Making runs consistently and finding consistency doesn't come easy to most batsmen. Everyone experiences their ups and downs. having hugely successful phases and periods with rotten luck. In cricket’s long and glorious history, the game has seen some incredible performances. Numerous players have become legends, based on their performances in the game.
Taking a look at the batsman who has scored the most runs in a calendar year, India dominates the list filling up four positions in the top five list. Blessed with an abundance of batting talent, India’s batting legends have gone on to make several records in the game and have stood out on the international stage.
Today let's take a look at the top 5 batsmen who make up the list of the batsmen with the most runs in a calendar year in ODIs.
1) Sachin Tendulkar (I,894 runs)
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for having scored the most runs in a calendar year in ODIs. He plundered 1,894 runs in the year 1998, hitting as many as nine centuries to go with his seven fifties. Taking part in a total of 34 matches, he averaged 65.31 in the year and had a strike rate of 102.15. Hitting an astonishing 188 boundaries and 40 maximums, his all-around strike play was on display.
The Indian legend lasted an unprecedented 23 years in the game being one of the greatest batsmen of all time making records in all formats. Some of his records include most career appearances, most runs, and hundreds in a career. The world was blessed to bear witness to a once-in-a-generation talent taking to the field.
2) Sourav Ganguly (1,767 runs)
Former Indian skipper and current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly accumulated 1,767 runs in 41 matches at an average of 46.50 with four centuries and 10 fifties in the year 1999. Hitting the ball at a strike rate of 76.0, his 183 boundaries and 26 maximums wreaked havoc in the opposition camps as bowlers struggled to deal with the southpaw batsman.
In the World Cup game against Sri Lanka at Taunton in May, Ganguly's career-best score of 183 came this year, when the left-hander went on a momentous six-hitting spree. Ganguly slammed seven maximums to go with his 17 boundaries as India posted a mammoth 373 for 6, India won that match by a whopping 157 runs.
3) Rahul Dravid (1,761 runs)
Known as the wall, The heroics of Indian legend Rahul Dravid is well sung by everyone. It was in the year 1999, Mr. Dependable scored 1761 runs from a mere 43 matches, scoring at an average of 46,34 with a decent strike rate of 75.16. With a top score of 153, Rahul Dravid scored 6 centuries and 8 half-centuries throughout the year, accumulating 164 fours and 12 maximums.
The presence of Rahul Dravid in the Indian batting lineup added strength and nerves of steel. With undeterred determination, the Indian batsman wasn't fazed by any opposition bowler. Also leading the nation as skipper, his contribution to India in the game of cricket has proved vital. Retiring in March 2012, as one of the leading batsmen of the world, the tales of his heroics live on in the hearts of the nation.
4) Sachin Tendulkar (1,611 runs)
Making his presence known again in the list, Sachin Tendulkar topped another year scoring 1611 runs from a trifling 32 matches in the year 1996. Playing at an average of 53.70 he scored 6 centuries and 9 half-centuries, hitting at a strike rate of 82.40. A total of 163 boundaries and 17 sixes, meant that runs were always on the flow when this legend took the crease, with his highest score for the year being 137.
It was in that year he scored a 90 against Australia in the 1996 World Cup, at his home ground of Mumbai which remains one of India’s greatest ever World Cup innings. A heroic lone ranger against a quality opponent that was ultimately unsuccessful, but simultaneously cemented his standing as the best batsman in the world.
5) Matthew Hayden (1,601 runs)
In the year 2007, Australia won their third consecutive World Cup, with their opener Matthew Hayden dominating the charts with 1,601 runs in 32 matches at an average of 59.29 with five hundred and six fifties. Hayden's runs came at an impressive strike rate of 89.19 with a career-best of 181 not outcoming against New Zealand at Hamilton in February.
His innings came off 166 balls, featuring 11 fours and 10 sixes. The Kiwis chased down 347 in this innings thanks to Craig McMillan century and Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 86. The bulky opener's raw strength was his main asset, smashing every bowler around the park not giving much thought to his technical limitations. The Aussie retired as a two-time World Cup winner, making his mark in the International game.
The change in formats and all the host of rules that are coming into the game making batting easier. Many youngsters will try to emulate the heroics of old, But these legendary batsmen have not made it easy and ensured a fight is on to make it as a great in the game.
Let us know in your comments with the batsman who impressed you the most and which player possesses the most potential to match these records.
