Most Runs in ODI Cricket: Who is the Leading Run Scorer of All Time?

Many batters have featured in ODI cricket, only a few of them have made a strong name in it. These players stand out because they have demonstrated remarkable consistency in ODI cricket over a long period. It is the key reason why they are respected all over the world, as players from various countries look towards them to learn the art of batting.

The players who have scored the most runs in ODI cricket are considered legends of the game. Their skills and abilities have earned them an esteemed status in the world of cricket, which is why many young players study their techniques. From Sachin Tendulkar to Brian Lara, many batters have dominated ODI cricket by scoring loads of runs. If you do not know much about them, read this blog in detail to get some exclusive insights.  

Most Runs in ODI by a Batsman: A Quick Look at the List of Top Players

The list given below will let you know about the batters who have scored the most runs in ODI cricket. It features legendary batters who are idolized by many youngsters: 

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is a name that dominates the batting charts in international cricket. His ODI record is staggering, having amassed 18,426 runs in 463 international matches. This is an unbelievable number that showcases the greatness of Sachin Tendulkar in ODI cricket. It is the key reason why he is widely regarded as the greatest ODI batter of all time, with numerous records to his name.

Metric	Stat
Matches	463
Innings	452
Runs	18,426
Highest Score	200*
Average	44.83
Balls Faced	21,367
Strike Rate	86.23
Centuries	49
Half-Centuries	96
Double Centuries	1
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1,894 (1998)
Active Years	1989–2012

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is a modern-day legend with plenty of records in ODI cricket. He is often called the chase master because his consistency in scoring runs while chasing a target is remarkable. By scoring 14557 runs in ODI format, he is only second to Tendulkar in the list of players who have scored the most runs in ODI cricket. The good thing is that he is still active in international cricket, so fans can expect more runs from him in the coming years.

Metric	Stat
Matches	308
Innings	296
Runs	14,557
Highest Score	183
Average	58.46
Balls Faced	15543
Strike Rate	93.66
Centuries	53
Half-Centuries	76
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1460
Active Years	2008–present

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is a player who has earned immense respect in global cricket circles by scoring a huge number of runs. Hailing from Sri Lanka, his batting class was unmatched, as he was a master at scoring runs in all conditions. This is the key reason he enjoyed success worldwide, amassing 14,234 runs in 404 ODI matches. These extraordinary numbers highlight just how special Sangakkara was in the ODI format.

Metric	Stat
Matches	404
Innings	380
Runs	14,234
Highest Score	169
Average	41.98
Balls Faced	18,048
Strike Rate	78.86
Centuries	25
Half-Centuries	93
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1333
Active Years	2000–2015

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting is non-arguably the greatest ODI batter Australia has produced in its overall history. He dominated ODI cricket during the same era in which Tendulkar represented India. Ponting was a special talent with the ability to score runs against all types of bowling attacks. Beyond his performances for Australia at home, his record in overseas conditions was also impressive. He scored 13704 runs in 375 ODI matches at an average of 42.03 runs. This defines the fact that Ponting was a top performer, having the ability to churn out runs consistently for Australia.

Metric	Stat
Matches	375
Innings	365
Runs	13,704
Highest Score	164
Average	42.03
Balls Faced	17,046
Strike Rate	80.39
Centuries	30
Half-Centuries	82
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1424
Active Years	1995–2012

Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya is the second Sri Lankan batter who dominated ODI cricket after Kumar Sangakkara. He was a top-order batter with the ability to dismantle bowling attacks with explosive batting. That is why many opposing teams feared him at the start of the game. His aggressive style helped him score a huge number of runs, making him a key asset for Sri Lanka. In 445 ODI matches, Jayasuriya scored 13,430 runs at an impressive strike rate of 91.20. These stats reflect his positive intent in batting, which made him a highly valued player for Sri Lanka.

Metric	Stat
Matches	445
Innings	433
Runs	13,430
Highest Score	189
Average	32.36
Balls Faced	14,725
Strike Rate	91.20
Centuries	28
Half-Centuries	68
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1178
Active Years	1991–2011

Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene was another special Sri Lankan player who made big records in ODI cricket. He was one of those batters who always stood for Sri Lanka during the difficult times. That is why he was highly respected in the team, as everyone knew about his great class in batting. By playing 448 matches, Mahela Jayawardene scored 12650 runs at an average of 33.37 runs. He also scored 77 fifties in international cricket, showcasing his great ability to play big innings consistently.

Metric	Stat
Matches	448
Innings	418
Runs	12,650
Highest Score	144
Average	33.38
Balls Faced	16,019
Strike Rate	78.97
Centuries	19
Half-Centuries	77
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1260
Active Years	2000–2015

Inzamam-ul-Haq

The legendary Pakistan batter, Inzamam-ul-Haq, made a strong name in ODI cricket by scoring runs consistently. He is the only Pakistani batter who has scored 10000+ runs in ODI format. His ability to deflate bowling attacks was remarkable, which is why he was feared by many oppositions. Inzamam was not an aggressive batter, but he had the ability to take down bowlers at any stage of the game. He scored 11739 runs in ODI format by playing 378 matches in total. These are impressive stats, as Inzi scored all these runs while playing in the middle order of Pakistan team.

Metric	Stat
Matches	378
Innings	350
Runs	11,739
Highest Score	137*
Average	39.52
Balls Faced	15,812
Strike Rate	74.24
Centuries	10
Half‑Centuries	83
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1106
Active Years	1991–2007

Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis was a top player for South Africa who set numerous batting records during his career. He excelled in both ODIs and test cricket, making him a true asset for South Africa in international cricket. Focusing on his ODI records, Kallis scored 11,579 runs in 314 matches at an average of 44.36. In addition to his batting, he was also an effective bowler, which is why he is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder South Africa has ever produced.

Metric	Stat
Matches	328
Innings	314
Runs	11,579
Highest Score	139
Average	44.36
Balls Faced	15,885
Strike Rate	72.89
Centuries	17
Half-Centuries	86
Double Centuries	0
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1300
Active Years	1996–2014

Rohit Sharma

The explosive Indian opener, Rohit Sharma, has made big records in ODI cricket. It is the format in which he has achieved the most success in his overall career. By playing 279 matches, Rohit scored 11516 runs in ODIs at an average of 49.21 runs. The impressive thing about this record is that Rohit scored these runs at a strike rate of 92.85. This is a remarkable thing because consistently scoring runs at this strike rate in ODI cricket is an outstanding job.

Metric	Stat
Matches	279
Innings	271
Runs	11,516
Highest Score	264
Average	49.21
Balls Faced	12,402
Strike Rate	92.86
Centuries	33
Half‑Centuries	61
Double Centuries	3
Most Runs in a Calendar Year	1490
Active Years	2007–present

Final Words

Scoring runs consistently in ODI cricket is difficult, as it is a format that requires strong command of batting over a long period of time. That is why the players who have scored the most runs in ODI cricket are considered special talents. Their consistency in scoring big runs showcases why they remained successful in ODI cricket. All the players that are listed above are considered greats of the game, which is why they are respected all around the world.