Smaller grounds, heavier bats and flatter pitches; that's how the game has been since the inception of T20 cricket. The game kept coming up with shorter formats over the last few decades to offer much more entertainment and thrill to its spectators.

Whenever a batsman pads up and leaves the pavilion to go on the ground, the fans shout their heart out expecting the gallery to be showered with over-boundaries. Be it a classic 5-day Test or a One Day International or a 20-over game, the batsmen architect the game.

The bowling-job has become tougher as they have to scalp the same amount of wickets in an innings, irrespective of the format. The batters too have to be phenomenal to face the rage of the bowlers.

The batsmen have to deliver according to what is being expected from them. For example, a-run-a-ball centuries might look impressive in the longer formats of the contest, but in games like T20s, such display will be thought of as utter disgusting.

2017 has been amazing for the ODIs as the world have witnessed another double-ton. There were also tales of failure, sorrow for the unattained. There were youngsters rocking the ground, while the veterans stamped their authority.

With three players amassing a total of over 1000 runs, this year has surely been something to be remembered. Here are the top 5 run scorers of this calendar year…

#5 Ross Taylor – 968 runs

The calm and composed man, who rarely let his presence known except for when he is batting, has had a very good time this year. With an average of 60.50, the Kiwi batsman has controlled the middle part of his team's batting.

Whenever a collapse in the top-order took place, this man kept the middle-order together. A person of his stature would definitely be cherished by any team in the world.

Starting the year with an astounding century against the Aussies, he set up a series win for the Black Caps and went on to score another century and 7 fifties throughout the year.

With 107 against Australia being his highest score, the batsman faced a total of 1182 balls and made 968 runs in the 20 ODIs he has played this year.

#4 Joe Root – 983 runs

Being one of the four finest batsmen of the modern era, Joe Root, did justice to his presence in the 'Fab Four' that also includes Virat Kohli, Steven Smith and Kane Williamson. The English batsman scored a total of 983 runs in 19 matches.

Root's dazzling knock of 133* against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy is his highest score in ODIs this year. With an average of 70.21, the batsman smashed 2 tons and 7 half-centuries this year.

Joe Root has been amazing round the year and will surely look forward to continuing his good run in 2018 as well.

#3 Upul Tharanga – 1011 runs

It is surprising to see a Sri Lankan batsman make it to this list, that too by plundering 1000+ runs. The Lions did not have a great year as their bad patch was still on in the recently concluded tour of India. Despite a win in the 1st ODI, they lost the 3-match series and were whitewashed in the other two formats.

Yet all these events failed to dim the brilliance of Warushavithana Upul Tharanga. The batsman registered a total of 1011 runs at an average of 48.14 in the 25 ODIs he has played.

With his best score of 119 runs against South Africa, the batsman scored 2 centuries, both serving a losing cause. He also picked up 6 half-centuries while trying his best to serve his team.

#2 Rohit Sharma – 1293 runs

It would be raising eyebrows if this outstanding man did not enter the list. With an average of 71.83, Rohit Sharma scored 1293 runs in 21 ODIs this year.

After being heavily criticized for his failure to score and to lead the team in absence of captain Kohli in the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka, he resurged in style and played an unbeaten innings of 208 runs which had crushed the Lankan team in the 2nd clash. The hard hitter got his 3rd ODI double-ton in the match against the Lions, while no batsman has even managed to score 2.

His game is just like his international career. He had to spend 6 years for his game to mature before he finally cemented his place in the Indian team after a fine display in the 2013 Champions trophy.

Starting his innings in an unhurried manner, the man can evaluate the game and perform accordingly. During his last ODI double-century, Rohit completed his 100 in the 40th over of the game, then he went on to score another quick-fire 100 runs.