Highest scores for India in ODIs – can anyone beat Shubman Gill’s 208 or Ishan Kishan’s 210?
It’s a very powerful India that is set to play in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday with no fewer than four of their batsmen currently ranked in the ICC’s top ten.
There have been many great batters to play for India over their history, which begs the question, what are the highest ever scores by Indian batsmen in ODI cricket? It is an interesting list with one player appearing three times in the top seven.
The list features two current players, and interestingly, neither of them is Virat Kohli.
Here’s a look at India’s seven highest ODI scores of all time.
7. Sachin Tendulkar – 200 not from 147 balls versus South Africa in Gwalior in 2010
The original ODI double centurion, Sachin Tendulkar, created history by becoming the first ever player to reach the 200-run milestone in men’s one-day cricket. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, with precision placement and immaculate timing.
Facing a strong South African attack, which included the likes of Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis, Tendulkar’s knock paved the way for India’s imposing total of 401/3, ensuring a comfortable 153-run victory.
6. Shubman Gill – 208 from 149 balls versus New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2023
At the time of this knock Shubman Gill was one of India’s brightest young talents and he made a serious statement with this double century against New Zealand. Now, of course, he is the number one ranked ODI batsman in the world. His 208 was a mixture of patience and power, featuring 19 boundaries and nine sixes.
With wickets falling around him, Gill stood tall and ensured India reached a formidable total of 349/8. Such was his dominance that the second highest score for India was 34. His acceleration towards the end of the innings, including three consecutive sixes off Lockie Ferguson, highlighting his ability to take on the best bowlers in the world.
Also read: Most matches for India in ODIs
5. Rohit Sharma – 208 not out from 153 balls versus Sri Lanka in Mohali in 2017
Rohit Sharma has a special affinity for double centuries in ODIs, and his unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka was one of his finest. This innings was a true captain’s knock, coming in a series decider.
Sharma started cautiously but accelerated brilliantly, punishing the Sri Lankan attack with 13 fours and 12 sixes. India posted 392/4, and Rohit’s century was the backbone of a dominant 141-run victory.
4. Rohit Sharma – 209 from 158 balls versus Australia in Bengaluru in 2013
Rohit’s first-ever double century came against a formidable Australian bowling lineup that featured Shane Watson, James Faulkner, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Xavier Doherty in a high-scoring game at Bengaluru.
His innings featured a then-world-record 16 sixes in an ODI innings, a feat that left the Australian bowlers shell-shocked. His aggressive approach saw India reach a mammoth total of 383/6, helping them seal the series with a thrilling 57-run win.
3. Ishan Kishan – 210 from 131 balls versus Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2022
Ishan Kishan’s explosive double century was the fastest in ODI cricket history, reaching the 200-run mark in just 126 balls. He dismantled the Bangladeshi attack with sheer power and confidence, striking 24 boundaries and 10 sixes.
This innings not only propelled India to 409/8 but also cemented Kishan’s place as one of the most exciting young batters in world cricket – although surprisingly he never went on to become a stalwart in the Indian set-up playing 27 ODIs and 32 T20Is. He is however a major player in the franchise game with two IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians.
2. Virender Sehwag – 219 from 149 balls versus West Indies in Indore in 2011
Virender Sehwag was known for his fearless approach, and his 219 against the West Indies was a testament to that. Smashing 25 boundaries and seven sixes, Sehwag reached his double century in only 140 balls.
His knock helped India post a massive 418/5, which led to a commanding 153-run victory. Sehwag’s innings briefly held the record for the highest individual score in ODI history.
1. Rohit Sharma – 264 from 173 balls versus Sri Lanka in Eden Gardens in 2014
Topping the list is Rohit Sharma’s breathtaking 264, the highest individual score in ODI history. This innings was nothing short of a masterclass in controlled aggression. Sharma started slowly, reaching his century off 100 balls, but what followed was pure carnage. He blasted 33 fours and 9 sixes, scoring 164 runs off his last 73 balls.
India posted a colossal 404/5, and Sri Lanka never came close, crumbling to a 153-run defeat. To this day, no other batter has surpassed this historic milestone.
