India's greatest ODI XI of all time

Openers

Sachin Tendulkar

You just can't compile a list of best ODI XI and not include the Master Blaster. Unarguably the best ODI batsman of all time, Tendulkar was the backbone of Indian ODI team for over 20 years. The highest run scorer in the format, most number of ODI hundreds and fifties, first person to score an ODI double hundred - the man has loads of batting records to his name.

His twin hundreds against Australia in Sharjah are still two of the best ODI hundreds of all time, while his memorable 98 against Pakistan in the World Cup and 117 & 91 against Australia in CB Series final are still fresh in the memories of fans all over the world.

The Master was also known for his partnership breaking spells in the middle overs, often acting as India's fifth or sixth bowler.

ODI Stats

Matches - 463; Runs - 18426; Average - 44.83; Strike Rate :- 86.23

100s/50s - 49/96; Highest - 200*; Wickets - 154

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Sourav Ganguly(c)

There was a time at the turn of the century when Sourav Ganguly was possibly the best ODI batsman in the world. A plain look at his ODI statistics is enough to prove his position as one of the greatest ODI batsmen to have ever played the game. Hence, it is just impossible to leave him out of any all-time India ODI XI.

Opening the innings with Tendulkar for more than a decade, these two were responsible for some of the most memorable partnerships in ODI history. Ganguly's medium pace bowling also provided India with an important fifth bowling option.

ODI Stats

Matches - 308; Runs - 11221; Average - 40.95; Strike Rate - 73.65

100s/50s - 22/71; Highest - 183; Wickets - 100

Other Candidates - Virender Sehwag