Shubman Gill’s ODI career has been nothing short of spectacular. The Indian opener has scored the most runs by any player after 50 ODI innings, surpassing legends like Hashim Amla and Virat Kohli. With 2,587 runs at an average of 60.16 and a strike rate exceeding 100, Gill’s numbers are elite.
At just 25 years old, he has already cemented himself as a player who could potentially break every major ODI batting record. Yet, the shrinking relevance of ODIs in modern cricket could stop him from becoming an all-time great in the format.
A Career of Records and Consistency
Gill’s rise in one-day cricket has been remarkable, built on his technical brilliance, patience, and ability to control innings. His numbers after 50 ODIs make him stand out in the cricketing world:
- Most runs in first 50 ODI innings (2,587 runs)
- Highest average among players with at least 2,000 ODI runs (60.16)
- Fastest to 2,000 ODI runs
- Only batter to average above 55 with a strike rate above 100
- One of the fastest to seven ODI centuries
Gill’s incredible double hundred against New Zealand in 2023—where he became the youngest player to score 200 in ODIs—further established his credentials.
In 2023, he finished just 310 runs short of breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a calendar year. Despite a lean World Cup, largely due to dengue fever, he still amassed 1,584 ODI runs in 29 innings—placing him among the top five single-year scorers in ODI history.
However, his biggest challenge isn’t his form—it’s the number of ODIs available to play.
The Shrinking ODI Calendar: A Challenge for Gill’s Legacy
ODI cricket is struggling to stay relevant. While Tests remain the pinnacle of cricket, T20Is have become the biggest draw for global audiences. Bilateral ODI series are becoming less frequent, and players often miss ODIs due to workload management.
- Gill has played just six ODIs since the 2023 World Cup.
- He has played only 50 ODIs in six years—an average of just over 8 per year.
- Barring 2023, he has never played more than 12 ODIs in a year.
Compare this to Virat Kohli, who played 20+ ODIs in seven different years between 2010 and 2019. The higher volume of games allowed Kohli to maintain momentum, consistency, and long-term statistical dominance.
Gill might not get the same opportunity.
- India has only nine ODIs scheduled in 2025.
- In 2026, the number will increase to 18 due to the 2027 World Cup cycle.
But even this number pales in comparison to the 40-50 ODIs top players used to play in a year during the 2000s and early 2010s.
Can Gill Break Major ODI Records?
If Gill maintains his current average of 60.16, he would need 123 more ODIs to reach the 10,000-run milestone.
- If he plays 12 ODIs per year, it will take him 10 more years to get there.
- Reaching 8,000 ODI runs would require another 90 ODIs, meaning seven more years at this pace.
While age is on his side, maintaining this level of consistency for a decade is extremely difficult—especially with limited ODI matches and increased workload in Tests and T20Is.
World Cup Glory: Gill’s Best Chance to Secure ODI Greatness
Statistics alone might not be enough for Gill to establish himself as one of the greatest ODI batters.
- He is likely to play in at least three more World Cups (2027, 2031, 2035).
- Winning a World Cup for India would significantly boost his legacy.
- If ODIs continue to decline, defining performances in ICC tournaments will be the ultimate measure of greatness.
Final Thoughts: A Talent Limited by the Format?
Shubman Gill’s ODI career trajectory suggests that he has the potential to break every major record in the format. However, with ODIs losing relevance, his opportunities to do so will be limited.
For Gill to truly secure his ODI legacy, he will need:
- Consistent match-winning performances in ICC tournaments
- To maximize every ODI opportunity despite a limited schedule
- To maintain elite form for the next decade
If he can achieve that, Shubman Gill might still become an ODI great—even if the numbers don’t tell the full story.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
