The debate regarding the greatest batter of all time in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is always an interesting subject amongst the fans as well as the cricket fraternity. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara are some standout names who have shown unreal batting talent courtesy of their consistent performances, numerous records, and ability to score runs in all conditions.
In modern-day cricket, the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and MS Dhoni are some prominent personalities who have impressed one and all with their unbelievable domination, especially in the ODI format.
Because of so many candidates, the answer to the question of who is the greatest ODI batter of all time is quite challenging. However, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has picked his choice. Manjrekar reckoned that Tendulkar is indeed great while Kohli is undoubtedly the best ODI batter in the last 20 years, but there is no match for Windies legend Richards.
“When you look at the modern era, in the last 20 years or so, Virat Kohli is right up there. Tendulkar is also one of the time all-time greats. Virat Kohli, in my book, just fits in as a pure one-day player. MS Dhoni is another player that comes to my mind. But, all-time one-day batter, there is nobody who can get close to Sir Vivian Richards. Now, this might seem a little old-fashioned,” Manjrekar told Star Sports.
“Viv Richards played from the 70s to 90s in a time when all top-class batters, people like Gordon Greenidge, averaged about 30 and strike rate in the 60s. Viv Richards, from the 70s to the 90s, including a World Cup final hundred, averaged 47 and a strike rate of 90. The second-best in his era was second-best by a long way,” added Manjrekar.
