Most Runs In ODI Cricket

Arnav Chopra

Tendulkar, Sangakkara, Kohli, Ponting and Jayasuriya (Source: @ICC/X.com)Tendulkar, Sangakkara, Kohli, Ponting and Jayasuriya (Source: @ICC/X.com)

Playing for your national side is something many dream to accomplish. However, there are some who manage to do so while achieving tremendous success for their nation.

In the history of cricket, one-day cricket has long been termed one of the finest formats in white-ball cricket until T20 came forward. However, even in this era, the 50-over cricket still holds massive relevance. Therefore, in this article, we will have a look at players with the most runs in ODI cricket history.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya - 13,430 Runs

At number five on this list is Sri Lanka's left-handed opening batter, Sanath Jayasuriya, who debuted in 1989 and played until 2011, where he scored 13,430 runs in 445 matches, at an average of 32.6, with a strike rate of 91.20.

Jayasuriya, along with those stats, had 68 half-centuries and 28 centuries to his name, as he was one of the finest players ever to come out of Sri Lanka, who could demolish the opposition single-handedly with his power-striking abilities. Not just that, the left-arm Sri Lankan legend also had a whooping 323 wickets to his name in as many games, as he helped the Island nation, on many occasions with his all-round abilities.

4. Ricky Ponting - 13,704 Runs

At number four on this list is Australia's World Cup-winning skipper, Ricky Ponting, who was one of the finest players of his era. Ponting, who represented Australia from 1995 to 2012, played in a total of 375 games where he scored 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, while striking at 80.39. Not to forget, he also had 30 centuries and 82 half-century scores to his name, where he was at his very best with the bat.

What made Ponting stand out, apart from his batting ability, was his astute mind and man-management skills, as he helped Australia lift two World Cups with his captaincy. The side from down under was a menace to deal with, where Ponting was their well-deserved leader. Ponting's ability to dominate the opposition with the bat made him a stand-out player of his era.

3. Virat Kohli - 14,181 Runs

At number three on this list is the Indian superstar, Virat Kohli, who is the only active player among the top-5 currently playing the 50-over format. Making his debut in 2008, Virat went on to achieve multiple records, and he is currently having 14,181 runs to his name in 302 games at an average of 57.88, where his strike rate is brilliant at 93.34. With 74 half-centuries and 51 centuries in the format, Kohli is currently one of the classiest players of ODI cricket in this era.

The right-handed batter, who has generally batted one down the order on most occasions, was more than just his stats, as he would get inside the skin of the bowler with his fearless attitude as that approach is still a nightmare for many bowlers. Kohli was adaptable to such an extent that the conditions didn't matter to him at his prime, as he would muster runs after runs even in alien conditions.

2. Kumar Sangakkara - 14,234 Runs

At number two on this list is another Sri Lankan legend, Kumar Sangakkara, who was also one of Sri Lanka's most legendary players. The former skipper, who debuted in 2000, went on to play until the 2015 World Cup where he scored 14,234 runs from 404 games overall in ODI cricket, as he struck runs at a strike rate of 70.86, averaging 41.98. Also, the fact that he has 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries to his name makes him a standout.

Sangakkara was often stylish, and his cover drive was so elegant that fans would watch it on loop. The left-hander was one of the best performers in ODI cricket, and the stats clearly back his ability. Sangakkara was known to keep his calm, and he used to dominate the opposition without even uttering a word, as his reply would often come from his bat.

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 18,426 Runs

At number one position on this list is the legendary former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar, who had a glorious career, played until 2012 after debuting in 1989. In 463 matches, Sachin had a whopping 18,426 runs that are way more than the number two player on the list, as he is currently ahead by more than 4,000 runs. Averaging 44.83 with a strike rate of 86.23, the right-hander remained at his very best throughout his one-day career.

Focusing on his other great things, Tendulkar had a whopping 96 half-centuries and an astonishing 49 centuries to his name in the 50-over cricket, as he was known to be resilient with his approach in white-ball cricket. His ability to change the complexion of the game with his determined approach made him the 'God of Cricket'.