5 Batsmen who have benefitted the most in ODI Cricket after the introduction of two new balls

In late 2011, the ICC made the call to introduce two new balls in One Day International Cricket, with the balls to operate from alternate ends of the wicket. Their main reasoning was to help preserve the condition of the white ball across the length of the 50 over innings, as it used to previously become soft and out of shape quite quickly and on a regular basis.While two new balls was seen as an advantage to the bowling side when the idea was first brought up, with swing, seam and bounce more prominent with a fresh rock, it has actually been the batsmen who have embraced the new rule with open arms. Bigger personal milestones, higher team totals and huge hits have become the norm under the two ball era.Some batsmen have loved the new rule even more than the rest, though, and have produced some freakish performances.Here are the top 5 batsmen who have benefitted following the introduction of two new balls.

#1 Virat Kohli

Arguably the best One Day batsman in the world right now, Virat Kohli has exploded and taken his game to a whole new level since the introduction of two new balls. The 27-year-old scored his first ton in Indian coloured clothing in 2009, amassing another 5 after that up until the new ball rule change was made.

Since then, Kohli has left his mark as a potential all time great of the game, blasting 17 more tons to raise his overall total to 23 and becoming a run-chase king. With this in mind, it’s fair to say that the India captain won’t be barracking for any changes any time soon!