Top five batters fastest to 11000 runs in ODI cricket

ODI cricket in the 21st century has increasingly favored batters over bowlers. The white ball tends to lose its ability to swing or seam after the initial overs, and unlike in T20 matches, batters are not compelled to adopt a high-risk approach from the start of their innings.

The two new balls rule introduced in 2011 has further made matters worse for the bowlers as the ball doesn’t get old enough to reverse.

Throughout its rich history, the game has witnessed numerous skilled batters excel on the grand stage. These players not only scored plenty of runs but also played match-winning knocks. However, only a few have maintained their consistency long enough to score over 11,000 runs in ODIs.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five batters who are fastest to reach 11000 runs in ODI cricket.

5. Sourav Ganguly – 288 innings

Known for his fearless captaincy, Sourav Ganguly’s batting contributions are sometimes overlooked in Indian cricket and they remain under the shadow of other Indian batting greats.

The former Indian captain reached the 11,000-run mark during his 288th ODI innings, which was against England in Birmingham in 2007. Ganguly concluded his ODI career with 13,363 runs, maintaining an average of 41. He recorded 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries in the format.

4. Ricky Ponting – 286 innings

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was known for taking on the bowlers with an aggressive approach. Ponting reached 11,000 ODI runs in his 286th innings, which took place against India in Sydney in 2008. 

He currently holds the record for the highest number of ODI runs for Australia, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42, including 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries. One of his most remarkable performances came in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 final, where he guided Australia to a commanding victory against India with an unbeaten century.

3. Sachin Tendulkar – 276 innings

Regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar reached 11,000 runs in ODIs in his 276th ODI innings in Kanpur against England in 2002. He celebrated this achievement by scoring an impressive 87 not out from 67 deliveries, leading his team to victory.

He possesses the record for the highest number of runs scored in ODIs (18,426) at an average of 44.83, along with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2013 with 100 international centuries under his belt.

2. Rohit Sharma – 261 innings

Starting as a middle-order batter, it took time for Rohit Sharma to become a regular member of India’s ODI setup. But once he was promoted as an opener in 2013, he never looked back. 

In February 2025, Rohit Sharma became the tenth player in history to surpass 11,000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving this milestone in only 261 innings, thereby securing his place as the second fastest to reach this landmark.

1. Virat Kohli – 222 innings

Virat Kohli is the fastest batsman to score 11,000 runs in ODI cricket, taking 222 innings to reach this milestone. He attained this feat in a match against Pakistan during the 2019 World Cup held in Manchester.

He also holds the record for the highest number of centuries in ODIs, with a total of 50. His contribution was instrumental in India's victory at the 2011 World Cup, and he emerged as the top run-scorer in the 2023 tournament.

Cover Credits - ESPN