Virat, AB or Root – Who is the Greatest ODI Middle-Order Batsman? Nasser Hussain Reveals His Picks

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), middle-order batting plays a huge role in deciding the flow and result of the match. Recently, former England captain Nasser Hussain shared his thoughts on who he believes are the greatest middle-order batters in ODI history.

Nasser Hussain picks Kohli, de Villiers, and Root

While speaking to a sports channel, Hussain said, “In my opinion, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are the two best middle-order batsmen in ODI cricket. They have completely changed the way batting is approached during the middle overs. I would also include Joe Root in that list because of the way he controls the game and builds an innings.”

Joe Root’s smart style

Hussain praised Root’s unique ability to rotate strike and find gaps even against top-quality deliveries. “In today’s game, where everyone is focused on power hitting, Root’s classical and intelligent batting style stands out,” he added.

Joe Root has played 180 ODIs for England so far and has scored 7126 runs at an average of 49.14. He has 18 centuries and 42 half-centuries to his name. His highest score in ODIs is 166.

Virat Kohli’s domination

Kohli’s numbers in ODIs are simply exceptional. He has played 302 matches for India and scored 14,181 runs at a stunning average of 57.88. He has smashed 51 hundreds and 74 fifties, with his highest score being 183.

AB de Villiers’ impact

South African legend AB de Villiers was known for his fearless and innovative batting. In his ODI career, he played 228 matches and scored 9577 runs at an average of 53.5. He hit 25 centuries and 53 fifties, with a best score of 176.

Classic batting still matters

Through his statement, Nasser Hussain made it clear that while power-hitting is important in modern cricket, classical batting built on timing, placement, and smart shot selection is still highly valuable. Players like Kohli, de Villiers, and Root have shown that middle-order batting isn’t just about big shots—it’s about controlling the game and adapting to every situation.

These three batters have not only delivered match-winning performances but have also inspired millions with their consistent brilliance.