Joe Root keeps elite company among 4 active cricketers with most centuries in international cricket
The ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to start in Pakistan next week, will bring together the top one-day players in the world as they compete for the second-biggest prize in the game after the World Cup.
While there are plenty of great players to have featured at the tournament in the past – think the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting – who among the current batch of stars will arrive in Asia as the players with the most international centuries to their names?
Here’s a quick look at the top four across all forms of the game.
4. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 46 centuries across Test, ODI and T20I cricket
New Zealand’s former ODI captain and batting maestro, Kane Williamson, has long been regarded as one of the most technically gifted batsmen of his generation. His ability to adapt to different conditions and anchor the innings has made him a crucial asset for the Black Caps across all three formats.
With 46 international centuries to his name, Williamson’s batting is defined by his calm demeanour, precise stroke play, and exceptional game awareness. He has delivered on the biggest stages, leading New Zealand to multiple ICC tournament finals, and his experience will be invaluable as his team looks to challenge for the Champions Trophy title in 2025.
3. Rohit Sharma (India) – 49 centuries across Test, ODI and T20I cricket
Rohit Sharma, India’s current ODI captain and one of the most dangerous white-ball batsmen in cricket history, sits third on this prestigious list. His tally of 49 international centuries is a testament to his ability to dominate bowling attacks, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Known for his elegant yet powerful stroke play, Rohit is the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in ODIs – a record that highlights his penchant for converting starts into monumental scores. His experience in ICC tournaments and his leadership skills will be key for India as they aim for another major trophy.
Also read: Which captain has the best bowling figures in Test cricket?
2. Joe Root (England) – 52 centuries across Test, ODI and T20I cricket
England’s batting mainstay, Joe Root, takes the second spot with 52 international centuries. Root has been the backbone of England’s Test and ODI batting line-up for over a decade, playing a crucial role in their rise to dominance in white-ball cricket.
His ability to manipulate the field, rotate the strike, and play classical as well as innovative shots makes him one of the most versatile batsmen in the modern era. Root’s hunger for runs and his knack for performing in high-pressure situations will make him one of the key players to watch at the Champions Trophy.
1. Virat Kohli (India) – 81 centuries across Test, ODI and T20I cricket
Sitting comfortably at the top of the list is none other than India’s batting legend, Virat Kohli. With a staggering 81 international centuries across all formats, Kohli has cemented his place among the greatest batsmen of all time. His aggressive yet controlled approach, coupled with an insatiable hunger for runs, has made him a nightmare for bowlers worldwide.
Kohli thrives in big tournaments, and with his vast experience in subcontinent conditions, he will undoubtedly be one of the biggest threats in the upcoming Champions Trophy. As he continues his quest for more records, fans will be eager to see if he can add to his tally in Pakistan.
By way of context, Kohli is second on the all-time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. The little maestro has 100 tons across all formats. Joe Root, who is second on the list of current players, is only ninth on the all-time list – but he could move up a few positions if he gets amongst the runs in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy.
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