Cricket, a game of glorious uncertainties, often brings to light fascinating statistical comparisons that can surprise even the most ardent followers of the sport.
One such intriguing statistic emerges when we analyze the career of Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder who recently announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) just 15 days before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Stoinis, who represented Australia in 71 ODIs, scored 1,495 runs at an average of 26.69 while also contributing with 48 wickets, has had a career that, while not spectacular, was marked by consistent utility.
What might come as a surprise to many is that Stoinis’ ODI batting average surpasses that of several prominent Indian cricketers, including some who were part of India’s World Cup 2023 squad.
3 such Indian players—Robin Uthappa, Suryakumar Yadav, and Parthiv Patel—who have lower ODI averages than Marcus Stoinis.
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa, a name that once evoked excitement among Indian cricket fans, is a classic case of a player whose ODI career never quite matched the promise he showed early on.
Uthappa played 42 ODIs for India, scoring 934 runs at an average of 25.94, a figure that falls short of Stoinis’ 26.69. Known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to take the game away from the opposition in the powerplay overs, Uthappa was often seen as a potential game-changer at the top of the order.
However, inconsistency plagued his ODI career. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, such as his match-winning performances in the 2007 T20 World Cup and his role in India’s historic 2011 World Cup campaign, Uthappa struggled to cement his place in the ODI setup.
His technique against quality swing bowling was often exposed, and his inability to convert starts into substantial scores led to his exclusion from the team.
While Uthappa’s career in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) showcased his talent, his ODI numbers reflect a missed opportunity on the international stage.
Comparing Uthappa’s ODI average to Stoinis’, it’s evident that while the Australian all-rounder was not a prolific run-scorer, his contributions with both bat and ball provided greater value to his team.
Stoinis’ ability to play under pressure and deliver in crucial moments, such as his unbeaten 146 against New Zealand in 2017, often compensated for his modest average.
Uthappa, on the other hand, lacked the consistency to make a similar impact in the 50-over format.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, often referred to as “SKY” by his fans, is a modern-day T20 batting sensation. His fearless approach, innovative stroke play, and ability to dominate bowlers have made him one of the most exciting players in the shortest format.
However, his ODI career tells a different story. In 35 innings, Yadav has scored 773 runs at an average of 25.76, slightly below Stoinis’ 26.69.
Yadav’s struggles in ODIs are somewhat perplexing, especially given his phenomenal success in T20Is. One possible explanation is the difference in the demands of the two formats.
While T20 cricket allows Yadav to play his natural, aggressive game, ODIs require a balance between aggression and caution—a balance that Yadav has often struggled to strike.
His tendency to play high-risk shots early in his innings has sometimes led to his downfall, resulting in a string of low scores.
Another factor contributing to Yadav’s underwhelming ODI average is the competition for spots in India’s star-studded batting lineup.
Often shuffled around the order, Yadav has found it challenging to establish himself in a fixed role.
Despite being part of India’s 2023 World Cup squad, his performances in the tournament were inconsistent, and he failed to make a significant impact.
In contrast, Stoinis’ role in the Australian ODI team was well-defined.
Whether it was stabilizing the innings after early losses or accelerating the scoring rate in the death overs, Stoinis’ clarity of purpose allowed him to contribute effectively.
Additionally, his bowling added depth to Australia’s lineup, making him a more versatile asset than Yadav in the ODI format. While Yadav’s potential in ODIs remains undeniable, his current numbers place him behind Stoinis in the batting average comparison.
Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel, known for his diminutive stature and quick reflexes behind the stumps, had a career that spanned over a decade but never quite reached the heights expected of him.
In 34 ODI innings, Patel scored 736 runs at an average of 23.74, the lowest among the three Indian players discussed here and significantly below Stoinis’ 26.69.
Patel’s ODI career was marked by fleeting opportunities and intense competition.
As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he was often in contention with the likes of MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, and later, Rishabh Pant, which limited his chances to establish himself as a regular in the team.
While Patel was a reliable gloveman, his batting in ODIs lacked the consistency and flair needed to secure a permanent spot.
Patel’s struggles were particularly evident against top-quality bowling attacks.
His technique, while suited to domestic cricket, often faltered under the pressure of international bowlers, leading to a series of low scores.
His inability to capitalize on starts and build innings was a recurring issue, reflected in his modest ODI average.
Stoinis, on the other hand, brought a different dimension to his team.
As an all-rounder, he offered both batting stability and wicket-taking ability, making him a valuable asset in the middle overs.
His contributions with the ball—48 wickets at a decent economy rate—added a layer of utility that Patel could not match. While Patel’s role as a wicketkeeper was crucial, his batting limitations in ODIs meant he was often overshadowed by more consistent performers.
Stoinis’ Legacy and the Indian Perspective
Marcus Stoinis’ decision to retire from ODIs ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy marks the end of a significant chapter in Australian cricket.
His career, while not defined by staggering numbers, was characterized by resilience and adaptability.
Stoinis’ ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his dual contributions as a batsman and bowler, made him a key player in Australia’s ODI setup.
His average of 26.69, though modest, reflects his role as a utility player rather than a frontline batsman.
For Indian cricket fans, the comparison of Stoinis’ ODI average with that of Uthappa, Yadav, and Patel highlights the challenges of translating domestic and T20 success into the 50-over format.
Each of these players brought unique skills to the table, but their inability to consistently perform in ODIs underscores the demanding nature of the format.
Uthappa’s career, though filled with potential, serves as a reminder of the fine margins in international cricket. Yadav’s struggles highlight the difficulty of transitioning from T20 dominance to ODI consistency, while Patel’s numbers reflect the intense competition for spots in India’s wicketkeeping department.
As Indian cricket looks ahead, the focus will be on nurturing players who can adapt to the nuances of ODI cricket.
The format demands a blend of aggression, patience, and tactical acumen—qualities that Stoinis exemplified during his career.
While Uthappa, Yadav, and Patel have all had their moments in the sun, their ODI averages serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges that even the most talented cricketers can face.
Cricket remains a game where numbers tell only part of the story. Stoinis’ career, though not defined by extraordinary averages, was marked by impactful performances that often turned the tide for Australia.
For Indian fans, the hope is that players like Yadav can harness their immense talent to overcome their ODI struggles and emulate the consistency that made Stoinis a valuable contributor to his team.
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the spotlight will be on India’s batting lineup, with lessons to be learned from both past successes and shortcomings.
