The Most Runs in ODI Career History list highlights the greatest batters who have ever played One Day International cricket. Scoring thousands of runs in ODI cricket requires exceptional skill, consistency, fitness, and the ability to perform against the best bowling attacks in different conditions. Only a few players have managed to maintain high standards over many years and build records that continue to inspire cricket fans across the world.
The Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings include players who have dominated international cricket with centuries, match-winning innings, and remarkable consistency. Their achievements have helped their teams win important matches and ICC tournaments. Below is the ranking from number 10 to number 1.
List of 10 Batsmen with the Most Runs in ODI Career History
10. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly begins this list of the Most Runs in ODI Career History at number 10. The former Indian captain was one of the finest left-handed opening batters in cricket history. He was famous for his elegant off-side stroke play and fearless attitude at the crease. Ganguly formed one of the most successful opening partnerships in ODI cricket alongside Sachin Tendulkar. Together, they gave India solid starts in numerous matches and set several partnership records.
Ganguly scored 11,363 runs in 311 ODI matches during an outstanding international career. His batting played an important role in many famous Indian victories, while his leadership helped build a strong team for the future. His consistency and ability to perform against top bowling attacks make him one of the greatest players in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 311 | 11,363 | 183 | 73.70 |
9. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis takes the ninth position in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket, but his batting record alone is enough to place him among the legends of the game. Kallis had excellent technique, outstanding patience, and the ability to adapt his game according to the match situation. Whether South Africa needed to rebuild an innings or score quickly towards the end, he always delivered with calmness and confidence.
Kallis scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODI matches, making him one of the most dependable batters of his generation. He registered numerous centuries and half-centuries against strong bowling attacks and performed consistently both at home and overseas. His ability to remain at the crease for long periods and guide South Africa through difficult situations earned him worldwide respect. His remarkable achievements ensure that he remains one of the greatest names in the Most Runs in ODI Career History.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 328 | 11,579 | 139 | 72.89 |
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8. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma ranks eighth in the Most Runs in ODI Career History list and is one of the finest opening batters in modern cricket. He is famous for his stylish stroke play and his incredible ability to convert good starts into massive scores. Once Rohit settles at the crease, he becomes extremely difficult to stop. His elegant batting and effortless timing have helped India win countless ODI matches over the years.
Rohit has accumulated 11,720 runs in 285 ODI matches and continues to climb the all-time run-scoring charts. He is the only player in men’s ODI cricket to score three double centuries, including the world-record individual score of 264. His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers throughout the innings have made him one of the most successful openers in ODI history. His outstanding performances keep him firmly among the leaders in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
| 285 | 11,720 | 264 | 92.97 |
7. Inzamam-ul-Haq
Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq stands seventh in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings. He was known for his calm personality and outstanding batting skills under pressure. Although his batting style looked relaxed, he possessed excellent timing and could accelerate the scoring rate whenever his team required quick runs. Inzamam built his reputation by playing match-winning innings against some of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.
During his ODI career, Inzamam scored 11,739 runs in 378 matches. For many years, he remained Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in ODI cricket and played a major role in numerous memorable victories. His ability to anchor the middle order and guide difficult run chases made him one of Pakistan’s greatest-ever batters. His achievements guarantee him a deserved place among the legends of the Most Runs in ODI Career History.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
| 378 | 11,739 | 137* | 74.24 |
6. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene occupies the sixth position in the Most Runs in ODI Career History list. The elegant Sri Lankan batter was admired for his graceful stroke play, sharp cricket intelligence, and remarkable consistency. He could perform equally well whether opening the innings or batting in the middle order. His ability to rotate the strike and build long partnerships made him one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable ODI batters.
Jayawardene finished his ODI career with 12,650 runs from 448 matches. He played several memorable innings in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, helping Sri Lanka achieve success on many occasions. His calm approach and excellent shot selection allowed him to score runs in different conditions around the world. These remarkable achievements make him one of the finest players in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
| 448 | 12,650 | 144 | 78.96 |
5. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya is ranked fifth in the Most Runs in ODI Career History list and is widely regarded as one of the most explosive opening batters the game has ever produced. Before Jayasuriya, opening batters usually played cautiously during the early overs. He completely changed that approach by attacking bowlers from the very first ball. His fearless batting style transformed ODI cricket and inspired a new generation of aggressive openers around the world.
