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White-ball cricket has produced some of the most iconic batters in history. From the dominance of ODI greats in the 1990s and 2000s to the rise of explosive T20 specialists in the modern era, the game has been graced by numerous legends. Selecting the best is often a subjective choice, as different players have defined eras with their unique style, consistency, and ability to change games single-handedly. Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who himself enjoyed success in limited-overs cricket, recently revealed his favorite batters in T20Is and ODIs, and his picks reflect a mix of innovation and class.
Ambati Rayudu’s picks for T20I greats
Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Rayudu went with two Indians and one South African player. He named Rohit Sharma, AB de Villiers, and Suryakumar Yadav as his top three T20I batters.
“First, I think Rohit Sharma, then it has to be AB De Villiers and Suryakumar (favorite top 3 T20 batters),” said Rayudu.
- Rohit Sharma: Known as the ‘Hitman’ Rohit has been the most prolific run-getter in T20 internationals with over 4,200 runs, including a record five centuries. His effortless ability to clear boundaries and lead India in major T20 campaigns has set him apart. While he has now retired from the format, his incredible numbers make him the legend of the shortest format.
- AB de Villiers: Nicknamed ‘Mr. 360’ De Villiers brought unmatched innovation to T20 cricket. Though he played just 78 T20Is, scoring more than 1,600 runs at a strike rate above 135, his impact was even more significant in franchise leagues like the IPL, where his versatility made him a global superstar.
- Suryakumar Yadav: A modern-day sensation, ‘SKY’ has redefined T20 batting with his wide range of strokes. In just over four years of international cricket, he has already scored 2,500+ runs at an astonishing strike rate above 167. He has also been at the top spot of ICC ranking in T20Is recently.
Also READ: Alastair Cook names the top 4 greatest opening batters of all time
ODI legends in Rayudu’s list
When it came to ODIs, Rayudu leaned entirely toward Indian batting stalwarts, naming Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag as his top three.
“In ODIs, top is Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag,” added Rayudu.
- Virat Kohli: With more than 14,000 runs and 51 centuries, Kohli is regarded as the finest ODI batter of the modern era, especially known for his ability to chase down targets with unmatched consistency.
- Sachin Tendulkar: The all-time highest ODI run-scorer, Tendulkar amassed 18,426 runs and 49 centuries across 463 matches, shaping the golden era of Indian cricket.
- Virender Sehwag: One of the most fearless openers, Sehwag scored 8,273 ODI runs at a rapid strike rate of 104, including a historic double century (219) against West Indies in 2011.
Also READ: Aussie legend Ricky Ponting names the greatest batter in ODI cricket
