ODI run-chase is a tricky job because the batters get 50 overs to chase down the target, and they have to decide how to pace the innings in such a way that the target is achieved. Sometimes, target of more than 400 runs was achieved in this format, whereas in some matches, the teams also managed to defend a target of less than 200.
It is not every batter’s cup of tea to play well under the pressure during an ODI run-chase. This format demands both skills – aggressive and defensive because if the run rate is high, the batter needs to accelerate things with big shots, whereas if the team loses early wickets, he needs to go in defense mode and play out some dot deliveries to ease the pressure.
In the rich history of ODI cricket, there have been three such batters of India who have remained not out in 25 or more run-chase and ensured that India won all the matches.
1. Yuvraj Singh was not out 27 times in a successful ODI run-chase
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh achieved a lot of success in the 50-over format. He was the hero of India’s World Cup win, and Singh even helped India win bilateral series as well as tri-series. He jointly holds the record for the most successful chases with a 100% record in ODIs for India.
2. Suresh Raina
Another left-handed batter who remained unbeaten in a successful run-chase 27 times during his one-day international career for India was Suresh Raina. Both Raina and Yuvraj were stars of India’s 2011 World Cup victory on home soil.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
While Remaining Unbeaten for India in Succesful ODI Chase
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) July 27, 2023
47 Won – Dhoni (2 Lost)
30 Won – Kohli (1 Lost)
30 Won – Azhar (4 Lost)
27 Won – Raina (0 Lost)
27 Won – Yuvraj (0 Lost)
25 Won – Rohit (1 Lost)*
25 Won – Sachin (0 Lost)#INDvsWI
Another 2011 World Cup hero to be a part of this list is Sachin Tendulkar. The right-handed batter remained not out 25 times in a run-chase. In all the 25 games, the Indian cricket team was victorious.
