5 Indian batsmen with the lowest strike rates in ODI cricket had solid careers but struggled with aggressive play. Despite playing key roles, their strike rates remained below 71. Factors such as playing in earlier cricketing eras, adopting stabilizing roles, and focusing on consistency over big shots contributed to their lower strike rates.
5. Kris Srikkanth
Many might be surprised to find Kris Srikkanth on this list, given his reputation as an aggressive opener. However, his career strike rate stands at just 71.74.
This can largely be attributed to the era he played in, where limited-overs cricket featured the red ball, and the white ball had yet to make its debut in international matches.
4. VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman, known for his elegant shot selection, played a stabilizing role at the top of the order, much like Rahul Dravid. However, he featured in only 86 ODIs, scoring 2,338 runs at an average of 30.76 and a strike rate of 71.23. His style was more about consistency than explosive hitting, limiting his opportunities in limited-overs cricket.
3. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, with over 300 ODIs and 10,000 runs at an average of nearly 40, had a strike rate of just 71.18. This was not surprising, as Dravid was always known for his solid, conventional batting style, prioritizing consistency over aggressive shot-making, focusing on building innings rather than seeking extravagant boundaries.
2. Ajay Jadeja
Ajay Jadeja, with 5,359 runs in 196 ODIs at an average of 37.47, was known for his aggressive role as a finisher. Despite his reputation for quick cameos in the lower order, his overall strike rate remained surprisingly low, below 70. This contrasts with his image as a dynamic, game-changing player at the end of innings.
1. Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu, who played 136 ODIs and scored 4,413 runs at an average of 37.08, had a strike rate of less than 70. This is considered relatively low, even by the standards of the 80s and 90s, especially since Sidhu often opened the batting for India and had the opportunity to capitalize on fielding restrictions during the early overs.
| Player | Matches (ODIs) | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Kris Srikkanth | – | – | – | 71.74 |
| VVS Laxman | 86 | 2,338 | 30.76 | 71.23 |
| Rahul Dravid | 344 | 10,000+ | 40 | 71.18 |
| Ajay Jadeja | 196 | 5,359 | 37.47 | <70 |
| Navjot Singh Sidhu | 136 | 4,413 | 37.08 | <70 |