. Meanwhile, Kohli will be the first Indian in over six years to this landmark.
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Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 463 ODI matches, which is also a world record. After making his debut in 1989, he amassed 18,426 runs, including 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. His illustrious career, which ended in 2012, included victories in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2002 ICC Champions Trophy.
MS Dhoni stands second with 347 ODI matches for India. He played a total of 350 ODIs, with three appearances for Asia XI. As India’s most successful captain, he led the team in 200 matches and secured 110 victories. Dhoni retired in 2020 with 10,773 runs at an impressive average of 50.57.
Rahul Dravid played 340 ODIs for India out of his total 344 appearances, which included games for Asia XI and ICC World XI. Known primarily for his Test cricket achievements, he accumulated 10,889 runs at an average of 39.16, with 12 centuries and 83 fifties. His last ODI appearance was in 2011.
Mohammad Azharuddin represented India in 334 ODI matches and captained the team in three World Cups (1992, 1996, and 1999). He scored 9,378 runs with seven centuries and 58 half-centuries at an average of 36.92. His career ended in 2000 following his involvement in a match-fixing controversy.
Sourav Ganguly played 308 ODIs for India and three additional matches for Asia XI. He scored 11,363 runs at an average of 41.02 during his career. Under his leadership, India reached the 2003 World Cup final and shared the 2002 Champions Trophy title. His final ODI match was against Pakistan in Gwalior in 2007.
Yuvraj Singh completed his career with 301 ODIs for India and three for Asia XI. He scored 8,701 runs with 14 centuries and 52 half-centuries. His remarkable performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award in India’s 2011 World Cup victory, and he played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph.
Indian players with most ODI matches played:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 463 matches
- MS Dhoni – 350 matches
- Rahul Dravid – 344 matches
- M Azharuddin- 334 matches
- Sourav Ganguly – 311 matches
- Yuvraj Singh – 304 matches
- Virat Kohli – 299* matches
