Being ranked first in the ODI batting order is a sign of excellence in cricket, but maintaining the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time demonstrates true greatness. In the game’s history, very few batters have been able to dominate the rankings for years with unrivaled performances. Five exceptional players who not only achieved the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings but also maintained it for the longest period of time are included in this list.
Each of these cricketers dominated their era with skill, class, and consistency. Let’s explore their journeys in detail and understand why they stayed the best for so long.
Let’s look at the 5 Batsmen Who Dominated the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time
5. Brian Lara
One of the most graceful and effective batsmen of his day was Brian Lara, the renowned left-hander from the West Indies. Lara demonstrated his danger and consistency during the 1049 days he held the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time, dominating the ODI batting charts from 9 March 1996 to 21 January 1999.
Lara was renowned for his ability to score against any bowling attack and his elegant strokeplay. He was one of the most feared batsmen in the world and the face of West Indies cricket in the mid to late 1990s. Lara’s skill lit up the cricket world, whether it was his famous backlift, fluid drives, or game-winning hundreds.
Even in pressure situations, he often delivered crucial innings for his team. What made him truly special was his ability to perform across different conditions — whether in Australia, India, England, or at home in the Caribbean. Lara’s graceful batting was matched by his hunger for big scores, which made him a consistent force in ODI cricket during his reign at the top, even holding the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time.
| Rank | Days at No.1 | From Date | To Date |
| 5 | 1049 | 9 Mar 1996 | 21 Jan 1999 |
4. Dean Jones
Dean Jones was one of Australia’s finest ODI players, bringing energy, innovation, and boldness to the game. From 4 January 1990 to 22 February 1993, Jones held the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time, maintaining the top ODI batting position for 1146 straight days, during which he was a mainstay in the Australian batting line-up.
Jones was a trailblazer in ODI cricket. He wasn’t just a stroke-player — he was also extremely fit, fast between the wickets, and mentally tough. In an era when ODI cricket was evolving, Jones brought a refreshing style of batting that was aggressive but smart. He often played match-winning knocks for Australia, contributing to the team’s dominance and helping them maintain the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time, especially when they needed a steady and solid innings under pressure.
He played many impactful knocks during his reign, often guiding Australia through tricky situations. His consistency and dedication made him a respected figure in world cricket, and his long stay at No.1 was well deserved. Jones helped shape modern ODI batting with his all-round cricketing approach.
| Rank | Days at No.1 | From Date | To Date |
| 4 | 1146 | 4 Jan 1990 | 22 Feb 1993 |
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been the face of Indian cricket for over a decade. He earned the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time, holding the top position from 22 October 2017 to 1 April 2021 — a total of 1258 consecutive days. During this period, Kohli was in sensational form and rewrote record books with his brilliant batting.
Kohli is known for his incredible hunger for runs and his sharp focus. He mastered the art of chasing and made it look effortless. What made him stand out was his consistency — he regularly scored fifties and hundreds against the best bowling attacks in the world. His fitness and discipline added to his game, allowing him to stay sharp and deliver under pressure.
Whether it was scoring centuries in South Africa, Australia, or at home, Kohli proved his greatness in all conditions. He led India with passion and performed with purpose. His long stay at the top showed how reliable and dangerous he was for bowlers worldwide.
| Rank | Days at No.1 | From Date | To Date |
| 3 | 1258 | 22 Oct 2017 | 1 Apr 2021 |
2. Michael Bevan
Michael Bevan may not have had the spotlight like some others, but he was one of the most effective ODI batsmen in history. He held the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time, maintaining the top position for 1259 consecutive days from 22 January 1999 to 3 July 2002, proving that calmness under pressure can also earn top honors.
Bevan was the original finisher — someone who would walk in when the team was struggling and take them to victory with calculated, unbeaten knocks. He had a rare ability to build an innings while chasing tough targets. His strike rotation, clever placement, and shot selection were unmatched.
Unlike power-hitters, Bevan relied on his smart cricket brain. He often stayed till the end, finishing games in style. His value to the Australian team was immense, especially during tense situations. Holding the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time showed that even silent performers can be truly great.
| Rank | Days at No.1 | From Date | To Date |
| 2 | 1259 | 22 Jan 1999 | 3 Jul 2002 |
1. Viv Richards
Sir Vivian Richards was not just a batsman — he was a revolution in ODI cricket. From 8 January 1984 to 20 October 1988, Richards held the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time, ruling the top spot for an incredible 1748 days, the longest reign in ODI history.
Richards brought power, swagger, and fearlessness to the game. He played with unmatched confidence, often without a helmet, and dominated fast bowlers like no one else. His aggressive style was ahead of its time, and he set the standard for future generations of ODI players.
During his time at the top, Richards held the No.1 ODI Rank for the Longest Time and was unstoppable. He could change games in a matter of overs, and his ability to take control from the start made him a legend. Not only did he score heavily, but he also entertained fans with every innings. His dominance reflected not only in the runs he scored but also in the fear he instilled in bowlers.
| Rank | Days at No.1 | From Date | To Date |
| 1 | 1748 | 8 Jan 1984 | 20 Oct 1988 |
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