Top 5 Highest scores in an innings by a captain in ODI cricket

In an earlier article we talked about the highest scores in an innings by a captain in test cricket so now is the time to talk about the ODI format of the game and give the same respect to the captains of this format of the game as well because like test cricket captaining a side in ODI cricket is also very tough and not easy as some people make it out to be and to score so many runs in a time frame of 50 overs as a captain is exceptional. These exceptional innings certainly are difficult to predict and bet, but at the same time are equally rewarding. For better results in the betting, do check  everyday winning tips on sportytrader, where professional experts analyze competitions, bets, teams and players for you to increase the chances of winning bets. Do check out number 6 innings on this list which many think is the best ODI innings ever played. 

The good thing is that in this list there are batters who have scored the most runs in an innings for India in ODIs whereas in Test cricket it was being done vs India which tells us that Indian batters love making high scores in the 50 over format of cricket and there are a few others as well who are also all time greats of the game. So, let’s look at the Top 5 Highest scores in an innings by a captain in ODI cricket.

Virender Sehwag (219 vs West Indies)

It might surprise some people that Virender Sehwag was the captain of India for a period of time but in this match he was and what an absolutely amazing innings he played in this match against the West Indies. There was a time when the great West Indies team of the 1980s would do the same thing to the bowlers of other nations but the tables have turned and Virender Sehwag showed brutality of the Highest order and became only the second ever batter to score 200+ in an ODI match and he was also the captain of India. West Indies will never forget this innings by Viru and they will be thankful that he has retired.

Rohit Sharma (208* vs Sri Lanka)

The now full time captain of India used to captain few games here and there when Virat Kohli used to take rest from a series and this was bad news for Sri Lanka in this ODI match and Sri Lanka was the favorite opposition for him and he loved hitting double Hundreds vs them. This was the third double hundred in ODI cricket for Rohit Sharma and now that he is the full time captain of the Indian team we can expect more such innings from the Hitman. I saw this innings live and it was an exhibition of batsmanship and he dedicated this innings to his wife that day.

Sanath Jayasuriya (189 vs India)

This list would be incomplete without an innings being played against India and it was played by their chief tormentor during that time in Sanath Jayasuriya. The year was 2000 and Sanath Jayasuriya was in his prime and the Indian bowling attack was potent and still on this day he absolutely tore apart the bowling and did not allow anyone to bowl where they wanted to but where he wanted then to bowl. He got out at 189 and it was looking like he would reach the magical 200 mark but as destiny would have it he didn’t  do it. The Sri Lanka team of today misses such match winners who were there at that time.

Sachin Tendulkar (186* vs New Zealand)

Most batting lists in ODI cricket would be incomplete without the mention of Sachin Tendulkar and so he found a way into this prestigious list as well at number 4 and this innings was played when Sachin Tendulkar was on top of the world and he was the absolute best in the world and this day against  New Zealand he showed that how destructive he can be as he took every bowler to the cleaners that day and the innings finished with him not out at 186* but he would do the unthinkable 11 years later vs South Africa.

Vivian Richards (181 vs Sri Lanka)

One of the Top 5 greatest batters of all time without a doubt and this day against Sri Lanka he showed all his class and all his shot making. He was in his element and he absolutely demolished the bowling attack by hitting 7 huge sixes which was unheard of in the 1980s but as it is said that Viv Richards was a different breed and comparing him to the others was unfair to the others because they were not on his level. He made batting look so easy and the modern batters have taken a lot of inspiration from him.