Former South African captain AB de Villiers picked his top five ODI batsmen of all time. Since he played with or against them, his choices are based on their finishing skills, consistency, leadership, and all-around talent and skills in the game.

5. Jacques Kallis 

The last player on AB de Villiers’ list of top five ODI batsmen was his former South African teammate, Jacques Kallis. He wasn’t just a great batsman but also a top-class all-rounder who played a huge role in South Africa’s success in ODIs with both bat and ball.  

Jacques Kallis is a top-class middle-order batsman who could handle the pressure in crucial times. Jacques Kallis Known for his solid technique, patience, and consistency, he scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs, including 17 centuries and 86 fifties, with an impressive average of 44.36. He was effective with the ball, taking 273 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls, at an average of 31.79 and an economy rate of 4.84. To this day, he is the only all-rounder to score over 10,000 runs and take more than 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.

4. Ricky Ponting 

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is in fourth place on AB de Villiers’ list of the best ODI batsmen list. Ricky Ponting was an aggressive player who loved to take on bowlers right from the first ball and aggressiveness makes bowlers mistakes. He had plenty of attacking shots and he was known for his consistency

He is one of the most feared batsmen of his time. But he wasn’t just a great batter and he is also a fantastic Captain. As captain, he led Australia to back-to-back ODI World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007.  

Ponting played 375 ODIs for Australia, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03. His impressive record includes 30 centuries and 82 fifties, securing his place as one of the greatest ODI players ever in all time.

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Former South African captain AB de Villiers placed Sachin Tendulkar at number three on his list. Tendulkar is one of the greatest batsmen of all time in all formats, scoring a record 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, with 49 centuries and 96 fifties at an average of 44.83.  

He was the first player to score a double century in ODIs, achieving this feat against South Africa in 2010. As a classic opener, he built a strong partnership with Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. Tendulkar also played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup win, helping the team lift the trophy after 28 years. With his solid technique, ability to adapt, and skill to dominate bowlers across generations, Tendulkar became a true legend of the game and was known as a master blaster.

2. Virat Kohli 

AB de Villiers’ second pick for the best ODI batsman, Virat Kohli. For more than 15 years, Kohli has been one of India’s most Consistent batters in all formats. 

He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 and quickly became one of the greatest in the ODI format. Recently, Virat Kohli became the fastest player to score 14,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in just 287 innings. He also holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, with 51 in the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In 301 ODIs, Kohli has scored 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, with 51 centuries and 74 fifties, proving why he is one of the best ODI batters of all time.

1. MS Dhoni 

AB de Villiers’ first pick for the best ODI batsman is MS Dhoni. Dhoni was one of the greatest ODI batters, known for his attacking style, incredible finishing skills, and ability to stay calm in difficult situations.  

Batting in the middle order as no.5, he could steady the innings and accelerate when needed. More than just a great batsman, Dhoni was also one of the best ODI captains, leading India to 110 wins in 200 matches. Under his Captaincy, India won the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with 10 centuries and 73 fifties, making him one of the best finishers and best captains for India.