Indian cricket continues to produce some of the most prolific run-scorers of all-time. Ever since India’s early days in international cricket, the country has produced some of the greatest batsmen who have ever played the game. And in the limited-overs format, Indian batters have created a special aura with some of their innings that have left an ever-lasting impression.
Among some of the most inspiring knocks played by the Indian batters, here’s a look at top-five 150+ scores in ODI history:
1. Kapil Dev – 175* vs Zimbabwe:
Reeling at 17/5 in a group match against Zimbabwe in World Cup 1983, Indian skipper Kapil Dev played an innings of a lifetime. The swashbuckling all-rounder, along with the few tailenders, drove India from a state of misery to a defendable total of 266/8 in the first innings. Kapil, who scored 175*, clobbered the Zimbabwean bowling to all parts of the ground. Known for his attacking instincts, his innings included a total of 16 boundaries and six 6s. The innings defined how Indians began to perceive their chances in the 1983 World Cup.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 175* vs Australia:
In Match 5 of the 7-match ODI series between India and Australia in 2009, the Aussies posted a huge total of 350 runs in their 50 overs. However, what followed was one of the best ODI innings ever played by an Indian batsman. Sachin Tendulkar, who opened for India in that game, carried India’s hope to topple Australia’s total with a spectacular 175 against a ruthless Aussie attack. However, Sachin’s innings wasn’t enough on the day after India narrowly lost by a margin of 3 runs. Despite India’s loss, Sachin was awarded the Man of the Match for an innings that was filled with craft, elegance and control.
3. Rohit Sharma – 209 vs Australia:
In another ODI encounter against Australia in 2013, it was Rohit Sharma who turned on the heat with his stupendous batting display in Bengaluru. The Mumbaikar, who would go on to be nicknamed as ‘Hitman’, made a mockery of the Aussie attack, hitting them for 12 fours and a record 16 sixes in his inning of 209. It was a high-scoring thriller but India’s total proved too much for the Aussies on the day. Rohit, who registered his maiden double ton in ODI cricket, remarked it as a special effort given it came against one of the top teams in the world.
4. Virat Kohli – 160 vs South Africa:
Virat Kohli was in ominous some form during India’s tour to South Africa in 2018. He carried his Test form into the ODI series and didn’t look any perturbed by the foreign conditions. In the third ODI, Kohli recorded his 34th ODI century after he returned 160 not out, contributing more than the rest of the batters. It was an innings that was full of class and arrived at a time when his team needed it the most. With a fall of an early wicket, Kohli shepherd the Indian total and showed his composure to bat through the 50 overs.
5. MS Dhoni – 183 vs Sri Lanka:
In the home series against Sri Lanka in 2005, MS Dhoni was beginning to form a reputation as a hard-hitting batsman. However, it was innings in Jaipur in a tough run-chase that changed the perception about his ability to play long innings. Batting at No.3, Dhoni scored his highest individual score and knocked Sri Lanka out with an unbeaten 184 off just 145 deliveries. It was a knock that forced the world to take notice of the flashy youngster who would go onto rule the world of cricket for the next 15 years. The knock against Sri Lanka helped Dhoni’s recognition at the world stage.
