Dealing in boundaries – Five batsmen with most fours in ODI cricket

ODI cricket has come a long way from its origin in 1971. From sixes being a rarity to them being pouring down, the dynamics of the format have changed completely. However, the boundary four still hold its value. Although it is less rewarding than a six, it is a less-riskier option as well. Here are five batsmen who used it the most efficiently.

Adam Gilchrist

The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman heralded a new era of aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman with his stint at the top. Along with Matthew Hayden, he formed a destructive duo which pressurised the opponents from ball one. In 287 ODIs, Gilchrist struck 1162 fours to go with his 149 sixes.

Ricky Ponting

Arguably Australia’s greatest ODI batsman of all time, Ponting at number three devoured opposition bowling line-ups after Gilchrist-Hayden had punished them. The Aussie captain batted belligerently and had every stroke in the book in his armoury. In 375 ODI appearance, Ponting hit 1231 fours, most by an Australian batsman.

Kumar Sangakkara

If Gilchrist began a new era of proficient wicketkeeper-batsmen, then Sangakkara took it to another level. The Sri Lankan batsman is second in the list of most runs in ODI cricket. In his 404 ODI games, Sangakkara forced the umpire to signal four 1385 times. His risk-free batting is illustrated by the fact that he hit only 88 sixes.

Sanath Jayasuriya

The off-spinner became a sensation once Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga unleashed him at the top of the batting order. Jayasuriya made the best use of fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs. In his marathon ODI career of 445 ODI matches, Jayasuriya enthralled the crowds with 1500 fours. He has also hit 270 sixes, 2nd most in the 50-over format.

Sachin Tendulkar

It is not a surprise to see the master blaster top this list. Tendulkar played the most ODIs (463), scored the most runs (18426), celebrated the most centuries (49) and also hit the most fours (2016). He remains the only batsman to hit more than 2000 fours in an ODI career. Along with these, he also smashed 195 sixes in his legendary career.