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Today in cricket, a batter is often judged not just by the runs scored but also by how quickly and spectacularly they are made. The advent of white-ball cricket, especially T20s, has infused the game with urgency and flair, demanding new-age skills like innovative strokeplay, fearless intent, and the ability to adapt quickly to varying match situations.
However, Test cricket still remains the ultimate examination of technique and temperament. In this dual-speed cricketing ecosystem, only a few elite players have truly mastered the art of excelling across formats. The double century, long considered the benchmark of a great Test innings, has now made its way into ODIs too, an unimaginable feat until a decade ago.
The rare club of double-century icons
Scoring a double hundred in any format is a mammoth achievement, but to do so in both Test and ODI cricket sets a player apart as an all-format titan. The demands of each format are inherently different, Tests call for mental strength, stamina, and classical shot-making, while ODIs require calculated aggression, tempo control, and innovation. Only a handful of cricketers have managed to etch their names in this rare club.
These players demonstrate an almost paradoxical master, defending with a dead bat on a deteriorating Day 5 surface, and yet, in another format, dispatching bowlers with relentless fury over fielders’ heads. Their cricketing intelligence allows them to seamlessly transition between the rigors of Tests and the explosiveness of ODIs. In doing so, they have redefined the metrics of greatness, proving that format boundaries are no hurdle when true class meets adaptability. Each of their double centuries tells a story of situational awareness, mental toughness, and superior shot selection.
5 players who have scored double centuries in both Tests and ODIs
5. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
In ODIs, Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in history by becoming the first male cricketer to score a double century. This monumental feat came against South Africa in Gwalior on February 24, 2010.His unbeaten 200 off 147 balls was a masterclass in timing and placement, guiding India to a massive total. In Test cricket, Tendulkar recorded six double centuries throughout his illustrious career, showcasing his longevity and adaptability across formats. One notable instance was his 248 not out against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2004, where he displayed immense patience and skill to anchor India’s innings.
4. Virender Sehwag (India)
Virender Sehwag, known for his aggressive and fearless approach, became the second batsman to score an ODI double hundred. He smashed 219 runs off just 149 balls against West Indies in Indore on December 8, 2011, a truly breathtaking display of power-hitting. In Test cricket, Sehwag holds the unique distinction of having two triple centuries, a testament to his dominant style. His 309 against Pakistan in Multan in 2004, popularly known as the ‘Multan Sultan,’ was India’s first-ever triple century, revolutionizing Test opening batting.
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3. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
The ‘Universe Boss,’ Chris Gayle, also features on this exclusive list. He blazed his way to 215 runs against Zimbabwe in the 2015 ODI World Cup, becoming the first non-Indian to achieve an ODI double century and the first to score one in a World Cup. Gayle’s Test career saw him register three double centuries, including a colossal 333 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2010. This innings, a testament to his enduring power and concentration, cemented his status as one of the most destructive batsmen of his era.
2. Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma is the only player in the world to have scored three double centuries in One Day Internationals, a remarkable achievement that underscores his dominance in the format. His highest ODI score of 264 came against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 2014, an innings laden with boundaries and sixes. In Test cricket, Rohit scored his maiden double hundred against South Africa in Ranchi in October 2019, an innings of 212 that further showcased his ability to adapt his game to the longest format.
1. Shubman Gill (India)
The newest entrant to this elite group, Shubman Gill, recently achieved a Test double century against England at Edgbaston in July 2025. This maiden Test double hundred, where he scored 269 runs, marked a significant milestone in his nascent captaincy and Test career. Prior to this, Gill had already announced his arrival in ODI cricket with a magnificent double hundred (208) against New Zealand in Hyderabad in January 2023, making him the youngest male cricketer to reach the landmark in ODIs.
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