Virat Kohli closes gap with Sachin Tendulkar: Check Leading Run-Scorers in ODIs

Arunima Purohit

Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sanath Jayasuriya [Source: @BCCI, @CricCrazyJohns, @VijayCricketFan/X]Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sanath Jayasuriya [Source: @BCCI, @CricCrazyJohns, @VijayCricketFan/X]

One-Day International (ODI) cricket has been home to some of the game’s greatest batters for a long time. The players who’ve combined grace, power, and consistency to dominate across eras have scored tons of runs in the format. From the 1970s pioneers to modern-day icons, these players have turned 50-over cricket into an art form. 

Over time, cricket has undergone significant changes, from fielding restrictions to powerplays and larger bats, but the true greats have consistently found ways to stay ahead. The top five ODI run-scorers represent not just numbers but legacies built on relentless dedication, discipline, and an unmatched hunger for runs. 

Take a look at the five players who have rewritten ODI batting records:

5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 12,650 Runs

Sri Lanka’s one of the best batters, Mahela Jayawardene, was an all-format player but excelled in the ODI format. He is the fifth-highest run-scorer in the history of the sport, scoring 12650 runs in 448 matches, including 19 centuries and 77 fifties.

The batter has formed phenomenal partnerships and has played incredible cricket throughout his career. Jayawardene has saved Sri Lanka on multiple occasions, helping the team win games. Even after his retirement, the world still remembers him as one of the greatest ODI batters in the world. 

4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 13,430 Runs

Another great Sri Lankan batter, Sanath Jayasuriya, is renowned worldwide for his outstanding batting performances in ODI and Test cricket. He has played in 445 matches and scored 12430 runs, and is the fourth-highest run scorer in the history of the format. 

Jayasuriya has scored 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries as well. He was a terrific all-rounder as well, claiming 323 wickets in ODI cricket. Moreover, His explosive partnerships gave Sri Lanka a new attacking identity in limited-overs cricket. 

3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 14,234 Runs

Sri Lankan players dominated the ODI format for a long time in the past. Another player is wicket-keeper batter Kumar Sangakkara, who has amassed 14,234 runs in 404 matches. He averaged 41.98 with 25 centuries and 93 fifties. He is the third-highest run scorer in ODI history. 

Sangakkara played in the ODIs till 2015, and his last match was against South Africa. He is one of those left-handed attacking players who can go after the bowlers at any stage of the game. Beyond the runs, Sangakkara’s leadership, intelligence, and grace both on and off the field earned him universal respect.

2. Virat Kohli (India) - 14,255 runs

Virat Kohli is a modern-day great player admired by the whole world. He upgraded the fitness levels in the Indian team during his captaincy. Despite being trophyless during his captaincy tenure, Kohli has won all the ICC trophies as a player. Recently, against Australia, he surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs. 

Kohli has scored 14,255 runs in 292 matches (as of 2025) at an astonishing average above 58, with 50 centuries, the most by any player in ODIs. Kohli’s records in successful chases and ICC tournaments underline his status as a modern legend.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 18,426 Runs

Played till the age of 40, Sachin Tendulkar has many accolades under his name. However, one of the most prestigious records is the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket. Tendulkar has scored 18,426 runs in 463 matches at an average of 44.83, including 49 centuries and 96 fifties.

Whether it was his blistering 143 in Sharjah against Australia in 1998 or his record-breaking double century in 2010, Tendulkar’s innings were masterpieces of precision and timing. Beyond his records, he inspired millions and laid the foundation for India’s modern-day cricketing dominance.