Top 10 batters with most runs in ODI cricket

In the world of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, there are some outstanding batters who have consistently amassed a considerable number of runs throughout their distinguished careers. These players have left an indelible mark on the sport and have captivated fans around the globe with their extraordinary batting displays.

Over the years, ODI cricket has witnessed the rise and supremacy of numerous batting legends who have excelled in scoring runs. These cricketers possess a unique combination of skill, composure, and reliability, allowing them to consistently tally impressive scores on the scoreboard.

In this article, let's look at the top 10 batters with most runs in ODI cricket.

10. Rohit Sharma – 11,049 runs

Rohit Sharma has played 270 ODI matches during his cricket career. He has amassed a total of 11,049 runs, with his highest individual score reaching 264 runs. His impressive ODI record also includes 32 centuries and 57 half-centuries.

9. Sourav Ganguly – 11,363 runs

In his ODI cricket career, Sourav Ganguly played in 311 matches. Throughout his career, he accumulated a total of 11,363 runs, achieving his highest individual score of 183 runs.  His impressive ODI record also features 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries.

8. Jacques Kallis – 11,579 runs

Jacques Kallis, the former all-rounder from South Africa, appeared in 328 ODI matches throughout his career. He scored a remarkable 11,579 runs, with his highest score being 139 runs. Kallis's outstanding ODI record includes 17 centuries and 86 half-centuries.

7. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 11,739 runs 

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq participated in 378 ODI matches. Throughout his career, he scored 11,739 runs, with his highest individual score standing at an unbeaten 137 runs. His impressive record also includes 10 centuries and 83 half-centuries.

6. Mahela Jayawardene – 12,650 runs

Mahela Jayawardene, the ex-captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team, played 448 ODI matches. Over the course of his career, he accumulated 12,650 runs, achieving a personal best of 144 runs in a single innings. His remarkable achievements include 19 centuries and 77 half-centuries.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya – 13,430 runs 

Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya had a remarkable ODI cricket career, playing in 445 matches. Throughout his career, he scored a total of 13,430 runs, achieving a personal best of 189 runs in a single innings. His remarkable achievements include 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries, alongside claiming 323 wickets as a bowler.

4. Ricky Ponting – 13,704 runs

During his outstanding ODI cricket career, legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting played in 375 matches. He accumulated a total of 13,704 runs, with his highest individual score reaching 164 runs. His exceptional ODI record consists of 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries.

3. Virat Kohli – 14,085 runs

So far, Virat Kohli has played in 299 ODI matches. In these games, he has scored a total of 14,085 runs, with his highest individual score being 183 runs. His performance in ODIs is quite impressive, as he has recorded 51 centuries and 73 half-centuries. Significantly, he is among only three batters to surpass the 14,000-run mark in ODI cricket.

2. Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234 runs

During his illustrious ODI cricket career, former Sri Lankan wicket-keeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara played in 404 matches. He accumulated a total of 14,234 runs, achieving a personal best of 169 runs in a single innings. His exceptional ODI record include 25 centuries and an impressive 93 half-centuries.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 runs

Sachin Tendulkar stepped onto the field for a remarkable 463 ODI matches. In these games, he achieved the extraordinary milestone of scoring 18,426 runs, with his highest individual score standing at an unbeaten 200.

His ODI record is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring 49 centuries, a remarkable 96 half-centuries, and a historic double century. This exceptional achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest batters in the annals of cricket history.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official