The ‘gentleman’s game,’ cricket, has seen many firsts over the years. The sport continues to captivate viewers around the world because to thrilling finishes and extraordinary performances at every level.
While there are many records to break, the one for the most hundreds made in a calendar year across all forms (ODI, T20i, and Test) stands out as a true monument to a player’s consistency and brilliance.
This feat goes beyond just having the power to hit fours or the endurance to play all nine innings.
To succeed, one must learn the ropes, be flexible enough to play in a variety of settings, and always play at a high level.
Scoring a century is an impressive performance regardless of the length of the match or the style of play (the slower, more methodical Test match, the faster, more frenetic T20i).
And to do it multiple times in the span of a year? Those deeds are legendary.
Digging into this archive will take you on a trip through the annals of cricket, allowing you to relive classic moments while paying tribute to the greats who have written their names in the record books.
Come along as we hear the stories of batsmen who have successfully launched their bats into the stratosphere multiple times in a single year.
Key Takeaways: Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year
Hide
- Sachin's Record Year: In 1998, Sachin Tendulkar set an unparalleled record with 12 centuries in 39 matches.
- Previous Champions: Before Sachin, Aravinda de Silva was the record holder with 10 centuries in 1997.
- Kohli's Consistency: Virat Kohli made the list twice, scoring 11 centuries in both 2017 and 2018.
- Ponting's Leadership: Ricky Ponting's 2003 saw him score 10 centuries, leading Australia to a World Cup win.
- Amla's Efficiency: Hashim Amla achieved 10 centuries in just 26 matches in 2010.
- Other Achievers: Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Tillakaratne Dilshan each marked their calendar year with 10 centuries.
- Historical Significance: These records highlight the dedication, talent, and consistency of cricket's greatest players.
Diving Deep into Cricket’s Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year Records
Over the course of its history, the sport of cricket, which combines skill with fervor, has established a great many records.
Some people continue to excel, while others fall behind. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the level of commitment and skill displayed by the players.
Let’s take a closer look at one of these records, which is for the most centuries in a single year.
Sachin’s 1998: A Year to Remember in Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year
The year 1998 was a memorable one for Sachin Tendulkar, who is often regarded as the “God of Cricket.” He played in only 39 matches but yet managed to score 12 hundreds.
In addition to this, he amassed an astonishing total of 2,541 runs in a total of 42 innings, achieving a batting average of 68.67.
And as if that weren’t enough, he went on to accumulate an additional eight half-centuries after his name.
Aravinda de Silva: The Preceding Record-Holder of Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year
Prior to Sachin’s historic year, Aravinda de Silva was the one who commanded the attention of everyone. In 1997, he scored a century in 10 of the 39 matches he played in.
He played 46 innings and racked up 2,432 runs, which gave him an outstanding batting average of 62.35.
Virat Kohli: Back-to-Back Brilliance
The dynamic Virat Kohli is not one to be left behind. He is not one to be left behind. In 2018, he carved his way into the record books by scoring 11 centuries in 37 matches.
After 47 innings, he had a run total of 2,735, for an average of 68.37. However, that is not where the tale finishes.
In the next year, 2018, Kohli achieved the same remarkable achievement by scoring 11 more hundreds.
Ricky Ponting: Leading with Elegance
Ricky Ponting had a banner year in 2003. The Australian captain got off to a strong start by scoring ten hundreds in just 45 matches.
He played for 49 innings and racked up 2,657 runs, enough for an average of 66.42. As a result of his leadership, Australia was able to win the Cricket World Cup in 2003.
Hashim Amla: Consistency Personified
Hashim Amla, a virtuoso from South Africa, enjoyed a career year in 2010. He only played in 26 matches, yet he managed to score 10 centuries.
The staggering number of 2,307 runs he scored in 34 innings gave him an astounding batting average of 76.90.
Quick Glance at the Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year Records
- Sachin Tendulkar (1998): 12 centuries, 2,541 runs.
- Virat Kohli (2018): 11 centuries, 2,735 runs.
- Ricky Ponting (2003): 10 centuries, 2,657 runs.
- Hashim Amla (2010): 10 centuries, 2,307 runs.
- Aravinda de Silva (1997): 10 centuries, 2,432 runs.
Reflecting on Cricket’s Calendar Year Achievements
Cricket is an ever-changing sport that is rich in history and records. Evidence of this development can be found in the annual record for hundreds scored in all three forms (ODI, T20i, and Test).
The enormous stamina, ability, and consistency necessary to excel in all formats at once is highlighted by such records.
Legendary cricketers have paved the way for the next generation. What they’ve accomplished in a single year is nothing short of remarkable.
It’s not only about racking up hundreds; you also need to be able to adjust to new formats, different types of bowling assaults, and different playing conditions.
Achieving such marks in the present era, with its busy schedules and frequent matches, is all the more impressive.
It’s a great indicator of a player’s physical and mental toughness and flexibility. As spectators, we count it a great honor to watch records being broken and new players being inspired throughout the world.
Finally, the year-end records for most hundreds scored in ODI, T20i, and Test formats are more than just a collection of numbers.
They capture the spirit of cricket, the commitment of the players, and the dynamic aspect of the sport.
It will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate and cements their place in cricket lore as we move on.
FAQ: Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year
Who holds the record for the most hundreds in a calendar year?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 12 centuries in 1998.
Which cricketer previously held the record before Sachin Tendulkar?
Aravinda de Silva held the record before Sachin, with 10 centuries in 1997.
Who is the top cricketer from South Africa on Most Hundreds in a Calendar Year List?
Hashim Amla is the top South African, scoring 10 centuries in just 26 matches in 2010.
Are there other cricketers who have scored 10 centuries in a calendar year?
Yes, Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Tillakaratne Dilshan have each scored 10 centuries in a calendar year.
