One-Day International cricket has produced some of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. From Sachin Tendulkar’s extraordinary consistency to Virat Kohli’s remarkable scoring rate, ODI cricket has witnessed generations of players who have dominated bowling attacks around the world.
The record for the most runs in ODI cricket is one of the most prestigious individual batting records in the sport. India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top of the all-time list with 18,426 ODI runs from 463 matches. Virat Kohli has moved into second place with 14,797 runs, according to a records database updated on September 25, 2026.
ODI batting is not simply about scoring a large number of runs. Players need to combine consistency, technique, fitness, adaptability and the ability to perform in different countries and conditions. Reaching 10,000 runs in ODIs is already a major achievement, while crossing 14,000 or 18,000 runs represents an extraordinary career.
In this article, we will look at the most runs in ODI cricket, the top run scorers, their important statistics, major records, centuries, highest scores and the reasons behind their incredible longevity.
Most Runs in ODI Cricket: Top 10 Players
The following table shows the leading ODI run scorers based on the latest available records.
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 463 | 18,426 | 200* | 49 | 96 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 311 | 14,797 | 183 | 54 | 77 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 404 | 14,234 | 169 | 25 | 93 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 375 | 13,704 | 164 | 30 | 82 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 445 | 13,430 | 189 | 28 | 68 |
| 6 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 448 | 12,650 | 144 | 19 | 77 |
| 7 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 378 | 11,739 | 137* | 10 | 83 |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 328 | 11,579 | 139 | 17 | 86 |
| 9 | Rohit Sharma | India | 282 | 11,577 | 264 | 33 | 61 |
| 10 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 311 | 11,363 | 183 | 22 | 72 |
The current records listing places Tendulkar first, Kohli second and Sangakkara third. The same database lists Rohit Sharma among the leading run scorers and records his highest ODI score as 264.
Note: ODI career totals for active players can change after every match. The figures above reflect the latest available records checked for this article.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 ODI Runs
When discussing the most runs in ODI cricket, Sachin Tendulkar is the first name that appears.
The former Indian batter scored 18,426 runs in 463 ODI matches during a career that lasted from 1989 to 2012. He remains the all-time leading run scorer in men’s ODI cricket.
Tendulkar’s ODI career included:
- 18,426 runs
- 463 matches
- 452 innings
- 49 centuries
- 96 fifties
- Highest score of 200*
- Average of 44.83
One of his most memorable ODI achievements was becoming the first men’s ODI batter to score a double century. He made an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010.
Tendulkar’s record is particularly impressive because he played ODI cricket across several generations. He began playing international cricket when ODI batting conditions were very different from today’s game.
His ability to adapt helped him remain productive for more than two decades.
2. Virat Kohli – 14,797 ODI Runs
Virat Kohli has established himself as one of the most successful ODI batsmen of the modern era.
According to the latest available ODI records, Kohli has scored 14,797 runs in 311 matches, putting him second on the all-time list.
His listed ODI statistics include:
- 14,797 runs
- 311 matches
- 299 innings
- 54 centuries
- 77 fifties
- Highest score of 183
- Batting average of 58.71
Kohli’s average is particularly notable when compared with many of the other players near the top of the run-scoring list.
He reached 13,000 ODI runs faster than any previous batter, doing so in 267 innings during the 2023 Asia Cup. ICC reported that Tendulkar needed 321 innings to reach the same milestone.
Kohli also became the second-highest scorer in men’s international cricket in January 2026, moving past Kumar Sangakkara in the overall international tally.
3. Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234 ODI Runs
Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara is third on the list of players with the most runs in ODI cricket.
Sangakkara scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODI matches between 2000 and 2015.
His ODI record includes:
- 14,234 runs
- 404 matches
- 380 innings
- 25 centuries
- 93 fifties
- Highest score of 169
- Average around 42
Sangakkara was an elegant left-handed batter who could control an innings while also accelerating when required.
He was also an outstanding wicketkeeper for much of his career, making his overall contribution to Sri Lankan cricket even more significant.
