“One Day Internationals”: World Cricket has witnessed great games and innings, and out of them, “The Greatest Indian Finishers in One Day International Cricket” have created an aura of mesmerizing Cricket.
One day, Cricket is full of thrills, showcases of Cricketing technicalities, and competitiveness with many close finishes. There have been a few great innings where the Indian Cricket Players have been termed as one of the best in the game. We are now exploring the Greatest Indian Finishers in One-Day International Cricket.
Virat had nicely articulated, “This game is all about pressure, especially in big games like semis and finals,” Kohli explained, “If you go deep enough into the innings, the opposition usually gives in, and then the game becomes easier.”
The origin and birth of One Day Internationals on 5th January 1971 between Australia and England, evolved a new dimension with a mix of traditional tactics and lively action.
The game has hailed many great players, but among them, the Greatest Indian Finishers in One Day International Cricket are those who, with their sensational gameplay, have produced the ‘awe’ that remains a lasting memory for all Indian and global Cricket fans.
Impact of One-Day Internationals and the Great Finishers:
The gruels of Test Matches and the finesse of One-Day Internationals are two different aspects of the game. In One-Day Internationals, the limited-overs format enforces batters to score quickly and, side by side, maximize their time spent at the crease.
It becomes a big mental game, clubbed with tactical moves, when the batters have to balance the run rate. The expertise is measured when the batter has to align himself with the runs being chased, and the balance between runs and wickets is factored in.
The stories of Indian Finishers in One Day International Cricket:
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has always been reckoned as the ‘Master of Chase’, in One Day International Cricket. His aggression in the field, hunger for runs, and passion to win are a testament for being crowned as the champion of modern One Day International Cricket.
Display of supremacy in winning the games when chasing as a top finisher in ODIs.
| Winning games | Match/Innings | Runs | 100 /50 | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
| Won Batting first | 80/79 | 4326 | 19/19 | 166* | 60.92 | 96.69 |
| Won Batting second | 108/102 | 6072 | 24/27 | 183 | 89.29 | 96.48 |
The dominance of the modern era and the strategically superior mindset has marked the new chapter in Indian Cricket history, with Virat Kohli taking charge of the one-day games.
There are many games where he has performed this feat, but the best of them are being brought out reflecting his genius..
India vs Pakistan in 2012 at Mirpur in the Asia Cup was a crucial game.
Virat Kohli scored his highest-ever test score of 183 runs while chasing an imposing total of 330 runs.
Virat came to bat quite early after the fall of the wicket with no runs on the board. From that position, Virat led the charge and controlled the game single-handedly to score 183 runs in 148 balls. With a strike rate of 123.64, he batted till the 47th over when the score was 318.
India vs Australia in 2010 at Vishakapatnam
India was given a target of 290 runs to chase. Virat Kohli played a gem of an innings, controlling the game and scoring 117 runs. Virat single-handedly won the game for India..
India vs Sri Lanka in 2012 at Hobart in the Commonwealth Bank series
Virat Kohli played stupendously to craft a record run chase of 321 runs against Sri Lanka at Hobart, Australia. He did it meticulously with strong partnerships. Virat remained not out at his score of 133 runs off 86 balls (strike rate 154.6), giving the Cricket fans an innings of his lifetime.
Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the greatest One Day Cricketer and also the Greatest finisher of the game.
Virat’s clinical shot playing, adaptability to the situation, and ability to read the game for quick decision-making make him the greatest finisher in One-Day Cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar
The icon and the legendary Cricketer not only dominate the Test Match but are also reckoned as one of the greatest in one-day Cricket. He remains the “Master Blaster” in One Day Cricket with some extraordinary feats to his name.
Display of supremacy in winning the games when chased as one of the top finishers in ODIs.
| Winning Games | Match/Innings | Runs | 100 /50 | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
| Won Batting first | 107/107 | 5667 | 19/28 | 200* | 57.82 | 90.51 |
| Won Batting second | 127/124 | 5490 | 14/31 | 134 | 55.45 | 90.08 |
Sachin Tendulkar arguably is the most celebrated cricketer in the history of this game. The precision in stroke making, the balance to face any delivery, the eyesight, and the economy of movement created those extraordinary run feasts in both Test matches and ODIs.
A few of his best innings, which involved chasing an imposing total and also becoming the mainstay in the innings to finish the game, are explored and displayed here.
