In the current cricketing landscape, the term “Fab Five” often refers to a group of elite modern batsmen: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Babar Azam. Their recent performances in ODIs are noteworthy:
- Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli has played 296 ODI matches, scoring 13,911 runs in 284 innings. His highest score in ODI is 183. Throughout his ODI career, Kohli has achieved 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries, also scoring 30+ runs 38 times and 20+ runs 25 times. His strike rate stands at 93.5, with a run per match average of 46.99, achieved while facing 14,874 balls. Kohli remains one of the top batsmen globally.
- Steve Smith: Smith has played 165 ODI matches, scoring 5,662 runs in 149 innings. He maintains an average of 43.55 runs per match with a strike rate of 87.19. Smith’s highest score in an ODI is 164. Smith has scored 12 centuries and 34 half-centuries in his ODI career. Smith was a key player in Australia’s ODI side and was the leading run-scorer in their 2015 World Cup campaign.
- Joe Root: Joe Root has had a distinguished career in One Day Internationals (ODIs) since his debut in 2013. As of February 2025, he has played 172 ODIs, scoring 6,541 runs at an impressive average of 47.39. His performance includes 16 centuries and 39 Half-centuries, making him England’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs.
- Kane Williamson: Kane Williamson, the New Zealand cricketer, has established himself as one of the premier batsmen in One Day Internationals (ODIs) since his debut in 2010. As of February 2025, he has played 168 ODIs, scoring 7,035 runs at an impressive average of 50.00. His highest score in ODIs is148, and he has recorded 13 centuries and 45 half-centuries throughout his career. His strike rate reflects a balanced approach, combining aggression with caution, which is crucial in the ODI format.
- Babar Azam: Babar Azam’s performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has been remarkable, especially highlighted by his recent achievements as of February 2025. He has played 126 ODIs, scoring 6,019 runs at an impressive average of 55.00. His highest score in ODIs is158, and he has recorded 19 centuries and 34 half-centuries throughout his career. His recent shift to opening the batting has been a topic of discussion, with some suggesting a return to his previous position at No. 3 for optimal performance.
These players are recognized for their consistent scoring, leadership, and impact on the game, making them stand out among their peers in ODIs. The designation of “Fab Five” often sparks discussions among fans and analysts regarding their respective contributions and achievements in international cricket. Recent social media posts have generated significant engagement around this topic, reflecting the ongoing interest in their performances and rivalries on the field.