His consistency helped Sri Lanka remain competitive across multiple ICC tournaments.
4. Ricky Ponting – 13,704 ODI Runs
Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting occupies fourth place.
Ponting scored 13,704 ODI runs in 375 matches. His career ran from 1995 to 2012, covering a highly successful period for Australian cricket.
His ODI numbers include:
- 13,704 runs
- 375 matches
- 365 innings
- 30 centuries
- 82 fifties
- Highest score of 164
- Average around 42
Ponting was known for his aggressive stroke play, especially against fast bowling.
As a batter and captain, he was an important part of Australia’s dominance during the 2000s.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – 13,430 ODI Runs
Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the most destructive opening batsmen in ODI history.
He scored 13,430 ODI runs in 445 matches and finished his career with 28 centuries and 68 fifties.
His highest ODI score was 189.
Jayasuriya changed the way teams approached the opening overs. His aggressive batting made him especially dangerous during field restrictions.
He was also a left-arm spinner and therefore contributed with both bat and ball.
6. Mahela Jayawardene – 12,650 ODI Runs
Another Sri Lankan legend, Mahela Jayawardene, scored 12,650 runs in 448 ODIs.
His career statistics include:
- 12,650 runs
- 448 matches
- 418 innings
- 19 centuries
- 77 fifties
- Highest score of 144
Jayawardene was renowned for his elegant stroke play and ability to build substantial innings.
He formed an important batting partnership with Sangakkara during Sri Lanka’s successful period in international cricket.
7. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 11,739 ODI Runs
Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq is another legendary name on the list.
He scored 11,739 ODI runs in 378 matches and recorded 10 centuries and 83 fifties. His highest ODI score was 137 not out.
Inzamam was famous for his timing and ability to score boundaries without appearing to rely on excessive effort.
He was particularly effective through the middle overs and played an important role in Pakistan’s batting lineup for many years.
8. Jacques Kallis – 11,579 ODI Runs
South Africa’s Jacques Kallis was one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
Kallis scored 11,579 ODI runs in 328 matches. He also contributed regularly with the ball, making his overall ODI record particularly impressive.
His batting statistics include:
- 11,579 runs
- 328 matches
- 314 innings
- 17 centuries
- 86 fifties
- Highest score of 139
- Average above 44
Kallis combined technically strong batting with reliable fast-medium bowling.
9. Rohit Sharma – 11,577 ODI Runs
Rohit Sharma is one of the most explosive ODI batsmen of the modern generation.
The latest records list Rohit with 11,577 ODI runs in 282 matches, including 33 centuries and 61 fifties.
His highest ODI score is an extraordinary 264, which remains the highest individual score in men’s ODI cricket.
Rohit has also scored three ODI double centuries, a record unmatched by another men’s ODI batter.
His ODI career demonstrates the value of converting starts into huge scores. Once Rohit gets set, his ability to accelerate can completely change the direction of a match.
10. Sourav Ganguly – 11,363 ODI Runs
Sourav Ganguly completes this top 10 list.
The former Indian captain scored 11,363 ODI runs in 311 matches, with 22 centuries and 72 fifties. His highest ODI score was 183.
Ganguly was particularly effective as an opening batter and developed a reputation for powerful off-side strokes.
He also played a major leadership role in Indian cricket and helped establish a competitive team that performed strongly in overseas conditions.
Why Is the Most Runs in ODI Cricket Record Important?
The total number of runs a batter scores over an ODI career reflects several aspects of performance.
1. Longevity
A player must remain at the international level for many years to accumulate more than 10,000 runs.
2. Consistency
Playing hundreds of matches is not enough. The player must regularly contribute significant scores.
3. Adaptability
ODI cricket is played in different countries, climates and pitch conditions.
4. Fitness
A long ODI career requires the ability to maintain physical standards over many seasons.
5. Mental Strength
International cricket creates pressure, particularly during World Cups and major series.