India vs Pakistan 2003, Centurion, SA; World Cup.
In an important group match against the arch-rivals Pakistan, Sachin displayed the brilliance of technicalities and aggression while chasing the imposing score of 273 runs by Pakistan.
Sachin scored a match-winning 98 runs off 75 balls with a strike rate of 130.66. India could win the game with this strong foundation. His six off Shoaib Akhtar was the best shot of the tournament.
India vs Australia 1998, Sharjah, (Coca Cola Cup)
In the tri-series championship, fighting with New Zealand and Australia, the final match was on 24th April against Australia, where they scored 272 runs.
Sachin single-handedly took the game away from Australia by scoring a majestic 134 runs at a strike rate of 102.3, on his birthday. The innings had left an impact on the Australian bowlers that, after the game, Shane Warne took an autograph of Sachin on his shirt.
The Maestro, in his playing days, unleashed a fear in the bowler’s mind with his elegance, technical supremacy, and tremendous tactical dominion.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest one-day batsmen of all time. He is the big six-hitting, run chase genius. He became a colossus in one-day ball cricket once he came out of his shadows and played his natural game. With his Captainship, he won many accolades, reaching the final of the World Cup in 2023 and winning the Championship trophy in 2025.
While praising the statistics of Rohit Sharma, a few innings stand out as masterful plays under tough circumstances.
Display of supremacy in winning the games when chased as one of the top finishers in ODIs.
| Winning Games | Match/Innings | Runs | 100 /50 | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
| Won Batting first | 69/68 | 3390 | 12/11 | 264 | 52.96 | 99.34 |
| Won Batting second | 104/100 | 4701 | 14/28 | 152* | 64.39 | 92.30 |
India vs Australia, 2013, at Jaipur ODI series
In the 2nd ODI against Australia, the target set by the home team was a mammoth 360 runs.
Rohit Sharma played a gem of an innings alongside Virat Kohli, who then scored the fastest one-day 100 off 52 runs for India. Rohit played a knock of 141 runs with a strike rate of 115. Innings from Rohit Sharma were instrumental in India securing their second-highest run chase in ODIs,
Virat later on had said about Rohit Sharma’s innings, “Once he gets set and gets going, it’s tough to stop him. He’s got every shot in the book, and it was a delight to watch from the other end.”
India vs South Africa, 2019, Southampton, ICC World Cup
In an important game in the World Cup, South Africa finished their innings with a score of 227 runs. India started cautiously, but in the process, lost two early wickets for 54 runs.
Rohit stood like a rock, carried his innings through in those trying conditions, and won the game for India. His score of 122 runs not out was a mature and sensible innings like a champion batter.
M S Dhoni
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MS Dhoni is known for his extraordinary ability to read the game, remaining calm under all circumstances with no visible signs of pressure on his face. He is the Mr Cool of Indian Cricket history.
He has recorded a fantastic average of +100 while batting 2nd and winning the game. He remained not out 47 times, which is a testament to his role as a finisher, either scoring big or a short innings with a 300 strike rate. He will be regarded as one of the great Cricketers, Captains of the game, whose heroics are many.
We shall highlight a few of the best that have brought India moments of glory.
Display of supremacy in winning the games when chased as one of the top finishers in ODIs
| Winning Games | Match/Innings | Runs | 100 /50 | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
| Won Batting first | 89/87 | 3610 | 5/24 | 148 | 54.70 | 103.82 |
| Won Batting second | 116/75 | 2876 | 2/20 | 183* | 102.71 (47 times not out) | 88.00 |
India vs Sri Lanka 2011, Mumbai; World Cup final.
One of the most historic days for Indian Cricket. The stage was all set for a historic final..
Sri Lanka had set a challenging target of 275 runs.
The Captain decided to come ahead of Yuvraj. Dhoni played some beautiful shots during his innings of 91 not out at a strike rate of 115.. Dhoni, with Yuvraj, finished the game, scoring a six with his signature helicopter shot to win it for India. He demonstrated nerves of steel and thrived under pressure. He sealed the game with his batting prowess.
India vs Sri Lanka 2005, Jaipur, One Day International
Sri Lanka, batting first, scored a fabulous 298 runs. MS Dhoni played some extraordinary shots, coming at number 3, smashing all around the ground.
