Top 5 Players with the Most Runs in One Day International (ODI) Cricket: All-Time Run Scorers

The original format of white-ball cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), has long been a stage for remarkable records and breathtaking performances. From its inception, ODI cricket has witnessed numerous milestones, with one of the most prestigious being the total number of runs scored in this format. Over the years, players have consistently broken new barriers, etching their names in history with every run they score. From the iconic "Little Master" Sachin Tendulkar, who set the standard, to the modern-day greats like Virat Kohli, the ODI format has seen some of the finest batsmen of all time. In this article, we take a look at the top players who have accumulated the most runs in ODI history, highlighting the legends who have redefined batting excellence in the 50-over format.

Sachin Tendulkar: 18426 Runs

The number of runs scored in the game of cricket will always be topped by Sachin Tendulkar, regardless of any record. Tendulkar leads the charts for the most international runs and also the most ODI runs, with 18426 runs at an average of 44.83. He accumulated the majority of these runs during an era dominated by bowlers, when the game was considered a bowlers' game, and importantly, there was no DRS (Decision Review System) in place. Had he benefited from such technology, Sachin would have easily surpassed 20000 runs. Nevertheless, the volume of runs he scored remains monumental, and even in today's batting-friendly era, these figures are outstanding. The second batter on the list is still 4,000 runs behind him. Thus, the Master retains his unmatched position with formidable statistics.

Sachin Tendulkar's ODI Record:

• Matches: 463
• Runs: 18426
• Average: 44.83
• 50s/100s: 49/96
• Best Score: 200*

Kumar Sangakkara: 14234 Runs

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara ranks second on this list with 14234 runs. He began his career as a middle-order batter but gradually moved up the batting order, achieving remarkable runs throughout his career. Sangakkara is known for his consistency and ability to deliver in various conditions, proving himself to be a match-winner, especially when batting first. With an average of 41.98, he stands second on this list.

Kumar Sangakkara's ODI Record:

• Matches: 404
• Runs: 14234
• Average: 41.98
• 50s/100s: 25/93
• Best Score: 169

Virat Kohli: 13906 Runs

The modern-day run machine, Virat Kohli, is third on this list, and he is likely to move up to second place shortly, as he is only a few runs away from catching Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli has been a relentless scorer, especially during chases, and he boasts a remarkable average of 58.18, the highest on the list. His consistency has supported the Indian middle order following the era of Sachin Tendulkar. He has a record of 50 ODI centuries to his name and continues to perform strongly at the age of 36, suggesting he will break even more records in the near future.

Virat Kohli's ODI Record:

• Matches: 295
• Runs: 13906
• Average: 58.18
• 50s/100s: 50/72
• Best Score: 183

Ricky Ponting: 13704 Runs

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting stands fourth on the list with 13704 runs. From his debut, Ponting has been a consistent performer, playing in various positions throughout his career and accumulating significant runs. He built a dominant Australian team in the 2000s, leading not only as captain but also as their top scorer. Ponting's contributions have been pivotal, and he boasts an average of 42.03 in his ODI career.

Ricky Ponting's ODI Record:

•  Matches: 375
•  Runs: 13704
•  Average: 42.03
•  50s/100s: 30/82
•  Best Score: 162

Sanath Jayasuriya: 13430 Runs

Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, for many years a close rival to Sachin Tendulkar, now ranks fifth on the list with 13430 runs in his ODI career. Throughout much of his career, he played as an opening batsman and accumulated a substantial number of runs at the top of the order. Jayasuriya shared a memorable partnership with Kumar Sangakkara that led Sri Lanka to significant victories. Known for his aggressive batting and high strike rate, he hit 270 sixes, the highest in this list. While his average of 32.26 is relatively low compared to others, he still managed to score a remarkable volume of runs.

Sanath Jayasuriya's ODI Record:

• Matches: 445
• Runs: 13430
• Average: 32.26
• 50s/100s: 28/68
• Best Score: 189