Most Runs in ODI Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli
The comparison between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is one of the most discussed topics in modern cricket.
| Statistic | Sachin Tendulkar | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| ODI Runs | 18,426 | 14,797 |
| Matches | 463 | 311 |
| Innings | 452 | 299 |
| Centuries | 49 | 54 |
| Fifties | 96 | 77 |
| Highest Score | 200* | 183 |
| Average | 44.83 | 58.71 |
The important difference is that Tendulkar currently has the higher career run total, while Kohli’s listed ODI batting average is considerably higher. Kohli has also surpassed Tendulkar’s record for ODI centuries, reaching 54 according to the latest records.
This comparison illustrates why career runs and batting average measure different aspects of performance.
Who Scored 10,000 Runs Fastest in ODI Cricket?
Reaching 10,000 ODI runs is one of the major milestones in the format.
Virat Kohli reached 10,000 ODI runs in 205 innings, making him the fastest batter to reach the landmark. ICC noted in 2023 that Kohli had also been the quickest to 13,000 ODI runs, reaching that mark in 267 innings.
Sachin Tendulkar took 259 innings to reach 10,000 ODI runs, while Rohit Sharma reached the milestone in 241 innings. ICC reported Rohit as the second-fastest to the 10,000-run mark at that time.
Highest Individual Score in ODI Cricket
While this article focuses on the most runs in ODI cricket across a career, individual match scores are another important batting record.
Rohit Sharma holds the men’s ODI record with 264 runs.
He achieved this against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 13, 2014.
The top individual ODI scores include:
- Rohit Sharma – 264
- Martin Guptill – 237*
- Virender Sehwag – 219
- Chris Gayle – 215
- Fakhar Zaman – 210*
- Ishan Kishan – 210*
- Pathum Nissanka – 210*
These innings demonstrate how modern ODI batting has pushed the boundaries of what was once considered possible.
Most ODI Centuries
Centuries are another major measure of batting success.
According to the latest records, Virat Kohli has 54 ODI centuries, while Sachin Tendulkar finished with 49.
This is particularly significant because Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries stood as a major record for many years.
Kohli’s ability to convert scores of 50 into centuries has been one of the defining features of his ODI career.
Most ODI Runs by Indian Batsmen
India has produced several players who rank highly on the all-time ODI run-scoring list.
India’s Leading ODI Run Scorers
- Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426
- Virat Kohli – 14,797
- Rohit Sharma – 11,577
- Sourav Ganguly – 11,363
- Rahul Dravid – 10,889
- MS Dhoni – 10,773
These figures show India’s remarkable contribution to ODI batting history.
India’s strong ODI tradition has produced successful opening batsmen, middle-order players, wicketkeepers and finishers.
Most Runs in ODI Cricket by Sri Lankan Players
Sri Lanka has also produced several players among the all-time leaders.
The most prominent names include:
- Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234
- Sanath Jayasuriya – 13,430
- Mahela Jayawardene – 12,650
Sri Lanka’s golden generation produced an exceptional combination of technically sound batting and aggressive stroke play.
What Makes a Great ODI Run Scorer?
A great ODI run scorer needs much more than an attractive batting technique.
Strong Opening Skills
Opening batsmen face the new ball and need to balance attack with caution.
Middle-Order Stability
No. 3 and No. 4 batters often have to adapt to different match situations.
Finishing Ability
Modern ODI cricket requires batters to score rapidly during the final overs.
Running Between Wickets
Singles and twos are important because they keep the scoreboard moving.
Boundary Scoring
Fours and sixes can rapidly increase the run rate.
Match Awareness
A successful batter understands when to attack and when to defend.
How ODI Batting Has Changed
ODI cricket has changed dramatically since the 1970s.
Earlier generations generally focused more on building an innings and preserving wickets.
Modern ODI cricket is much more aggressive.
Teams now use:
- Powerplay field restrictions
- Aggressive opening partnerships
- Innovative shots
- Greater boundary-hitting
- Stronger fitness programs
- Specialized finishing roles
These changes have contributed to higher individual scores and faster accumulation of career runs.
