Highest ODI batting averages in India: India has been one country that has seen terrific batting performances, especially in ODIs. The pitches are mostly batsmen-friendly in ODIs with short boundaries helping their cause. These factors have contributed largely in batters having a formidable ODI record in India.
The numbers are especially skewed since the turn of this century. IPL’s evolution meant overseas batters got accustomed to white-ball cricket in Indian conditions. The batting averages unsurprisingly have soared in India in recent times.
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We look at the highest ODI batting averages in India:
[Qualification – 1,000 runs]
#5 MS Dhoni ODI Batting Average in India – 54.51
There was a period between 2008-13 when MS Dhoni being at the crease meant just one thing – India winning. Dhoni’s stay at the crease was synonymous with India’s success. The ODI format was where Dhoni was at his absolute best. His World Cup-winning six in Mumbai in 2011 is one of the most replayed moments in the sport’s history.
Dhoni’s numbers in ODIs at home are a testimony to his successful longevity. He averaged 54.51 across 130 games scoring 4,525 runs with 8 centuries to his name. Dhoni smashed 123 sixes on Indian soil in ODIs.
#4 Virat Kohli ODI Batting Average in India – 58.87
India’s number 3 batter in ODIs occupies the fourth spot on this list. Virat Kohli’s numbers in ODIs are nothing short of magical. He has almost the same average across conditions. Kohli brought up his maiden ODI hundred in India in 2009. He hasn’t looked back since. The World Cup winner in 2011 has an average of 58.87 across 107 ODIs wherein he scored 5,358 runs. His strike rate of 98.16 is mighty impressive. Kohli has scored 21 ODI centuries at home while scoring more than 500 fours (514).
#3 Rohit Sharma ODI Batting Average in India – 59.17
He has a tremendous record across formats in India. Rohit Sharma tops almost every possible list for Indian batting records in the country. All 3 of his double centuries have come in India. Sharma has scored 4024 runs in 77 ODIs at an average of 59.17 with a strike rate of 99.82. He has hit a total of 12 centuries in India with 133 sixes and 403 fours. Sharma has been India’s biggest match-winner in ODIs for quite some time now.
#2 Michael Bevan ODI Batting Average in India – 59.88
He was the original whose biggest impact was based on his batting average. Michael Bevan occupies a surprising second spot on this list. The middle-order batter made the role of finisher famous. He played a total of 28 games scoring 1,018 runs across 24 innings. His average of 59.88 in the 90s stands out quite clearly. Bevan scored 9 fifties and remained not out on 7 occasions.
#1 AB de Villiers ODI Batting Average in India – 70.31
Topping the charts is one of the most loved overseas cricketers in India. AB de Villiers is a certified ODI legend. His numbers in the format are simply sensational. ABD has outstanding ODI numbers in India. He showed glimpses of his magic across bilateral series as well as in the 2011 World Cup. ABD played 20 games in the country notching up 1,125 runs at an average of 70.31. He scored 7 centuries across 20 games meaning a century every 3.5 games. His runs came at a scorching strike rate of 113.98.