Virat Kohli is now the second-highest run-getter in ODIs, going past Kumar Sangakkara. In this article, we will take a look at the batters with most ODI runs in cricket history.
Team India batter Virat Kohli added another golden page to his illustrious one-day record books during India’s emphatic nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, becoming the second-highest run-getter in ODI history and moving past Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234 runs. This milestone further cements Kohli’s legacy as one of the format’s greatest batters, trailing only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 18,426 runs in 463 matches.
In this article, we will take a look at the batters with most ODI runs in cricket history.
Also Read: Most 100+ partnerships in ODIs
Most ODI runs in cricket history
1. Sachin Tendulkar | 18426 Runs

Known as the "God of Cricket," Sachin Tendulkar scored the most ODI runs in cricket history. Over his 23-year career (1989–2012), he represented India in 463 ODI matches. He scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. His record also includes 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 200.
In his 24-year international career, the Master Blaster also played in six ODI World Cups. He was part of the 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 ODI World Cups. In 2003, the Indian team narrowly missed winning the World Cup, losing to Australia in the final. In that World Cup, Sachin scored the highest number of runs (673) and won the Golden Bat award.
2. Virat Kohli | 14255* Runs

Indian batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, is now the second-highest run-getter in the format, going past Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli reached the landmark while guiding India to victory during batting against Australia in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He overall scored 14,255 runs in 305 ODI matches with a highest score of 183. His tally also includes 51 centuries and 75 half-centuries.
Kohli also broke the record for most 50-plus scores in the second innings of ODIs, going past Tendulkar’s previous best of 69. He already holds the record for most centuries in ODI chases with 28 tons.
3. Kumar Sangakkara | 14234 Runs

Kumar Sangakkara, a maestro with the bat, scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs during his career from 2000 to 2015 with 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries. He is the only player to score 4 consecutive centuries, which came during the 2015 World Cup, in which he was the highest run-scorer.
His dominant stroke play and versatile approach helped him succeed as an opener as well as in the top order. Sangakkara's highest score of 169 came against a South African attack comprising the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in Colombo in 2013.
4. Ricky Ponting | 13704 Runs

Ricky Ponting, one of cricket's greatest captains, amassed 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, while striking at 80.39 in 375 ODIs between 1995 and 2012. He also has 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries to his name in the format with a highest score of 164. A dynamic batter, Ponting also hit 1,231 fours and 162 sixes.
Apart from his batting ability, Ponting led Australia to two World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.
Also Read: All the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket
5. Sanath Jayasuriya | 13430 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. 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.