Reaching the 10,000-run milestone in One Day Internationals is one of the ultimate benchmarks of batting excellence. Over the years, several cricketing giants have accomplished this feat, but only a select few have managed to do it in the fewest innings.
This article highlights the top 10 cricketers who were the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. From contemporary icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, this list reflects the very best in limited-overs batting.
Here are the Top 10 Players Who Are the Fastest to Reach 10000 Runs in ODIs:
1. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli is the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs, achieving the milestone in just 205 innings. Known for his chase-master mentality and unmatched consistency, Kohli’s ODI dominance is unprecedented. His journey from a young U-19 World Cup-winning captain to a modern-day legend is filled with memorable performances. He reached this milestone against West Indies in 2018 in Visakhapatnam.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 213 | 24 Oct 2018 | 205 |
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2. Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma stands second among the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. It took him 241 innings to get there. His elegance, ability to score daddy hundreds, and three ODI double centuries make him one of the best openers in white-ball history. Rohit reached the 10,000-run landmark against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2023.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 248 | 24 Oct 2018 | 241 |
3. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
The master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, was once the fastest to reach 10000 runs during his time. He achieved the feat in 259 innings, showcasing exceptional longevity and skill across conditions. Known for his adaptability and shot-making ability, Tendulkar reached the milestone against Australia in Indore in 2001.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 266 | 31 Mar 2001 | 259 |
4. Sourav Ganguly (India/Asia XI)
Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s most successful captains, is fourth on the list of fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. His ability to take on fast bowlers and dominate spinners made him a crucial part of India’s top order. He reached the 10,000-run mark in his 263rd innings against Sri Lanka in 2005.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 272 | 3 Aug 2005 | 263 |
5. Ricky Ponting (Australia/ICC)
Ricky Ponting was the backbone of Australia’s batting for over a decade and is among the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. His authoritative style, unmatched leadership, and relentless hunger for runs defined Australian dominance. Ponting crossed the milestone in his 266th innings, against South Africa in Basseterre in 2007.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 272 | 24 Mar 2007 | 266 |
6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa/ICC/Africa XI)
Jacques Kallis was the ultimate all-rounder and among the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. With 272 innings to reach the mark, Kallis combined power, technique, and composure. Along with his contributions with the ball, his batting was a key pillar of South Africa’s ODI success. He reached the milestone against Australia in Sydney in 2009.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 286 | 23 Jan 2009 | 272 |
7. MS Dhoni (India/Asia XI)
MS Dhoni, the legendary finisher and India’s most successful white-ball captain, also ranks among the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. His 273rd innings brought him to the milestone in a match against England at Lord’s in 2018. Dhoni’s calm demeanor, sharp game sense, and unorthodox style made him one of the game’s greatest.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 320 | 14 Jul 2018 | 273 |
8. Brian Lara (West Indies/ICC)
Brian Lara, one of the most stylish left-handed batsmen in history, is eighth among the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. It took him 278 innings to reach the milestone. Known for his high backlift and magical stroke play, Lara scored his 10,000th run against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 287 | 16 Dec 2006 | 278 |
9. Chris Gayle (West Indies/ICC)
Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” made his mark as one of the most explosive openers and reached the 10,000-run milestone in 282 innings. He’s widely respected for his ability to dominate bowling attacks with power-hitting. Gayle reached the milestone against England in St George’s in 2019, cementing his place among the fastest to reach 10000 runs.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 288 | 27 Feb 2019 | 282 |
10. Rahul Dravid (India/Asia XI/ICC)
Rahul Dravid, “The Wall”, rounds out the list of the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. Achieving the feat in 287 innings, Dravid was known for his classical technique, cool temperament, and adaptability across formats. He reached this landmark against Sri Lanka in Margao in 2007.
Match Details:
| Country | Matches | Date | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 309 | 14 Feb 2007 | 287 |
These 10 iconic players represent the highest standard of excellence in ODI cricket. Being among the fastest to reach 10000 runs isn’t just about accumulating runs—it’s about consistency, fitness, and performing under pressure for years. Their journeys are filled with iconic moments that shaped the history of One Day Internationals. From Kohli’s blazing chase records to Tendulkar’s unmatched legacy, each of these players exemplified brilliance and resilience.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Who is the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs?
Answer:
Virat Kohli is the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs. He achieved the milestone in just 205 innings on 24 October 2018 against West Indies in Visakhapatnam.
FAQ 2: How many Indian players are in the top 10 fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs?
Answer:
There are six Indian players in the top 10 list of the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs:
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Sourav Ganguly
- MS Dhoni
- Rahul Dravid
FAQ 3: What does it mean to be the “fastest to reach 10000 runs” in ODIs?
Answer:
Being the fastest to reach 10000 runs in ODIs means a player has taken the fewest innings to reach this milestone. It highlights a player’s consistency, performance under pressure, and impact over a sustained period in One Day Internationals.
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