All-rounders hold a special place in cricket, combining both batting and bowling skills to provide their teams with unmatched flexibility. Over the years, many legendary all-rounders have left their mark on ODIs, changing the course of games with key performances. Let’s dive into the top 10 greatest men’s ODI all-rounders of all time players who have defined excellence in the one-day format.
Top 10 Greatest Men’s ODI All-Rounders of All Time
10. Hansie Cronje (South Africa)
Hansie Cronje was an essential figure in South Africa’s rise in international cricket during the 1990s. His captaincy and all-round skills were crucial to the team’s success. Cronje was known for his tactical approach and his consistency as a player.
In his ODI career, Cronje scored 5,565 runs in 188 matches at an average of 38.64, with 39 fifties and two hundreds. As a bowler, he claimed 114 wickets at an average of 34.78, providing his team with crucial breakthroughs. However, his career ended in controversy due to involvement in a match-fixing scandal, tarnishing his impressive legacy.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 188 | 5,565 | 38.64 | 39 | 2 | 114 | 34.78 |
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9. Andrew Flintoff (England)
Andrew Flintoff, also known as “Freddie,” was a favorite among fans for his aggressive bowling and powerful lower-order batting. He was a key player for England in the early 2000s.
Flintoff scored 3,394 runs in ODIs at an average of 32.01, and his highest score was 123. With the ball, he took 169 wickets at an average of 24.38. Despite injuries cutting short his career, Flintoff’s heroic performances, especially during the 2005 Ashes, left a lasting impression.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Highest Score | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | 3,394 | 32.01 | 123 | 169 | 24.38 |
8. Shane Watson (Australia)
Shane Watson was one of Australia’s most powerful all-rounders, capable of rescuing his team with both bat and ball. Starting as a bowling all-rounder, he later became a devastating opener in ODIs.
Watson played 190 ODIs, scoring 5,757 runs at an average of 40.54, with nine centuries and 33 fifties. His explosive 185* against Bangladesh remains memorable. Watson also took 168 wickets at an average of 31.79, proving to be a key bowler in tight situations.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 | 5,757 | 40.54 | 33 | 9 | 168 | 31.79 |
7. Kapil Dev (India)
Kapil Dev is an icon of Indian cricket and the greatest all-rounder the country has produced. He led India to their first World Cup title in 1983 with his outstanding leadership and performances.
In 225 ODIs, Kapil scored 3,783 runs at an average of 23.79, with a strike rate above 95—impressive for his era. He also picked up 253 wickets at an average of 27.45, often leading India’s bowling attack.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225 | 3,783 | 23.79 | 95.07 | 14 | 1 | 253 | 27.45 |
6. Imran Khan (Pakistan)
Imran Khan led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup and was an outstanding all-rounder. As a bowler, he was a fearsome pacer with 182 ODI wickets at an average of 26.61.
Imran also scored 3,709 runs in ODIs, averaging 33.41, with one century and 19 fifties. His leadership, combined with his skills as both a batsman and a bowler, made him one of the sport’s greatest legends.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 | 3,709 | 33.41 | 19 | 1 | 182 | 26.61 |
5. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Known for his powerful hitting, especially during the 1999 World Cup, Lance Klusener was one of the best lower-order batsmen. He averaged 41.10 with the bat and had a strike rate of 89.91.
Klusener also picked up 192 wickets at an average of 29.95, proving his value as a bowler. He was named the Player of the Tournament in the 1999 World Cup.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 171 | 3,576 | 41.10 | 89.91 | 192 | 29.95 |
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4. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi, also known as “Boom Boom,” captivated fans worldwide with his explosive batting and effective leg-spin. Afridi played 398 ODIs, scoring 8,064 runs at a strike rate of 117, with six centuries.
With the ball, Afridi took 395 wickets at an average of 34.51. His 351 sixes in ODIs remain the highest in the format, showing his unmatched hitting ability.
| Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 398 | 8,064 | 117.00 | 39 | 6 | 395 | 34.51 |
3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan has been a key player for Bangladesh, often single-handedly winning games for his team. He has scored 7,570 runs in 247 ODIs at an average of 37.29, with nine centuries.
As a bowler, Shakib has taken 317 wickets at an average of 29.79. His consistency and impact in both departments make him one of the greatest all-rounders ever.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 247 | 7,570 | 37.29 | 56 | 9 | 317 | 29.79 |
2. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis is often regarded as the best all-rounder since Sir Garfield Sobers. He scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs at an average of 44.36, with 17 centuries.
Kallis also took 273 wickets, breaking key partnerships for his team. His ability to be a top-order batsman and a reliable bowler made him a cornerstone of South African cricket.
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328 | 11,579 | 44.36 | 86 | 17 | 273 | 31.79 |
1. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Sanath Jayasuriya changed the way openers played in ODIs, especially during Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win. He scored 13,430 runs in 445 ODIs at a strike rate of 91.20.
Jayasuriya also took 323 wickets, making him the only player to score over 13,000 runs and take more than 300 wickets in ODIs, solidifying his spot as probably the greatest ODI all-rounder.
| Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 445 | 13,430 | 91.20 | 68 | 28 | 323 | 36.75 |
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