Cricket, a sport celebrated for its thrilling records, has often witnessed unforgettable moments when batsmen score heavily in just one over. Among the many record-breaking feats, several Indian players have achieved a remarkable distinction: scoring the highest runs in one over of a One Day International (ODI) match. Let’s look at four Indian batsmen, including Shreyas Iyer and Zaheer Khan, who left their mark with extraordinary performances by piling up runs in a single over.
Shreyas Iyer’s 31-Run Over Against West Indies
Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer holds the record for the most runs scored by an Indian in a single over in ODI cricket. This record-setting performance took place in 2019 against the West Indies in Visakhapatnam. Shreyas took on bowler Roston Chase, hammering 31 runs off his over with an explosive display that included four sixes and a four. Although Shreyas was eventually dismissed after scoring 53 off 32 balls, his blitz set a new Indian record. Shreyas is working on making a strong return to Team India, but this memorable over remains a testament to his explosive batting abilities.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 28-Run Over Against New Zealand
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the “Master Blaster,” is second on the list for scoring the most runs in an ODI over by an Indian. In 1999, Sachin unleashed his batting prowess against New Zealand in Hyderabad, piling up 28 runs in a single over bowled by Chris Drum. Tendulkar’s barrage of fours and sixes stunned the Kiwis as he powered his way to an impressive innings of 186 from just 150 balls. This was one of Sachin’s most remarkable ODI innings, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers. His 28-run over remains one of the most thrilling moments in Indian cricket history.
Zaheer Khan’s Surprising 27-Run Over Against Zimbabwe
Fast bowler Zaheer Khan, primarily known for his fierce bowling, entered this list unexpectedly with his impressive batting display in 2000 against Zimbabwe. In a Jodhpur ODI, Zaheer faced fast bowler Henry Olonga and scored a stunning 27 runs in a single over, hitting four sixes. Zaheer, part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, is celebrated for his bowling skills, but this memorable over showed his capability as a powerful lower-order batsman. It’s a rare achievement for a bowler to feature on a list dominated by specialist batsmen, but Zaheer’s performance that day proved he was an all-round threat.
Virender Sehwag’s 26-Run Over Against Sri Lanka
Known for his fearless style, Virender Sehwag is among India’s most explosive openers, and he holds the fourth spot on this list. Sehwag’s remarkable over came in 2005 against Sri Lanka when he scored 26 runs off Dilhara Lokuhettige’s bowling. During this over, Sehwag smashed five fours and a six, showing his exceptional power-hitting ability. Nicknamed the “Sultan of Multan” for his record-breaking triple century in Test cricket, Sehwag’s aggressive approach left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka and the cricketing world. His 26-run over is remembered as a classic Sehwag moment, with his ability to dismantle bowlers in full display.
A List of Indian Record-Breakers in ODI Overs
These memorable innings by Shreyas Iyer, Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, and Virender Sehwag highlight the incredible talent and versatility of Indian cricketers. Each player, through sheer skill and bold strokeplay, showcased that they could turn a single over into a game-changer. These high-scoring overs, filled with boundaries and sixes, remain etched in the minds of cricket fans, proving that India has produced some of the world’s finest batting talent.
