Top 5 ODI Run-Scorers at No. 3 Position: Virat Kohli on Verge of Becoming No. 1

New Delhi: In cricket, the No. 3 position is widely regarded as the anchor of the batting lineup, and scoring consistently from this spot is crucial. Indian superstar Virat Kohli is on the verge of breaking a major record in this role during the ongoing India vs New Zealand ODI series in Rajkot. Kohli needs just 133 more runs to surpass Australian legend Ricky Ponting and become the highest run-scorer in ODIs at No. 3.

Here’s a look at the top five run-getters at No. 3 in ODI cricket:

1. Ricky Ponting – Australia

• Matches/Pinnings at No. 3: 335/330
• Runs: 12,662
• Average: 42.48
• Centuries/Fifties: 29/74

The former Australian captain, known as “Punter,” played most of his career at No. 3. He led Australia to two World Cup titles, consistently anchoring the innings with skill and stability.

2. Virat Kohli – India

• Matches/Innigs at No. 3: 245/242
• Runs: 12,529
• Average: 61.41
• Centuries/Fifties: 46/67

Kohli has spent almost his entire ODI career at No. 3. His incredible average and consistency make him a formidable contender to overtake Ponting. With just 133 runs away, Kohli is poised to become the world’s No. 1 run-scorer at this position.

3. Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka

• Matches/Innigs at No. 3: 243/238
• Runs: 9,747
• Average: 44.71
• Centuries/Fifties: 18/66

The Sri Lankan legend is third on the list. Despite his brilliance, Sangakkara trails significantly behind Kohli in total runs at No. 3.

4. Jacques Kallis – South Africa

• Matches/Innigs at No. 3: 204/200
• Runs: 7,774
• Average: 45.72
• Centuries/Fifties: 13/57

The South African all-rounder, often compared to Rahul Dravid for his resilience at the crease, thrived at No. 3, providing stability while accumulating valuable runs.

5. Kane Williamson – New Zealand

• Matches/Innigs at No. 3: 143/140
• Runs: 6,504
• Average: 51.61
• Centuries/Fifties: 13/44

The former New Zealand captain was a mainstay at No. 3 in his era, forming part of the global top-four elite alongside Kohli.

Honorable Mention – Babar Azam – Pakistan
Babar Azam could soon enter the top five. Currently sixth, he has scored 5,811 runs at No. 3 in 117 matches/116 innings with an average of 57.53, including 20 centuries and 31 fifties.

As the India vs New Zealand series continues, all eyes are on Virat Kohli, who is set to rewrite the record books and cement his legacy as the greatest ODI run-scorer at No. 3.