Here Is The Best ODI Team Of The Decade And This Is One Bunch Of Players You Don't Want To Mess With

The current decade has seen some fascinating, intriguing, and captivating cricket being played. New players have come of age, and some who were establishing themselves at the turn of the decade, have curved their way to become finest in the game.

In the current 10 year circle, three 50-over World Cups have been played - 2011, 2015, and 2019. Many legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Hashim Amla, just to name a few, called time on their careers.

The new age players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Starc, Rohit Sharma, and many others, took over the new era and have established themselves as the best cricketers of this generation.

A lot of ODI cricket has been played this decade, and the fierce battle between bat and ball has been exceptionally good. We tried to put together the best team of this decade. Well, it is always tough to put just 11 in the side, and there are always excellent players who miss out.

We tried to look at the performances, impact, and quality of the players who have been terrific on the field and have been on top of their game. Here we go then.

Rohit Sharma, Opener

AFP

Perhaps one of the most improved batsman this decade, Rohit Sharma has been in sublime form over the last six years. Having flattered to deceive in his first few years, Rohit has justified his talent and early promise.

After being moved up the order to open the batting, the Mumbai batsman has never looked back, and has been scoring runs for fun. In the current decade, he has close to 8000 runs, and averages over 50. He was in ominous touch at this year's World Cup as he went on to score a ridiculous five centuries at the tournament.

For his splendid displays, he takes our openers slot.

Hashim Amla, Opener

ICC

A very calm and composed figure Hashim Amla was looked as a Test specialist. His approach to the game was similar to Rahul Dravid in many ways - taking ample time to settle in, very watchful, and pouncing on bad balls.

His approach was said to be made for the one-day format of the game and was used against him at the beginning of his career, but he proved everyone wrong and how. When he got his opportunity in limited overs cricket, he not only scored runs, but he scored at great rate as well.

Amla remained prolific as ever in ODIs, becoming the fastest player to 7000 ODI runs in 2017. He also holds the record for being the fastest ever to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 ODI runs - which is a testament to his astonishing levels of consistency. He retired this year, but what a career he has had.

Kumara Sangakkara, Number Three/Wicket-Keeper

AP

Arguably one of the greatest batsman to grace the game of cricket, Kumara Sangakkara was always pleasing on the eye, and a beautiful sight to watch. He is one of the few batsmen who owns the stupendous record of amassing 10,000-plus runs in both Tests and ODIs.

In 2011, Sangakkara had a prolific run in the 50-over format. His standout performances throughout the year earned him the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year. Sangakkara was in supreme form in the World Cup held in Australia. He amassed over 500 runs which included four centuries to his name. He became the first batsman to compose four tons in a single World Cup.

A run machine and more than capable wicket-keeper, Sangakkara takes the number three position in the lineup.

Virat Kohli, Number Four

AFP

The highest ODI run-getter this decade, Virat Kohli picks himself in our 11. A player made for every situation, he has just amassed tons and tons of runs over the years.

With over 11000 runs in this decade at an average of 61.31, it is scary how good Kohli has been. He has scored 42 centuries and 51 fifties during the time. Wherever he goes, he feels at ease. He gets down to business as usual and just scores runs at free will. He is shattering record books every day, and creating his own history.

Ab de Villiers, Number Five

Reuters

The 360 man of cricket, Ab de Villiers is one of the few cricketers that you would most definitely want on your team. A player of high quality who can change the whole complexion of the game within minutes, de Villiers has had an excellent career.

During the 2015 World Cup, in the match against West Indies, de Villiers scored 162 runs off 66 balls leading South Africa to their second highest total in world cup history (408) at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With this feat, he also became the record holder for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODI history.

AB de Villiers retired in 2018, but not before amassing 6485 in the current decade at a ludicrous average of 64.20. He makes our team, he just had to.

Eoin Morgan, Captain

Reuters

After leading England to their first fifty-over World Cup in their history this year, Eoin Morgan leads our ODI Team of the Decade. A dashing left-handed batsman and worthy leader on the pitch, Morgan will add value to any team.

Having taken over the captaincy in 2015, Eoin Morgan has lead a resurgent England team with great distinction. He has amassed 6241 runs this decade at an average of 40.52. For leading from the front and guiding England to World Cup glory, he captains our side.

Shakib Al Hasan, All-Rounder

IANS

One of the finest all-rounders of his generation, Shakib Al Hasan has been a terrific servant to cricket. His ability with both bat and ball, makes him a must have in the team.

He has scored 4276 runs this decade and has also chipped in with 177, the second most for any bowler this decade. A complete package, he takes our all-rounder spot.

Mitchell Starc, Bowler

AFP

Pace, bounce and swing - Mitchell Starc has everything in his locker. He can bowl upfront, swing it both ways and get you wickets, he can bowl at death and bowl those toe-crushing yorkers.

Starc played massive role in Australia's 2015 World Cup triumph. Unsurprisingly, he was declared the man of the tournament, picking up 22 wickets in the tournament at an average of 10.18 and a startling economy rate of 3.50.

This decade alone he has 172 wickets at an outstanding average of 20.99.

Trent Boult, Bowler

AP

Another left arm pacer in our list, Trent Boult has been in outstanding form in international cricket. He has been the spearhead of the New Zealand attack for many years now.

In the current 10 year circle, he has picked 164 wickets at an average of shade over 25.

Imran Tahir, Bowler

AFP

The only front-line spinner in our team is South Africa's Imran Tahir. A very cunning bowler who gives nothing away, he is a handful with the batsmen.

He has been one of the potent and successful bowlers in the current decade. He has picked 173 wickets at less than 25, and with a very good economy of 4.65.

Lasith Malinga, Bowler

AFP

The most successful bowler in ODI during this decade, Lasith Malinga has been a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team. He might be in the twilight of his career, but Malinga still has the skill to outfox any batsman.

He has picked up a staggering 248 scalps during the decade, and continues to impress. An experienced customer and a vital player in our team.