That ability to stay not out or unbeaten toward the end of one's innings or one's team's innings is a healthy attribute to gauging success. And over the various decades in international cricket, several cricketers have emerged with most not outs in international cricket. However, it could be rationally argued that with modern day sport exploding like never before with the amount of cricket played off late being superior in comparison to the period of time way back in time, it has become possible for several players to represent the game on far more occasions than some of their peers. But that being said, to have a rising stack of not outs to their name is something worthy of applause, irrespective of the game's format.
Let us take a look at the players with most not-outs in international cricket (all formats combined):
5. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka): 108 not outs in 439 matches
A fast bowling ace, and basically, the face of Sri Lankan fast bowling in the 1990s and mid 2000s, Vaas was athletic, agile and tireless. His ability to swing whether in red or white ball cricket, coupled with his talent at delivering menacing yorkers held aloft Sri Lanka's position as an elite force in international cricket. He ended his long career with as many as 108 not outs, which is a respectable feat.
4. Shaun Pollock (South Africa): 113 not outs in 423 matches

From 370 batting innings on the whole, the great South African all rounder, primarily known for his immensely impactful fast bowling supremacy, emerged not out on 113 total occasions. Gifted at wicket taking and hunting with Allan Donald in pair, Pollock, a giant of the game also rounded up as a dependable lower order batter. His ability to stitch unique stands often meant that it wasn't over for South Africa until he was at the crease. Fans have loved his partnership stands with the likes of Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes back in the day.
3. Muttaiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 119 not outs in 495 matches

The Sri Lankan fast bowling legend, an icon back then, and an icon in any age in cricket, was and still is the only cricketer with 800 Test match wickets. As far as his wicket tally from both Test and ODI cricket concern, then Murali with 1334 Test wickets commands enormous respect in the game.
Having said that, Murali also has a rather envy inspiring record; not that he was a total slouch with the bat and could still hold onto an end in the game as a tail-ender, the Sri Lankan legend ended his career with 119 not out displays and that too, from 328 innings on the whole from 495 international matches.
That is not a bad feat at all for an off spinner.
2. MS Dhoni (India): 142 not outs in 538 Matches

Not called 'Captain Cool' for nothing, Dhoni was a legend of the game during his active days and shall stay that way, a cricketer who reminded India of taking the attack to its opponents and fighting back in the contours of one day cricket to lift a valiant men's ODI World Cup crown back in 2011.
Dhoni on song could mean exceptional and fiery wicketkeeping dismissals from behind the stumps and when with the bat, then a strong six-hitting fiesta.
Dhoni ended his international career with 142 not outs, a very potent number especially when you take into consideration the number of innings he played in all. And that figure stands at 526.
Given the finisher that he was, during his prime days, Dhoni would often get the job done to raise the bat for India's glory. Picture the famous Wankhede World Cup 2011 final scene!
1. James Anderson (England): 160 not outs in 401 matches

The man with the world record of most not outs in international cricket, James Anderson, at 160 not outs, is the force considered to be the greatest exponent of quality swing bowling ever. The greatest ever to have played red ball cricket for England, Anderson's not out tally at 160 is definitely worthy of respect but then so too is his international wicket tally, which stands at 973 wickets. This includes 704 Test match wickets. He's been a sublime attacker with the red ball, the likes of which we shall never see again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q. Which famous Indian cricketer is on the list?
Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, a legend of the sport, is on the list with 142 not outs.
Q. How many not outs did Chaminda Vaas manage in this entire career across formats?
Vaas, a fast bowling legend, has 108 not outs to his name.
Dev Tyagi