One of the most prestigious records in the world of cricket is the total number of runs scored in One Day Internationals (ODIs). As the sport continues to evolve, the list of players who have amassed the most runs in ODIs is a testament to skill, consistency, and longevity. The journey to amassing these runs is not just about hitting the ball; it’s about dominating the 50-over format, adapting to changing conditions, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the game.
Sachin Tendulkar: The King of ODI Runs
The undisputed king of ODI runs is none other than Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as one of the greatest batsmen to have ever played the game. The Indian cricket legend holds the record for the most runs in ODIs with a staggering 18,426 runs in 463 matches. Tendulkar’s career spanned from 1989 to 2012, and his numbers in the 50-over format are unmatched.
Tendulkar’s consistency is evident in his career average of 44.83 in ODIs, a figure that speaks volumes about his ability to maintain high performance over more than two decades. His record also includes 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries, making him the only cricketer to have scored 100 international centuries.
Notable Achievements:
First player to score a double century in ODIs (200* against South Africa in 2010).
Part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
Widely regarded as one of the best ODI batsmen of all time.
Virat Kohli: A Modern-Day Maestro
Following closely behind Sachin Tendulkar is Virat Kohli, another Indian cricketing giant who has firmly established himself in the ODI record books. As of December 2024, Kohli has scored 12,898 ODI runs in 275 matches, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the format.
Kohli’s remarkable consistency, especially in chases, has earned him a reputation as one of the best finishers in world cricket. His career average of 59.07 in ODIs is one of the highest in the history of the game. Kohli has also been a vital part of the Indian team’s success in the 21st century, contributing significantly with both the bat and leadership.
Notable Achievements:
Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.
Has scored 46 ODI centuries (second only to Tendulkar).
Integral in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win.
Ricky Ponting: Australia’s Run Machine
Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s most successful captains, is also a part of the elite group of cricketers with over 13,000 ODI runs. Ponting scored 13,704 runs in 375 ODIs, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the format. Known for his aggressive style and leadership qualities, Ponting’s contributions were crucial to Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Ponting’s ODI career spanned from 1995 to 2012, during which he led Australia to two successive World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.
Notable Achievements:
Two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner (2003, 2007).
Scored 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries.
One of the most successful ODI captains in history.
Sanath Jayasuriya: The Sri Lankan Powerhouse
Sanath Jayasuriya, a legendary figure in Sri Lankan cricket, is the fourth player on the list with 13,430 ODI runs in 445 matches. Jayasuriya’s destructive batting at the top of the order was a game-changer, and his contributions helped Sri Lanka win the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Known for his swashbuckling style, Jayasuriya revolutionized the opening role in ODIs with his aggressive batting, making him one of the most feared batsmen of his era. He also played a key role in Sri Lanka’s cricketing success over the years, both as a player and as a captain.
Notable Achievements:
World Cup winner in 1996.
Scored 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries in ODIs.
Famous for his role in changing the approach to ODI batting in the late 1990s.
Kumar Sangakkara: Sri Lanka’s Icon
Kumar Sangakkara, another Sri Lankan cricket legend, rounds out the top five with 14,234 ODI runs in 404 matches. Sangakkara, known for his elegant batting and sharp cricketing acumen, was one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen the game has seen. His ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed made him a key figure for Sri Lanka in the 2000s and 2010s.
Notable Achievements:
Scored 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries.
One of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in ODI history.
Part of the Sri Lankan team that reached the 2011 World Cup final.
How the ODI Runs Record Has Evolved
Over the years, the record for the most ODI runs has shifted, with new players consistently challenging the old benchmarks. The evolution of the ODI game, from 60-over matches to the current 50-over format, has also had a significant impact on how runs are scored.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the emergence of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, who set the foundation for modern-day batting records.
The 2000s and 2010s were marked by the rise of aggressive, high-scoring players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, who redefined the boundaries of batting.
With the introduction of T20 cricket and the increasing focus on big-hitting, the modern ODI game has become faster, with batsmen focusing on playing with more power while maintaining consistency.
FAQs:
Who has the most ODI runs in the history of cricket?
As of December 2024, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most ODI runs with 18,426 runs.
Who is the fastest player to reach 10,000 runs in ODIs?
Virat Kohli is the fastest to reach 10,000 ODI runs, achieving this milestone in just 205 matches.
Has anyone scored 200 runs in an ODI?
Yes, Sachin Tendulkar was the first to score a double century in ODIs, achieving a score of 200 against South Africa* in 2010. Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs with 264 runs.
Who is the highest ODI run-scorer from Australia?
Ricky Ponting is the highest run-scorer from Australia in ODIs, with 13,704 runs.
What is the highest total of runs scored in a single ODI match?
The highest total runs scored in a single ODI match is 714 runs. This occurred in a match between India and Sri Lanka in 2009, where both teams combined to score this remarkable total.
How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in ODIs?
As of December 2024, Virat Kohli has scored 46 centuries in ODIs, making him the second-highest centurion in ODI history, just behind Sachin Tendulkar.
Wrapping Up
The list of cricketers who have scored the most runs in ODIs is dominated by some of the greatest players in cricket history. From the mastery of Sachin Tendulkar to the modern-day brilliance of Virat Kohli, these players have set benchmarks that future generations will aspire to reach. With the evolution of the game, the bar for ODI runs continues to rise, and it will be exciting to see which players will break records in the years to come.
The legacy of these cricketers, who have not only accumulated runs but also contributed to the growth and global popularity of cricket, is sure to inspire aspiring players worldwide.
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