Top three ODI run-getters in 2019

As another year in cricketing calendar draws to its close, it is worth taking a look back at how the events unfolded throughout the year. 2019 was quite an anticipated year in terms of the ODI format, majorly due to the scheduled ICC Cricket World Cup in England. The year saw a series of special performances as some of the prolific run-scorers in ODI cricket were at the top of their game for a major part of 2019. 

Here's a look at top 3 run-scorers in ODIs this year: 

1. Rohit Sharma

2019 saw the coming of age for Rohit Sharma, especially in the ODI format of the game. Rohit witnessed a remarkable year with the bat scoring 1490 runs in the past twelve months to emerge with most runs in the calendar year. The Mumbai batsman played 28 ODIs to rack up these many runs at an average of 57.30. 

The Indian vice-captain scaled to greater heights as he became the first player to score five centuries in a single edition of the World Cup. He did the bulk of the scoring as an opener, and always saw his team through some demanding circumstances. 

2. Virat Kohli 

The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli has just made it a habit to finish among the best at the end of each calendar year. Kohli has been the highest run-scorer in past two years in ODIs, but fell just 113 runs short of his deputy in 2019. He finished with a total of 1377 runs, scoring them at an average of 59.86 in just 26 ODIs to take the second spot. 

He might have finished second after Rohit, but Kohli would happy that two Indian batsmen are ruling the world cricket at least in the ODI format. As another year beckons, Virat would aim to continue his golden form and bring more glory to Indian cricket in 2020. 

3. Shai Hope

The West Indian wicket-keeper batsman, Shai Hope was the third in the list for most runs scored in 2019. The opener ended the year with a tally of 1345 runs in 28 matches, scored at an average of 61.13. It included four centuries and eight fifties to emerge as one of the surprise names in the list. In the past one year, Hope has offered a great value to the Caribbean side as someone who can strive for consistency in ODI cricket. It will be interesting to see if he can produce another similar performance in the upcoming year. 

Cover image credits: The Quint