Rating points in cricket serve as a key metric to identify the best players across all formats of the game. For batsmen, the rating system is straightforward, ranging from 0 to 1000.
A batsman with 500+ rating points is considered decent, while reaching 750+ indicates the capability of entering the top 20 batsmen globally. Crossing the monumental 900-point mark, however, signifies legendary status – it’s as simple as that. For an in-depth understanding, you can read CricIndeed’s definitive guide on ‘How ICC Rankings are Calculated?‘
Currently, 9 batsmen have achieved the 900-point mark in ODI batsmen ratings, with 31 batsmen reaching this pinnacle in Test Cricket. Among these elite few, only four players have surpassed 900+ batting ratings in both Test and ODI formats. These are whom I call the ‘super-legends.’
Here we go, let’s explore them one by one.
1. Viv Richards (938 in Tests & 935 in ODIs)
Sir Vivian Richards can undeniably be called the ODI Monster. He holds the record for the highest-ever rating points in ODIs by a batsman, an astonishing 935.
And there is this record that highlights his unparalleled greatness in white-ball cricket.
His dominance wasn’t limited to ODIs, though. Sir Viv also features prominently in the all-time Test batting rankings, where he stands at an impressive No. 7 with 938 points. This dual mastery across formats truly cements his legacy as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
2. Brian Lara (911 in Tests & 906 in ODIs)
Another classic, Brian Lara, the West Indian maestro, showcased equal brilliance in both Test and ODI cricket, earning his place on this elite list. As the sole left-hander featured here, Lara’s ODI rating of 908 stood as the best in 25 years until it was recently surpassed by India’s Virat Kohli.
Lara, famously the highest individual scorer in a Test innings, also holds a respectable position in the all-time Test batting rankings, sitting at 27th place.
3. AB de Villiers (935 in Tests & 901 in ODIs)
The South African dynamo, AB de Villiers, holds a unique distinction: he was the first batsman in cricket history to reach 900 rating points in both ODIs and Tests concurrently. In 2015, when he achieved the 900-point mark in ODIs, he was indeed already at 900+ ratings in Test cricket.
De Villiers, who has since retired from international cricket, has recently shown interest in playing in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, which is scheduled to take place from July 18 to August 2, 2025. While he retired from international cricket, his participation in leagues like the WCL continues to entertain fans.
To crown his phenomenal numbers even further, he is the only player to end his career averaging over 50 in both ODIs and Tests.
4. Virat Kohli (934 in Tests & 909 in ODIs)
The most recent entrant to this exclusive list, and indeed a prime candidate to challenge Sir Viv Richards’ record for the all-time highest batting rating points in ODIs, is Virat Kohli.
Much like AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli holds the distinction of being the second batsman ever to achieve 900+ ratings in both Test and ODI formats concurrently. To fully grasp his journey to this incredible pinnacle in cricket, you can delve into CricIndeed’s comprehensive ‘Virat Kohli’s Performance Analysis – Year by Year.’
Here are the players who came close to achieving 900+ rating points in both Test and ODI formats, with their peak ratings:
- Hashim Amla (South Africa): Test Peak: 907 points (2013); ODI Peak: 896 points (2010).
- Ricky Ponting (Australia): Test Peak: 942 points (2006); ODI Peak: 819 points (2003).
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): Test Peak: 938 points (2007); ODI Peak: 853 points (2015).
- Matthew Hayden (Australia): Test Peak: 935 points (2002); ODI Peak: 838 points (2003).
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa): Test Peak: 935 points (2005); ODI Peak: 808 points (2004).
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): Test Peak: 882 points (2022); ODI Peak: 898 points (2021).
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