The highest average in ODI cricket is a measure of a batsman’s consistency and their contribution to the team throughout their career.
Batting average in cricket is the number of runs a player scores on average before getting out, which is calculated by dividing the total runs a player has scored by the number of times they have been dismissed.
In the list of the highest batting average in ODI, the renowned names like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Shubman Gill, and Sachin Tendulkar are at the top of the charts.
ODI Batting Average: What It Means and Why It Matters
The highest average in ODI in the case of One Day Internationals (ODIs) indicates the reliability and consistency of a batsman to score runs. It is determined by dividing the sum of all the runs that a player has scored by the number of times he has been dismissed.
An increase in the average indicates that a player plays well on a regular basis and, as such, it is a significant indicator of batting prowess.
The most consistent run-scorers are considered to be among them with the best batting average in ODI.
Top 10 Batsmen with the Highest Batting Average in ODI History
Batting for 50 overs and consistently scoring runs, leading the team’s pressure is not an easy task for the batters, as the ODI format is considered more challenging than the T20 format. However, coping with such struggles and difficulties throughout the innings, several batters from different nations have emerged as excellent players, enabling them to register their names in the list of the highest average in ODI.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 batsmen with the highest average in ODI:
Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Career Span |
1 | Milind Kumar | USA | 22 | 21 | 1016 | 67.73 | 2024–2025 |
2 | RN ten Doeschate | NED | 33 | 32 | 1541 | 67 | 2006–2011 |
3 | Virat Kohli | IND | 305 | 293 | 14255 | 57.71 | 2008–2025 |
4 | Shubman Gill | IND | 58 | 58 | 2818 | 56.36 | 2019–2025 |
5 | Dawid Malan | ENG | 30 | 30 | 1450 | 55.76 | 2019–2023 |
6 | Michael Bevan | AUS | 232 | 196 | 6912 | 53.58 | 1994–2004 |
7 | AB de Villiers | SA | 228 | 218 | 9577 | 53.5 | 2005–2018 |
8 | Babar Azam | PAK | 138 | 135 | 6365 | 53.04 | 2015–2025 |
9 | Ibrahim Zadran | AFG | 39 | 39 | 1869 | 51.91 | 2019–2025 |
10 | Daryl Mitchell | NZ | 55 | 50 | 2219 | 51.6 | 2021–2025 |
Milind Kumar (67.73)
The USA player, Milind Kumar, is the current leader in the list of the highest average in ODI with an impressive 67.73. He has hit 1016 runs in only 22 matches; 3 centuries and 7 fifties with a strike rate of 102.21.
With his cool attitude, timing that suits different circumstances, he has become one of the highest average batsmen in ODIs in the modern world.
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RN ten Doeschate (67.00)
The Dutch player ten Doeschate is considered a consistent player, with one of the best averages in ODIs at 67.00. He scored 5 centuries and 9 half-centuries in 33 matches, where he accumulated 1541 runs at a strike rate of 87.70.
He has one of the highest averages in ODI with the ability to play against the best teams and produce when the pressure is on.
Virat Kohli (57.71)
Virat Kohli’s ODI average of 57.71 after playing 305 matches is considered one of the best in the world, having smashed 14255 runs, 51 hundreds, and 75 fifties. A match-winning chaser and physically fit individual is one of the batsmen in the whole world with one of the most average in ODI.
Shubman Gill (56.36)
Shubman Gill’s ODI average of 56.36 has certainly made him an outstanding player in the ODI format, having scored 2818 runs in 58 matches and hit 8 centuries and 15 fifties, with a highest score of 208 runs.
Gill has a strike rate of nearly 100, and his figures suggest that he might one day challenge Kohli’s ODI average and possibly surpass it.
360 ODI runs in 2025 at an average of 120 – Shubman Gill is in unstoppable form 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lAjKkYcGig
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 20, 2025
Michael Bevan (53.58)
Michael Bevan of Australia is said to be one of the finest finishers of all time with one of the highest average in ODI of 53.58. In 232 matches, he has 6912 runs and 6 centuries and 46 fifties, and he has been part of most of Australia’s victories under pressure.
His average in ODIs established his precedence as a middle-order batsman to come, competing with MS Dhoni’s ODI average.
