From the very beginning, One Day International cricket has been a marvelous sight, characterized by extraordinary batting displays. Only a few batsmen, however, have been able to stretch the limits of a 50-over game. Rohit Sharma's record of the highest ODI score - an incredible 264 - is still the standard of batting accuracy, physical fitness, and pitilessness.
The trend of the modern ODIs is gradually towards starting the game with an aggressive batting approach, and hence, the emergence of new players who might eventually challenge the record is the result. The following discussion gives a glimpse of who is the nearest to overcoming the 264 score in 2025 in terms of conditions, roles, and match situations.
Understanding the Record - Why 264 Stands Alone
Rohit Sharma had 264 runs to his name against Sri Lanka in 2014 at Eden Gardens, which was not just a big score; it was a perfect execution of innings.
He consumed 173 balls and scored 30 fours and 9 sixes- meaning nearly 200 runs coming from boundaries alone. However, he did one thing more; he picked the right moments to accelerate- giving up no-risk while laying out the innings early and letting loose late.
Difficult to overtake 264 and what are that
- Mental Discipline
A professional player is to keep his/her attention and concentration for nearly 50 overs. Mistakes are mostly made between the 150th and 180th overs, especially if the players are tired.
- Game Situation
Most ODI innings have a strategic ceiling.
Captains often put hitters up or slow down at the very point where the loss of a wicket matters most.
Rohit’s innings happened because his team was confident that he could do both, that is, nothing for a while and then he would start scoring quickly.
- Strike Rate vs. Longevity
Nowadays many players get 120+ but not all last long enough to reach very high numbers.
Reason Behind the less Big Score nowadays
High-scoring games do happen, however, more often than not they result in combined totals of 350-400 runs and many batsmen 60-90 runs each.
Individual innings of 200+ are seldom seen as captains will not usually let one batsman take 150+ balls unless he is really dominating them all.
Big Names: Closest to breaking the record
A number of modern-day players have the technique, power hitting, and composure to be the ones doing it.
Shubman Gill - The New-Age Anchor
The most disciplined young batsman in international cricket today is Gill. He does not get out easily and keeps his composure even when under pressure.
The game plan is similar to traditional long-format cricket:
- Taking strong starts
- Hitting the weak bowlers
- Keeping the tempo in the middle overs
Gill already has a 208 in ODIs, which came at a strike rate of more than 130.
If he gets another long inning on a good batting pitch, particularly in Asia, he may well be the closest to 264.
Ishan Kishan - Chaos and Freedom
Kishan is totally a different kind of player.
- He plays like a T20 opener
- He goes after full deliveries right at the beginning
- He gives no mercy to the spinners - rather, he hits them hard
His 210 against Bangladesh was a testament to his ability to stay at high pace and with strong intent for long periods. His aggressive way of playing means he doesn’t even require perfect circumstances - just great is the only thing that can make him unstoppable.
But this approach does have a downside: risky playing style means more chances of getting out.
To do the 264 feat, he will have to find the right mix of being explosive and being patient.
Glenn Maxwell - Destructive capability
Maxwell has literally redefined the term “finisher.”
The Australian star scored a whopping 201* while hardly being able to move, solely managing the innings.
He is a master of disorganized situations — just like everyone else he creates new shots.
If he is sent in early by Australia and allowed to bat for 35–40 overs, he might just give us a historic performance.
On the other hand, the longer he stays in, the more likely it is that the other team will bowl tightly.
Fakhar Zaman - Timing Meets Confidence
Fakhar’s 210* was scored during the whole run-chase— this is clear evidence of his ability to score big when the need arises.
He is a treat for the fast bowlers and his favorite areas are the mid-wicket and long-off for the high shots.
If he does get to bat first on a good pitch the record might be in danger.
Highest Centuries in ODI - The way Behind the Greatness
Why the “highest centuries in ODI” list matters
The players who hit several centuries during their career are more likely to set records because they are very well acquainted with the progression of innings:
- Batting according to the phase: controlling the innings by overs
- Getting the most of the bad spells: speeding up at right moments
- Keeping their wicket safe: lessening the risk of getting out
- Good coordination between eye and hand: going on with the execution of the shot even when one is really tired
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and David Warner are not lucky; they have their different methods working out for them.
It is not a game of luck but rather a combination of skill and tactics in the case of the big centuries in ODIs.
Rohit and Kohli - Two Different Approaches
- Rohit Sharma
Takes it easy to the end of risk → hits tired bowlers hard → gradually gets to 150+
- Virat Kohli
Consistently keeps the intensity → hardly loses his form → is the master in chasing
Both ways are effective, but Rohit gets to the point of mammoth scores more easily.
What Conditions Could Produce the Next Record
Breaking 264 is not just a batter's issue. Several conditions affect the situation:
Pitch and Venue
The combination of flat pitch, the shortness of boundaries, and dryness of the weather leads to higher scores.
The subcontinental pitches, particularly in India and Bangladesh, are the most likely places to see big numbers.
Quality of Opposition
A compromised bowling unit or raw pacers means the batter is on the side.
Besides, the record-making innings are seldom accomplished against the best bowlers in prime form.
Match Format Adjustments
Scores have been going up since 2012 because of the new white balls, field restrictions, and batting-friendly rules.
Noteworthy, future ICC changes can even lead to a further increase in scores.
Why 264 Still Seems Safe in 2025
The new trend in the game is aggression and this at the same time causes more mistakes to occur.
Players prefer to take 360° shots instead of playing percentages. They can score 150 off 80 balls and then, however, get exhausted.
Rohit’s record was not only a depiction of sheer power but a combination of patience and brutality as well.
It is only a batter who remains composed during each of the different phases that can challenge it:
- 0-50 runs: very little risk
- 50-120 runs: speed up
- 120-200 runs: total control
- 200-260+: flawless concentration
This kind of combination is very uncommon.
Final Thoughts
The 264 mark remains because of a masterclass in long-innings strategy. A few batters of the modern era like Gill, Kishan, Maxwell, and Fakhar are indeed equipped with the right tools to contest it. Still, they would have to walk the line between being aggressive and being in control in order to be victorious. Those fans who are inclined to witness great milestones are always keeping a close eye on ODI cricket and discussion hubs like khelofun app generally highlight who is closest to making history in the rewriting sense.
