Most Runs in ODI Cricket History
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in ODI format accumulating impressive 18426 runs over 463 ODI matches. Following suit, Kumar Sangakkara boasts 14234 runs in 404 ODIs, pursued closely by Virat Kohli who has notched up 13848 runs across 292 ODI battles.
Here is the list of top 10 leading run scorers in ODI format.
| Sr. | Player | Team | Mat | Inn | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 452 | 18426 | 200* | 44.83 | 49 | 96 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 380 | 14234 | 169 | 41.98 | 25 | 93 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | 292 | 280 | 13848 | 183 | 58.67 | 50 | 72 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 375 | 365 | 13704 | 164 | 42.03 | 30 | 82 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 433 | 13430 | 189 | 32.36 | 28 | 68 |
| 6 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 448 | 418 | 12650 | 144 | 33.37 | 19 | 77 |
| 7 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 378 | 350 | 11739 | 137* | 39.52 | 10 | 83 |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 328 | 314 | 11579 | 139 | 44.36 | 17 | 86 |
| 9 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 311 | 300 | 11363 | 183 | 41.02 | 22 | 72 |
| 10 | Rahul Dravid | India | 344 | 318 | 10889 | 153 | 39.16 | 12 | 83 |
| 11 | MS Dhoni | India | 350 | 297 | 10773 | 183* | 50.57 | 10 | 73 |
| 12 | Rohit Sharma | India | 262 | 254 | 10709 | 264 | 49.12 | 31 | 55 |
| 13 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 301 | 294 | 10480 | 215 | 37.83 | 25 | 54 |
| 14 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 299 | 289 | 10405 | 169 | 40.48 | 19 | 63 |
| 15 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 330 | 303 | 10290 | 161* | 39.27 | 22 | 47 |
Sachin Tendulkar: The Little Master’s Monumental Milestone
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Little Master,” stands atop the list of all-time ODI run-scorers with a staggering total of over 18,000 runs, holding the record for the most runs in ODI. Tendulkar’s records are nothing short of a cricketing legend, and his name is synonymous with excellence. He held numerous records, including being the first player to score a double century in ODIs. Tendulkar’s blend of classic strokes, masterful technique, and unwavering determination made him a dominant force in ODI cricket for over two decades.
Kumar Sangakkara: Sri Lanka’s Elegant Run-Machine
Kumar Sangakkara, the elegant left-handed Sri Lankan batsman and wicketkeeper, occupies the second spot on the list of most runs in ODI. With more than 14,000 ODI runs to his name, Sangakkara’s artistry with the bat was a sight to behold. His ability to anchor the innings and switch gears at will was a testament to his exceptional skill set. Sangakkara’s contributions were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s ODI successes, including their memorable World Cup win in 2014.
3. Ricky Ponting: Australia’s Unwavering Captain
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, is another name etched in the annals of ODI cricket history. He scored over 13,000 runs in ODIs, combining aggressive strokeplay with astute captaincy. Ponting’s leadership skills, combined with his formidable batting, helped Australia dominate the ODI arena during his era, securing his place among the players with the most runs in ODI. His influence was pivotal in Australia’s World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya: The Explosive All-Rounder
Sanath Jayasuriya, the dynamic Sri Lankan all-rounder, rewrote the rules of opening batting in ODIs. With over 13,000 runs and 300 wickets in the format, Jayasuriya was a true force of nature. His audacious approach at the top of the order revolutionized ODI cricket, paving the way for modern aggressive openers. Jayasuriya’s whirlwind centuries and crucial breakthroughs with the ball made him an ODI icon.
5. Mahela Jayawardene: The Silken Touch
Mahela Jayawardene, another Sri Lankan maestro, is known for his silken touch and impeccable timing. With over 12,000 ODI runs, Jayawardene was a master of placement and finesse. His ability to build partnerships and play under pressure made him an invaluable asset to the Sri Lankan team. His contributions in crucial matches, including the 2007 World Cup final, are etched in cricketing lore.
6. Virat Kohli: The Modern Maestro
Among the contemporary cricketers, Virat Kohli has taken the ODI arena by storm. Known for his consistency and ability to chase down formidable totals, Kohli has amassed over 12,000 runs and continues to break records. With his impeccable cover drives and sublime strokeplay, he is often considered one of the finest modern-day ODI batsmen.