AB de Villiers (53.50)
AB de Villiers, also known as Mr. 360, has one of the highest averages in ODI history, with a figure of 53.50. In 228 games, he made 9577 runs with a terrific strike rate of 101.09, having 25 hundreds and 53 fifties. He is a power and innovator, which makes him one of the greatest batsmen of all time, as his consistency is evident in his ability to hit shots all around the ground.
The explosive nature of his style, coupled with accuracy, makes AB a genius with one of the highest averages in ODI.
Babar Azam (53.04)
Babar Azam’s ODI average of 53.04 has certainly established him as one of the greats of Pakistan, with a record of 6,365 runs in 138 matches, including 19 centuries and 37 half-centuries. This is a testament to the great class and grace he has shown over the years.
His cover drive and temperament are what make him one of the highest ODI average batsmen in the world. His consistency and talent are reflected in his batting, which has made Babar comparable to Virat Kohli, as he has the ability to anchor innings and deliver in any condition.
Ibrahim Zadran (51.91)
Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan is also in the list one of the highest averages in ODI with an average of 51.91. He has played 39 matches, scoring 1869 runs, which include 6 centuries and 9 fifties. His good technique, patience, and composure at the crease have contributed to his being one of the best players at a tender age.
With one of the highest averages in ODI cricket, he has been the most consistent player for Afghanistan.
Daryl Mitchell (51.60)
Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand has already made a name for himself with an ODI average 51.60 of 51.60. In 55 matches, he has registered 2219 runs, six centuries, and 11 half-centuries at a strike rate of 93.51.
His cool-headedness and ability to make smart choices of shots make him one of the top batters in ODI in the modern age. The fact that Mitchell is consistent in pursuing and establishing goals is indicative of his flexibility.
Comparing Eras: Modern vs Classic ODI Batsmen
Speaking of the highest average in ODI, it is intriguing to contrast the current batsmen with the legends of the past.
Players such as Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Shubman Gill have always recorded high averages in their careers, demonstrating the impact of fitness, T20 experience, and modern training on the batting standards. To illustrate, Kohli ODI average indicates his steadiness in both the pursuit and set of goals.
On the same note, Sanju Samson ODI average and KL Rahul ODI average imply that the young generation is in a position to cope with pressure at an early stage of their careers.
Highest ODI average in Matches Team scored at < 5 Run Rate:
69.15 – AB de Villiers
55.33 – MS DHONI*
54.33 – Babar Azam
52.29 – Michael Clarke
49.85 – Kumar SangakkaraCollapse-Saver MS Dhoni ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/2dyQnEVNQx
— SIVY 🇮🇳 (@Sivy_Raina3) July 15, 2024
Conversely, players such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers have been legends in their own time. Current batsmen have sustained higher strike rates and retained their highest averages in ODIs. It is a trend not commonly observed during classic times.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI average suggests that modern cricketers have access to more advanced preparation, sports science, and match awareness. Moreover, in the list of modern ODI batsmen, there is often a comparison between Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Shubman Gill.
ALSO READ: Fastest ODI Centuries: Top 11 Quickest Tons in History
Amit Mishra’s Take
ODI has been a challenge to a batsman’s ability, and the highest average in ODI is a valid indicator of greatness. Fitness, experience in T20, and clever tactics on the field have increased the consistency of the scoring, as demonstrated by modern stars such as Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Shubman Gill.
Players such as Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s highest average in ODI and their ability to perform under pressure have made them the greats of the game, whereas the young talents such as Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson hold a bright future.
Such legends as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers were the standards of their time, where the modern players are even more dynamic and reliable with the higher strike rates and the best batting average in ODI.
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FAQs on the Highest Average in ODI
Who has the highest batting average in ODI history as of 2025?
Milind Kumar of the USA has the highest average in ODIs with a notable score of 67.73.
What is Virat Kohli’s current ODI average?
Kohli’s current ODI batting average is 57.71 in 305 matches, which displays his pursuit of goals and comfort level when under pressure.
What is the consistency of Rohit Sharma in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma has been consistent in the ODI format with an average of 49.2, hence qualifying him for the list of players with the highest average in ODI
What was the average of MS Dhoni in the ODI?
The average of MS Dhoni of 50.57 in his career was remarkable and was a pointer to his ability to finish and his composure when under pressure, cementing his name among the highest average in ODI.
