As ODI cricket fever takes centre stage once again with the 2025 Champions Trophy set to begin, legendary opening batter Virender Sehwag named the five greatest ODI batters of all time which included two Indian players in the top two spots.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag put Chris Gayle, who is the highest run-getter in the Champions trophy fifth on his list and revealed a unique trait the opening batter possessed, which he had never seen in any player before.

“Chris Gayle was a great batsman and opener. I remember India came to the West Indies in 2002-03, and Chris Gayle hit three centuries in a six-match series. He was the first player I saw at the international level who used to hit sixes from the back foot to fast bowlers," said Sehwag.

Sehwag ranked South African legend Ab de Villiers in fourth spot, who is the only player in history to average above 50 in both Test and ODI cricket.

"No. 4 is AB de Villiers. I really liked the way he used to play. He’s the only batsman who can hit sixes off-balance," said Sehwag.

The former India opener reserved special praise for former Pakistan captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq and labelled him as one of the best players from Asia.

No. 3 is Inzamam-ul-Haq. He’s one of the best ODI players from Asia. Inzamam used to come out to bat at No. 4 and used to control the match. So, I learnt from him how to take the match to the end. How you can control the match. At that time, it was very difficult to chase seven or eight runs in an over. But Inzamam used to do it with a smile. Because he used to calculate when and who to hit sixes,” Sehwag stated.

Sachin Tendulkar found a mention in Sehwag's list, who named his former opening partner as someone that was his role model. However, Tendulkar who is ODI cricket's highest run-getter and someone with 49 centuries in the format was ranked in second place with Virat Kohli taking the top place. Kohli, the only player to score 50 ODI centuries is alsotheonly active player, who featured in Sehwag's all-time top five.

“Everyone’s favourite and my role model, Sachin Tendulkar. You know how it feels to walk on the ground with him? You’re going to the jungle with a lion. Everyone’s eyes are on the lion. And I used to quietly make my runs.

“Virat Kohli is at number one. Virat Kohli jaisa khiladi shayad he aane wale samay mein aisa consistent player aaye jisko ek tag diya gaya hai—Chasemaster. In the beginning, he wasn’t the Virat Kohli who he is today. He also took his time and learnt a lot. And after 2011-12, he has changed a lot. In his fitness and in his consistency. He has played amazing innings,” Sehwag concluded.

Sehwag, Kohli, and Sachin were all key members of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team. Sehwag and Sachin played important roles in helping India share the 2002 Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka. Kohli was a pivotal member of the Men in Blue side which won the 2013 edition.

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