From Viv Richards To Chris Gayle: Most Runs For West Indies In ODIs

Soumyajit Dutta

Chris Gayle has the highest run for West Indies in ODIs [Source: AFP Photos]Chris Gayle has the highest run for West Indies in ODIs [Source: AFP Photos]

The West Indies batters have always been a force to admire, known for their raw hitting ability and their ease in sending the ball out of the park, regardless of the bowler. Roston Chase is one of those names who can salvage West Indies’ pride with the bat, as he recently crossed the 1,000 ODI runs mark with his 53-run knock off 54 balls against Pakistan in the 1st ODI.

While Chase’s milestone is one to celebrate, he is still far from etching his name alongside the legends. With greats like Viv Richards featuring in the prestigious list, let’s take a look at the most runs scored by West Indies cricketers in ODIs.

5. Sir Viv Richards (6,721 runs)

Sir Viv Richards [Source: @sumi_76/X.com]Sir Viv Richards [Source: @sumi_76/X.com]

The man who redefined aggressive batting, Sir Viv Richards, was pure intimidation. In just 187 matches, he amassed 6,721 runs at a staggering average of 47.00 and a strike rate of 90.20, unheard of in his era. His 189* vs England in 1984 (then the highest ODI score) was a brutal display of power and arrogance. 

Sir Vivian Richards didn’t wear helmets, didn’t take backward steps, and still smashed 11 centuries and 45 fifties with disdain. His aura alone rattled bowlers, and his impact transcended stats. The ultimate big-game player, Richards was the heartbeat of the Windies’ dominance in the ’70s and ’80s.

4. Desmond Haynes (8,648 runs)

Desmond Haynes [Source: @aryan_oo9/X.com]Desmond Haynes [Source: @aryan_oo9/X.com]

A cornerstone of West Indies cricket during their golden era, Desmond Haynes was the epitome of consistency. Partnering with Gordon Greenidge, he formed one of the most feared opening duos in ODI history. His patient yet effective batting style, averaging 41.37, laid the foundation for countless victories. 

Known for his ability to play long innings, Haynes registered 17 centuries and 57 fifties, often grinding down attacks with his textbook technique. His unbeaten 152* against India in 1983 remains a masterclass in controlled aggression. Haynes was essentially the glue that held the Windies’ batting together for nearly two decades.

3. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (8,778 runs)

Shivnarine Chanderpaul [Source: @amitsodi/X.com]Shivnarine Chanderpaul [Source: @amitsodi/X.com]

With his crab-like stance and unshakable focus, Shivnarine Chanderpaul carved his own legacy in West Indies cricket. Unlike the flamboyant stars around him, Chanderpaul relied on grit, accumulating 8,778 runs at an average of 41.60. His ability to absorb pressure was unmatched, evident in his 11 centuries and 59 fifties, often coming in crisis situations. 

Though his strike rate (70.74) reflected his defensive approach, his 150 against India in 2007 showcased his ability to shift gears when needed. Chanderpaul’s longevity (17 years in ODIs) and resilience, especially during the Windies’ decline, make him one of their most underrated legends.

2. Brian Lara (10,348 runs)

Brian Lara [Source: @animesh_dwivedi/X.com]Brian Lara [Source: @animesh_dwivedi/X.com]

Brian Lara was the artist who carved art with his bat. The Prince of Trinidad mesmerised fans with his elegant strokeplay, compiling 10,348 runs, the second-highest for West Indies in ODIs. His 169 against Sri Lanka in 1995 remains one of the greatest ODI knocks, blending grace with brutality. 

Though his average of 40.90 doesn’t fully capture his impact, Lara’s ability to dominate attacks (19 centuries, 62 fifties) made him a match-winner. His strike rate (79.62) was ahead of his time, and his flair in high-pressure games cemented his status as a Caribbean icon.

1. Chris Gayle (10,425 runs)

Chris Gayle [Source: @ICC/X.com]Chris Gayle [Source: @ICC/X.com]

No one dominated ODIs with more swagger than the 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle. Gayle tops the list with 10,425 runs, including a monumental 215 vs Zimbabwe in 2015, the first double-century in World Cup history. Gayle’s brute force (330 sixes, the most for WI) and strike rate (87.16) revolutionised Caribbean batting. 

His 25 centuries and 53 fifties came with trademark nonchalance, whether dismantling spin or flattening pace. Though inconsistency crept in later, his peak was pure destruction. From his iconic "Put your hands up!" celebrations to his fearless approach, Gayle was an entertainer who redefined power-hitting.