The Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket features legendary batters who have combined consistency, longevity and match-winning performances across international cricket. From Sachin Tendulkar’s record-breaking career to Virat Kohli’s remarkable modern-day consistency, these players have set extraordinary standards in One Day Internationals.
Let’s explore the Top 10 cricketers with most runs in ODI cricket, matches played, runs and highest score.
List of the Top 10 cricketers with most runs in ODI cricket
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Runs | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 18,426 | 200* |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 302 | 14,941 | 183 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 14,234 | 169 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 375 | 13,704 | 164 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 13,430 | 189 |
| 6 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 448 | 12,650 | 144 |
| 7 | Rohit Sharma | India | 273 | 11,895 | 264 |
| 8 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 378 | 11,739 | 137* |
| 9 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 328 | 11,579 | 139 |
| 10 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 311 | 11,363 | 183 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 Runs
Sachin Tendulkar remains the leading run-scorer in ODI cricket. The Indian legend accumulated 18,426 runs during his 463-match career and became the first men’s ODI batter to score a double century.
His extraordinary consistency across more than two decades made him the benchmark for ODI batting. Tendulkar’s record remains at the top of the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket, despite his retirement more than a decade ago.
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2. Virat Kohli – 14,941 Runs
Virat Kohli has established himself as one of the greatest ODI batters of the modern era. He has scored 14,941 runs in 302 matches and continues to rank second on the all-time list.
Kohli’s exceptional average and ability to chase targets have made him one of the most dependable batters in ODI history. In January 2026, he also returned to No. 1 in the ICC ODI batting rankings before Daryl Mitchell reclaimed the position.
3. Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234 Runs
Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara scored 14,234 ODI runs in a career spanning 404 matches. The elegant left-hander was renowned for his excellent technique, consistency and ability to perform in major tournaments.
Sangakkara’s remarkable career places him third among the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket. His record also includes 25 ODI centuries.
4. Ricky Ponting – 13,704 Runs
Ricky Ponting was one of Australia’s most successful ODI batters and captains. He scored 13,704 runs in 375 matches while playing a major role in Australia’s dominance during the 2000s.
His aggressive stroke play, leadership and performances in major tournaments made him one of the defining ODI cricketers of his generation.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – 13,430 Runs
Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI opening batting with his fearless approach during the powerplay. The Sri Lankan left-hander scored 13,430 runs in 445 matches.
His ability to combine explosive batting with useful left-arm spin made him one of the most influential all-round cricketers of his era. He remains fifth on the all-time ODI run-scoring list.
6. Mahela Jayawardene – 12,650 Runs
Mahela Jayawardene was another key member of Sri Lanka’s golden generation. He accumulated 12,650 ODI runs in 448 matches and was known for his elegant stroke play and ability to construct long innings.
His experience and consistency, particularly in major ICC tournaments, earned him a permanent place among the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket.
7. Rohit Sharma – 11,895 Runs
Rohit Sharma is one of the most destructive ODI opening batters ever. He has scored 11,895 runs in 273 matches and holds the record for the highest individual ODI score, 264.
His ability to convert starts into huge hundreds has made him one of the most dangerous opening batters in ODI cricket. Rohit’s place among the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket is particularly impressive given the number of innings he has played compared with several players above him.
8. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 11,739 Runs
Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq scored 11,739 ODI runs during his international career. His powerful stroke play, calm temperament and ability to control the middle overs made him one of Pakistan’s greatest ODI batters.
Inzamam was particularly effective at building partnerships and accelerating when required, helping him secure eighth place among the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket.
9. Jacques Kallis – 11,579 Runs
Jacques Kallis was arguably one of the most complete all-rounders in cricket history. Alongside his bowling achievements, he scored 11,579 ODI runs for South Africa in 328 matches.
His ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball made Kallis invaluable to his team. His ODI record places him among the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket and among the format’s greatest all-round performers.
10. Sourav Ganguly – 11,363 Runs
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly completes the top 10 with 11,363 ODI runs. The left-hander was famous for his elegant stroke play, particularly through the off side, and became one of India’s most successful opening batters.
His aggressive leadership and batting performances helped establish India as a stronger force in ODI cricket during the early 2000s, earning him a place among the Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket. Ganguly was also inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2026.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Cricketers With Most Runs in ODI Cricket represents several generations of exceptional batting talent. Sachin Tendulkar remains the all-time leader with 18,426 runs, while Virat Kohli is the closest active-era challenger with 14,941.
These records demonstrate the extraordinary consistency required to remain among ODI cricket’s elite run-scorers. With modern players continuing to play high-volume international cricket, the race to join this historic list will remain one of the most interesting ODI records to follow.
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