Cricket
Fastest to 5000 ODI Runs: Richards, Kohli, Barbar Ranked
There are a few qualities shared among the finest ODI batsmen in international cricket. A solid technique, an ability to compile a mass amount of runs regardless of the opposition faced, and, of course, fearlessness on the biggest stage are pre-requisites to success. However, reaching critical cricket batting milestones, such as the fastest to 5000 runs, are targets that the most ambitious batters strive for. Ultimately, this is the hallmark of the truly elite batters in the game. Our best ODI batsmen comparison pits five of the best batters from different generations against each other – Viv Richards, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Shai Hope, and Hashim Amla.
Babar Azam of Pakistan plays a shot during game three of the Men's ODI series//Getty Images
At SportsBoom, we have used our trusted data-driven model to assess those in the fastest to 5000 runs ODI list, and reach a comprehensive conclusion about the best ODI batsman in the world.
SB Market Index: How We Evaluate the Fastest to 5000 & Their Overall Standing
Our evaluation was methodical. We combined the batters’ statistical speed to the 5000-run market (SB Score) with broader media perceptions, known as ‘Industry Insights’, to fuse the ‘SB Market Index’. The premise of our custom-built system was to provide an unequivocal score for our greatest batsmen analysis that is clear and easy to interpret.
Industry Insights
A curated analysis from the top 10 cricket sources measures how prominently each of these five players is featured in discussions about the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
| Source\Player | Babar Azam | Hashim Amla | Viv Richards | Virat Kohli | Shai Hope |
| ESPNcricinfo – Adjusted career batting quality list (Top 50) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wisden 100 – All-time ODI batsmen rankings | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Sports324 – Top10 ODI batsmen all-time | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| CricketCountry – “Best ODI batsman ever” | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| WicketNepal – Top 10 ODI batsmen | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TheOpinionatedIndian “Top-10 ODI batsmen” | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ICC Peak Rating List – top ODI batting rankings | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| SportsZInsider – Top 10 ODI batsmen list | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Total Mentions | 3 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
SB Score
| Player | Matches to 5000 ODI Runs | SB Score |
| Babar Azam | 99 | 1.000 |
| HM Amla | 104 | 0.952 |
| SD Hope | 119 | 0.832 |
| V Kohli | 120 | 0.825 |
| IVA Richards | 126 | 0.786 |
This score is calculated based on the number of matches taken to reach 5000 ODI runs, with 100% weightage assigned. A lower number of matches results in a higher ‘SB Score’.
SB Market Index
| Rank | Player | SB Score | Industry Insights | SB Market Index |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 0.825 | 8 | 6.565 |
| 2 | Viv Richards | 0.786 | 8 | 6.557 |
| 3 | Hashim Amla | 0.952 | 4 | 3.390 |
| 4 | Babar Azam | 1.000 | 3 | 2.600 |
| 5 | Shai Hope | 0.832 | 0 | 0.166 |
The Verdict: Richards and Kohli Reign Supreme
A towering figure, Viv Richards’ ODI stats were sublime, and he was an emblem of the West Indies’ success on the global stage in the 1980s. Against England in 1986, Richards bludgeoned a ton off 56 deliveries, which was the fastest hundred in ODI cricket, a record that remained untouched in 30 years.
Similarly, Virat Kohli, who is deemed the second god of cricket, has been an undisputed run machine for India. He was the highest run scorer at the 2023 ODI World Cup, and while he might not overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI career run record, Virat Kohli’s swift path to 5000 runs were guided by his excellent cover drive, and he made jaw-dropping chases look routine.
Both achieved excellent ‘SB Scores’ and ‘Industry Insights’ scores leaving them at the top of the rankings, and their legendary status was undeniable.
The Speed Kings: Babar Azam and Hashim Amla
Based on speed alone, Babar Azam and Hashim Amla were the two quickest batsmen to the 5000 runs milestone. This was illustrated in their high ‘SB Scores’, but they ranked lower for ‘Industry Insights’, reflecting a different level of GOAT conversation to Richards and Kohli.
A classy operator, Hashim Amla’s ODI record for South Africa was exceptional, and he boasted a serene cover drive. Second quickest to reach the 8000 ODI runs mark, Amla combined fast scoring with stunning consistency, and at one point, was No.1 ODI batsman.
Azam, on the other hand, needed just 99 matches to reach the 5000 ODI runs landmark. He underlined his talent in 2016 with a hat-trick of ODI hundreds against the Windies, and he was the joint-second fastest to 2000 ODI runs. When in a purple patch, Azam was unstoppable.
The Nuance of “Best vs Fastest”
There is a distinction that should be drawn between the two concepts. Being statistically fastest to a milestone, which Azam was, doesn’t necessarily correlate to being the best in the ODI format.
The industry experts perceived a wide range of factors to judge the best player. Typically, batters were rated based on their consistency and longevity, as well as the impact they left on the game. Perhaps over time, previous opinions might be revised.
Conclusion on ODI Batting Greatness
In summary Babar Azam’s ODI record illustrated he set things alight when he exploded onto the scene, reaching the 5000 runs barrier in the shortest amount of time which is highly impressive.
However, if we are to look at Kohli vs Richards vs Babar in a wider context, then Kohli and Richards’ careers showcased their excellence. They carved out incredible legacies and their relentless pursuit of perfection helped them move the game forward.
The enduring GOAT debate surrounding ODI batters should centre around Richards and Kohli, serving to confirm the notion that longevity and consistency are perhaps more important than churning out runs in the quickest timeframe. The reverence for the old guard therefore is likely to shape future discussions about the best ODI batters.
Charles Perrin is a highly experienced sports betting content writer with over six years of working with some of the leading sportsbooks in the UK, including bet365 and William Hill.