Unlike Test cricket, which generally sees only three or four batting heroes per generation, ODIs have imparted plenty of legendary batsmen into the annals of world cricket. Consistent performances in a condensed format, high-caliber skill sets, and exceptional runs under pressure make extraordinary players part of this elite club in limited-over formats. There have been many players who made outstanding ODI records since the start of one-day cricket back in the year 1971, but very few were able to score thousands of runs and create an impact in affairs from month to date.

If there were one name that stands out when talking about the record of most runs in ODI, it is Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian batting legend has an incredible record of 18,426 career runs at the top level in ODI cricket history. He is then followed by cricketing greats such as Virat Kohli, Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and Sanath Jayasuriya.

In this article, we shall cover the entire list of players with most runs in ODI cricket along with their records and reasons for success.

What is ODI cricket?

ODI—One Day International The ODI is a limited-overs format in which each team has a fixed number of overs to bat, set at 50. Records really matter in this format because that, after all, is what this format is known for—a delicate balance between aggression and patience.

Consistency is no easy achievement in ODI cricket, which needs a combination of technique, fitness, temperament & adaptability. Consequently, players who have scored the most runs in ODI history are some of the greatest batsmen the game has ever seen.

Top 10 Players with Most Runs in ODI Cricket History

The following table shows the leading run scorers in ODI cricket history.

Sachin Tendulkar – King of ODI Runs

ODI Career Overview

Sachin Tendulkar continues to be the leading run-scorer in ODIs. In a career spanning over two decades, he scored 18,426 runs from 463 matches.

Major ODI Records

In ODI history, Sachin was the first batsman to score a double hundred. It allowed him to dominate world cricket for over 20 years, being able to perform against every team and in all conditions.

His consistency and longevity means many cricket experts still consider him the greatest ODI batsman of all time.

Virat Kohli – The Modern-Day Run Machine

Virat Kohli is second on the overall list of most runs in ODI cricket. Only Chris Gayle has scored more runs than him and he is already at 14,700 runs here and keeps raking in the runs.

Why Virat Kohli is Special

• Exceptional batting average
• Outstanding chasing record
• Fastest player to many run milestones
• More than 50 ODI centuries

In fact, Kohli is seen as one of the greatest ODI batting players in history. He has consistently been passing records through the last decade or so.

Most experts believe he is the only active player capable of threatening Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time ODI runs record.

Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka’s Batting Genius

One of the greatest modern wicketkeeper-batsmen, Kumar Sangakkara, had a magnificent ODI career run up until 2015 with runs in excess of 14,234.

Key Achievements

• 25 ODI centuries
• 93 half-centuries
• Consistent performer for Sri Lanka
• Multiple World Cup appearances

He was one of the finest and respected cricketers of that generation thanks to his batting terminologies and anchoring abilities.

Ricky Ponting – Australia’s Greatest ODI Captain

Ricky Ponting – 13,704 ODI runs, career span: Extremely successful career His consolidation of that success was central to Australian dominance in the 2000s

Highlights

• Three World Cup victories
• 30 ODI centuries
• One of the best captains in cricket history

Australia was one of the world’s strongest international teams over Ponting’s career, as his aggressive batting and able captaincy paved way for unprecedented success.

Sanath Jayasuriya – The Revolutionary Opener

Sanath made ODI batting analysis and a match-winning list with his dauntless top order batting style.

ODI Statistics

• Runs: 13,430
• Centuries: 28
• Matches: 445

In the first 15 overs, a new aggressive batting style was pioneered by Jayasuriya, which became an inspiration to the next generation of opening batsmen.

Other Legendary ODI Run Scorers

Mahela Jayawardene

Sri Lankan batting icon Arjuna Ranatunga was a graceful stroke maker with an astute and serene temperament who amassed 12,650 ODI runs at an impressive strike rate.

Inzamam-ul-Haq

Batting superstar of Pakistan scored 11,739 runs in ODIs For his ability to “finish matches”, he became one of Pakistan’s greatest players.

Jacques Kallis

Kallis not only scored 11,579 ODI runs but also played an important role as a bowler. He is now considered one of the all-time great cricket all-rounders.

Sourav Ganguly

The ex-Indian opener amassed 11,363 ODI runs and built one of the most successful opening pair with Sachin Tendulkar.

Rohit Sharma

He is one of the top active ODI run scorers and holds the record for the highest individual ODI score − 264. This gold-mining capability to hit huge centuries has made him one of the best batsmen in modern history.

Read Also: Virat Kohli / Ranji Trophy 2025 Winner

Most Runs in ODI by Country

India

India has produced several legendary ODI batsmen:

1. Sachin Tendulkar
2. Virat Kohli
3. Sourav Ganguly
4. Rohit Sharma
5. MS Dhoni

No other nation dominates the all-time ODI run-scoring charts more than India.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has also contributed some of the greatest ODI batsmen:

• Kumar Sangakkara
• Sanath Jayasuriya
• Mahela Jayawardene

Australia

Ricky Ponting (Australia one day run scorer, one of the best captain in history cricket)

Fastest Players to ODI Run Milestones

Virat Kohli also holds many records for being the fastest batsman to every major ODI milestone.

Some milestones include:

And his consistency therein has allowed him to hit those milestones in fewer innings than any player in history.

Interesting Facts About Most Runs in ODI Cricket

1. Sachin Tendulkar Holds the Record

No player has scored more ODI runs than Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426 runs.

2. Virat Kohli is the Closest Challenger

Virat Kohli is currently second on the all-time list and continues to add runs.

3. Three Sri Lankan Legends are in the Top Six

Sri Lanka has produced Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Mahela Jayawardene, all among the highest ODI run scorers.

4. Tendulkar Scored 49 ODI Centuries

This record stood for many years and remains one of the greatest achievements in ODI cricket.

5. ODI Cricket Has Become More Batting-Friendly

Modern rules, improved bats, and better pitches have helped batsmen score more runs than ever before.

Why ODI Run Records Matter

Such run-scoring records are not merely outcomes from a single season but are also indicative of the quality and reliability that any player has as one who performs through the rigors of many seasons. Though T20 cricket is all about scoring runs in a hurry, ODI cricket tests how well the batsman can set an innings and play according to the situation.

The players with the most runs in ODI cricket history have been exceptional talents, having shown their skills in many countries and conditions across several different eras.

Conclusion

Most runs in ODI is still one of the most desired records from the game of cricket. Sachin Tendulkar occupies the top spot with a milestone of 18,426 runs which remain untouched till date. Virat Kohli is second on the list and the next active player to the record.

Replying to star legend Kumar Sangakkara (14,234), Ricky Ponting (13,704), Sanath Jayasuriya (13,427) and Mahela Jayawardene 12,650 have put an everlasting impact in ODI cricket with their run-ins.

With ODI cricket always advancing, fresh faces will undoubtedly come on the scene but what these batting behemoths achieve shall always resonate down through time with the history books.

FAQs About Most Runs in ODI