Jayasuriya scored 13,430 runs in 445 ODI matches during an outstanding international career. He played many unforgettable innings and became one of Sri Lanka’s greatest match winners. Along with his batting, he also contributed as a useful left-arm spinner, making him one of the most valuable all-round cricketers in ODI history. His remarkable consistency and attacking mindset ensure his place among the greatest names in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 445 | 13,430 | 189 | 91.20 |
4. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting occupies the fourth position in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings. The former Australian captain combined aggressive stroke play with exceptional consistency throughout his career. Ponting was famous for his powerful pull shot, excellent footwork, and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks. He performed brilliantly in ICC tournaments and played a major role in Australia’s dominance during the late 1990s and 2000s.
Ponting accumulated 13,704 runs in 375 ODI matches, becoming one of the highest run scorers in the history of the format. He scored runs against every major cricket nation and regularly delivered match-winning performances in high-pressure situations. Under his captaincy, Australia won multiple ICC trophies, while his batting remained one of the team’s biggest strengths. His achievements make him one of the greatest players in ODI history for most runs.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
| 375 | 13,704 | 164 | 80.39 |
3. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara stands third in the Most Runs in ODI Career History list and is regarded as one of the most elegant left-handed batters ever seen in international cricket. His superb technique, excellent temperament, and ability to score in every condition helped him become one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers. Whether playing as a wicketkeeper-batter or as a specialist batter, Sangakkara consistently produced outstanding performances.
Sangakkara completed his ODI career with 14,234 runs in 404 matches. He played several unforgettable innings in ICC Cricket World Cups and remains one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batters in cricket history. His consistency, intelligent shot selection, and ability to build long innings earned him respect from cricket fans across the world. His remarkable record secures his place among the legends of the Most Runs in ODI Career History.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
| 404 | 14,234 | 169 | 78.86 |
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2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli holds the second position in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings and continues to build on his incredible record. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest ODI batters of the modern era because of his outstanding consistency, fitness, and ability to perform under pressure. Kohli has mastered the art of chasing targets, earning the nickname “Chase Master” after guiding India to numerous memorable victories. His ability to rotate the strike, find boundaries at the right time, and convert fifties into centuries has made him one of the most complete batters in ODI cricket.
Throughout his ODI career, Kohli has produced remarkable performances against every major cricket-playing nation. He has dominated both home and away conditions while maintaining an exceptional batting average that is among the best in ODI history. His hunger for runs, disciplined approach, and unmatched consistency have helped him break several batting records. With 14,797 runs in 311 matches, Kohli has already surpassed many cricket legends and continues to close the gap at the top of the Most Runs in ODI Career History list. His record number of ODI centuries and countless match-winning innings have secured his place among the greatest players ever to play the format.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 311 | 14,797 | 183 | 93.82 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar remains the undisputed number one player in the Most Runs in ODI Career History rankings. Often referred to as the “Master Blaster,” Tendulkar enjoyed an extraordinary international career that lasted more than two decades. He made his ODI debut as a teenager and went on to become the benchmark for batting excellence. His perfect balance of technique, patience, and attacking stroke play allowed him to dominate bowlers from every cricket-playing nation.
Tendulkar finished his legendary ODI career with an incredible 18,426 runs in 463 matches, a record that remained untouched for many years. He also became the first men’s cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket and finished with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. His performances helped India win countless matches, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Beyond the statistics, Tendulkar inspired generations of cricketers and cricket fans around the world. His remarkable longevity, unmatched consistency, and record-breaking achievements continue to define the Most Runs in ODI Career History, making him one of the greatest sporting icons of all time.
| Matches | Runs | HS | SR |
| 463 | 18,426 | 200* | 86.23 |
The Most Runs in ODI Career History list showcases the finest batters ever to play One Day International cricket. Every player featured in this ranking has made a lasting impact through exceptional consistency, outstanding skill, and memorable match-winning performances. From Sourav Ganguly’s elegant stroke play and Jacques Kallis’ reliability to Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking double centuries and Ricky Ponting’s dominance as a captain, each batter has contributed significantly to the history of ODI cricket.
At the very top of the Most Runs in ODI Career History stands Sachin Tendulkar with an incredible 18,426 runs, a milestone that symbolizes excellence and longevity. Virat Kohli continues to move closer to that historic record with his extraordinary consistency and unmatched ability to chase targets. Legends such as Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Jacques Kallis, and Sourav Ganguly have also left unforgettable legacies through their remarkable achievements. As ODI cricket continues to evolve, these legendary players remain the gold standard for batting excellence, and their records in the Most Runs in ODI Career History will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.