Most centuries in international cricket among active players: Virat Kohli leads modern-day legends

In the contemporary cricketing era, which has brought about alterations at a fast pace and bowlers are becoming increasingly sharper, making a century has become a real hallmark of excellence. However, a select few batters continue to make centuries across formats, and they have stood up to the changing challenges. Leading this elite group is Virat Kohli from India, who has attained a modern-day record of 82 centuries in international cricket, which is remarkable not only as a hallmark of class but also as a record of utter consistency over the years of international cricket, forcing many to refer to Kohli as the best batter in the world. 

Chasing Kohli are some of the greatest batters of our generation—Joe Root, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith. Each of these players has a different style to their game; however, they all have a common quality—when they get to the international cricket big stage, they have an ability to rise to the occasion and make it count. Whether it be a defensive Test innings or a free-flowing ODI century, these players challenge our thoughts about batting excellence and then leave us to think again.

Modern-Day Greats and Their Century Race

Virat Kohli – 82 Hundreds

For modern batting, there's nowhere to start other than the King. Kohli's name deserves to be in a golden cap, as he has dominated with 82 international hundreds, and he is quickly closing in on Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100. Kohli's hundreds have been emphatic, whether they have been cover drives at full swing or his historic chases under the lights. Kohli's centuries have always been memorable events that have inspired and lifted millions. What is remarkable is Kohli's hunger. Every time he walks out onto the field, it feels like he challenges his first hundred every time he steps out to bat. 

Joe Root - 57*

Joe Root has snuck up on everyone as the engine to England's batting. With 57 hundreds so far, Root recently took the opportunity to show again why he is so important when he managed to build another classic innings over the series with India. Root would be the last person to pick fights with journalists—which says a lot because, whoever demands the headlines, Root gets the runs. No one plays with more absolute certainty whilst wearing a helmet than Joe Root. His ability to dismantle attacks in tough conditions, especially in tests, is outstanding. Joe Root's elegance is best shown in his batting; he gets lots of runs too.

Also read:Most 50+ scores in Test history: Sachin Tendulkar leads a legendary list

Rohit Sharma – 49 Hundreds

Rohit Sharma is not a batter—he is an experience. With 49 centuries in international cricket, the Indian captain has turned style into domination. Whether he is dismantling bowling attacks in ODIs or holding the innings in Tests, Rohit's effortless sixes and silky timing provide so much to appreciate as a spectator. Few players flow from one gear to the next like Rohit, and even fewer make batting look so simple.

Kane Williamson – 48 Hundreds

Kane Williamson is the eye of the storm: calm, steady, and in control. Williamson has scored 48 international hundreds and for years has provided a weighty anchor to New Zealand’s batting. He is the guy you would want batting for your life: he has a sound technique, is mentally strong, and is reliable. Behind the cool exterior is a fierce competitor that rises to the occasion when his team needs him the most.

Steve Smith – 48 Hundreds

If cricket has a mad genius, it is Steve Smith. Some would get concerned that theater-school coaches would scratch their heads in disbelief at Smith’s technique, but once again, considering his record, it amounts to little more than performance art. Smith has 48 hundreds in international cricket and is currently counting to add to the near-mythical status of his record in Tests (especially from a batting perspective during the Ashes). Smith does not just score runs: she eats up a bowler, one section at a time.