Dhoni had hit 15 fours and 10 huge sixes in his journey to score an all-time best of 183 not out. He had a strike rate of 126.20. India finished the game with 23 balls to spare.
M S Dhoni remains one of the great finishers in One Day International Cricket. His legacy still inspires the next generations and encourages the youth to follow in his footsteps.
Saurav Ganguly
The ace player, a wonderful captain who had transformed the Indian team in their mindset and the God of the Offside, he remains one of the inspirations for the generations in this game.
From giving a good start to the innings to finishing the game with his superlative drives and cuts, he remains one of the finest one-day players in the history of Cricket, along with being a great finisher of the game.
Display of supremacy in winning the games when chased as one of the top finishers in ODIs.
| Winning Games | Match/Innings | Runs | 100 /50 | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
| Won Batting first | 74/74 | 3649 | 12/16 | 183 | 53.66 | 79.56 |
| Won Batting second | 75/73 | 3289 | 6/25 | 135* | 56.70 | 76.08 |
While analyzing the achievements, there are a few games that need to be mentioned for appreciation.
India vs Pakistan, Silver Jubilee Independence Day Cup, 1998, Dhaka
It was the very important 3rd final against Pakistan. They had a formidable team and had scored an imposing total of 314 runs in 48 overs. The responsibility lay on Saurav Ganguly, and he continued to play a gem of an innings with his contribution of 124 runs. India won the game in the last over. The great innings of Saurav Ganguly fetched him the man of the match award.
India vs England, 2002, ICC Champions Trophy, Colombo
England batted first and had put on a score of 250 runs in 50 overs.
Saurav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag started the innings.. Saurav, at his best, was punching the English attack with style.
Saurav Ganguly continued till the last ball and brought India victory in 39.3 overs. He remained not out at his personal score of 117 runs with a strike rate of 107.33
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj, known for his clean hits over the fence, is a treat to watch when in full flow. The left-handed hard-hitting batsman has plundered runs against all good bowlers when he is in full flow.
A useful bowler, fine fielder who had made a comeback after being cured of an illness, speaks of his resolute and mental strength. Till today ,he continues to inspire the youth.
Display of supremacy in winning the games when chased as one of the top finishers in ODIs.
| Winning Games | Match/Innings | Runs | 100 /50 | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
| Won Batting first | 80/78 | 3242 | 9/17 | 150 | 46.98 | 104.04 |
| Won Batting second | 94/78 | 2766 | 2/22 | 120 | 54.23(27 timed not out) | 83.97 |
There are many innings that have contributed towards India’s victory; however, we will be exploring a few of the notable game-finishing acts of Yuvraj.
- India vs Pakistan, 2006, ODI, Karachi
This was the last game of the series, and India wanted to be the winners with a 4-1 margin in the five-match series. In their 50 overs, Pakistan had scored a very decent competitive total of 286 runs.
Yuvraj joined Rahul Dravid and, from the very first ball, displayed his intentions. He was in full flow and hitting the cherry all round the wicket with the sweetest of timings. Yuvraj remained not out with his score of 107 runs and a strike rate of 115. He was adjudged the man of the match and also the man of the series.
India vs England, Lords, 2002 , Natwest Trophy finals.
England batted first and, with the help of twin centuries, scored an imposing, difficult total of 325 runs to chase.
India, in reply, started excellently with the score cruising at 107 in 14.3 overs, but then suddenly English bowlers put the brakes on Indian scoring, and the score read 146 for 5.
Yuvraj played brilliantly with his personal score of 69 runs and a 110 strike rate.. The foundation was built for the victory, and Md Kaif finished the game with his score at 89 not out with three balls to spare.
A magnificent win for the Indian team, which had shaped the mental frame of all the players on a high note. Saurav did the act of waving his shirt in the balcony of the Lords out of impulse, which is still being talked about.
The thrill of One Day and the challenges faced while finishing the game for their Country varied across all tournaments, marking the greatness of the players.
From the World number One finisher Virat, Sachin, Rohit, to Dhoni, Saurav, Yuvraj, they are not just Cricketers, they have inspired generations. Their legacy to stay calm, focused, and fearless in all situations makes them the greatest of all to finish the game till the last ball.
India’s one-day history is built on finishers who turned the game into iconic victories.
Their collective legacy cements India’s reputation as the home of some of the greatest finishers in One Day International cricket history.
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