Why Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426 Runs Remain Significant
Sachin Tendulkar’s total of 18,426 ODI runs is remarkable because it was accumulated over 23 years and 463 matches.
The record also demonstrates the importance of longevity.
A batter can have an outstanding five-year period, but reaching more than 18,000 ODI runs requires sustained performance across multiple generations of teammates, coaches, bowling attacks and playing conditions.
Tendulkar’s career included major changes in ODI cricket, including evolving fielding restrictions, different ball regulations and increasingly aggressive batting strategies.
Interesting Facts About Most Runs in ODI Cricket
Fact 1: Sachin Tendulkar is No. 1
Tendulkar remains the all-time leader with 18,426 ODI runs.
Fact 2: Virat Kohli is second
Kohli has moved ahead of Kumar Sangakkara and is listed with 14,797 ODI runs.
Fact 3: Kohli has more ODI centuries than Tendulkar
The latest records list Kohli with 54 ODI hundreds compared with Tendulkar’s 49.
Fact 4: Rohit Sharma has the highest ODI score
Rohit’s 264 remains the men’s ODI individual scoring record.
Fact 5: Several countries have multiple players above 10,000 runs
India and Sri Lanka have produced multiple players who have crossed the 10,000-run mark.
Future of the Most Runs in ODI Cricket Record
The ODI format continues to evolve.
The gap between Tendulkar and the next players is still significant. At the same time, Virat Kohli’s career has demonstrated how quickly an elite batter can accumulate runs when maintaining a high average and playing a substantial number of matches.
Future generations may challenge existing records if ODI cricket continues to provide enough international matches.
Young batters will also benefit from modern training methods, improved fitness, advanced analytics and extensive experience in limited-overs cricket.
Whether Tendulkar’s 18,426-run record is eventually surpassed will depend on several factors, including the number of ODIs played, player longevity and the evolution of international cricket.
Conclusion
The history of the most runs in ODI cricket is a story of extraordinary consistency, longevity and batting excellence.
Sachin Tendulkar remains the all-time leader with 18,426 ODI runs, while Virat Kohli has moved into second place with 14,797 runs in the latest available records. Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene are also among the greatest run scorers the format has produced.
Indian cricket has a particularly strong presence in the record books, with Tendulkar, Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni all reaching the 10,000-run milestone.
These records show that becoming one of the most runs in ODI cricket leaders requires more than a few spectacular innings. It requires years of consistency, adaptability, fitness and the ability to perform against different opponents in different conditions.
As ODI cricket continues to evolve, new generations of batsmen will attempt to challenge the records created by these legends. For cricket fans, the race for the next great ODI batting milestone will remain one of the most fascinating stories in international cricket.
FAQs About Most Runs in ODI Cricket
Who has scored the most runs in ODI cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most ODI runs, with 18,426 runs in 463 matches.
Who is second in the most runs in ODI cricket list?
Virat Kohli is currently second with 14,797 ODI runs in the latest available records.
How many ODI runs did Kumar Sangakkara score?
Kumar Sangakkara scored 14,234 ODI runs in 404 matches.
How many ODI runs did Ricky Ponting score?
Ricky Ponting scored 13,704 ODI runs in 375 matches.
Who has the highest individual score in ODI cricket?
Rohit Sharma holds the men’s ODI record with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Who has the most centuries in ODI cricket?
According to the latest available records, Virat Kohli has 54 ODI centuries, ahead of Sachin Tendulkar’s 49.
How many ODI runs did Rohit Sharma score?
The latest available records list Rohit Sharma with 11,577 ODI runs.
Who was the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs?
Virat Kohli reached 10,000 ODI runs in 205 innings, making him the fastest player to the milestone.
Why is Sachin Tendulkar famous for ODI cricket?
Tendulkar is famous for his extraordinary longevity, 18,426 ODI runs, 49 ODI centuries and his unbeaten 200, the first men’s ODI double century.
