Greatest ODI XI of last 25 years

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting (c), Brian Lara and AB de Villiers

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has stunned the cricketing world with his consistent performances in the 50-over game. His audacious run chasing ability has earned him the tag 'chase master'.

In 219 matches that he has played,ohli has scored 10235 runs at an unbelievable average and strike-rate of 59.51 and 92.84 respectively. He has managed to score a breathtaking 38 centuries and 48 half-centuries in just 10 years of ODI cricket.

Kohli has surpassed many records that were set by his batting idol Sachin Tendulkar. He has a style of play that is perfectly suited for the white ball game. There is no doubt this modern-day legend will grow from strengths to strengths.

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting will go down in history as one of the greatest right-handed batsmen of all time. He was undoubtedly the most successful one-day captain of his time. As captain, Ponting won two consecutive World Cups and two successive Champions Trophy titles.

Ponting played 375 one-day matches in which he scored 13704 runs at an impressive average of 42.04 runs. He managed to score 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries.

Ponting played one of the greatest knocks (140*) in ODI cricket when he blasted the Indian bowlers all over the park in the 2003 World Cup final.

Brian Lara

The Prince of Trinidad and Tobago, Brian Lara, is often cited as the greatest left-handed batsmen of his generation across all formats. His exquisite and unique style of play made him earn many accolades from cricketers and fans all around the globe.

Lara carried the West Indian team almost single-handedly throughout his career in 50-over games. In 299 matches that he played, he managed to score 10405 runs at an impressive average of 40.17 which included 19 centuries and 63 half-centuries.

AB de Villiers

To describe Abraham Benjamin de Villiers as a normal one-day player would be a crime. For, he was anything but normal. With his superhuman abilities, blending the skills from all the sports he played during his younger days, he developed an ability to play 360 degrees.

AB de Villiers played 228 matches in which he scored 9577 runs at a breathtaking average and strike-rate of 53.5 and 101.10 respectively. He holds the record for the fastest century and the fastest 150 in ODI history. When he announced his retirement last year, cricket lost one of its most important batting icons.