For any so-called seasonal cricket fan, Kannur Lokesh Rahul is a popular name. For those who have never opened their windows other than the Indian Premier League, they can't reckon the beast KL who once smashed for fun while captaining for Kings XI Punjab!

KL, who was once heralded as one of the most versatile cricketers in the Indian circuit, is now hanging at a precarious point in his career. A story that could have had garlands of brilliance somehow got overpowered by unwanted controversy and unhealed injuries.

Even though the comeback from the controversy was strong, that from the injury not only shuffled his age-old position but dragged him to uncertainty—if he will be in the playing XI or not.

Rejection haunts his present

Rahul bending and touching the pitch—a simple and unintentional gesture that received retirement exxaggeration from fans. One can't actually guess if the fans are speculating or demanding his retirement from the team. 

In fact, Team India itself is in utter confusion, juggling with the express rookie Sarfaraz Khan and a sturdy senior Rahul. 

Sarafaraz, who himself was struggling to get a spot somehow managed to get in, played two series, but as injury replacements. This time it was the neck pain of Shubhman Gill that earned Sarfaraz a spot, and him giving India a respected score. 

Will it be justified for the shattered KL failing to make his mark in the team, asking for a spot on the base of seniority, especially sidelining the in-form Sarfaraz? Forget about KL; the team itself has no idea.

The team is probably trying to figure out a possible outcome. Earlier this morning, the newly appointed bowling head coach of the Indian team, Morne Morkel, was seen bowling Rahul in the nets. Any answer received? 

An IPL beast to uncertain retention

Remember the 2019 version of Kings XI Punjab? The team had all the names of who would simply "toss" and not "smash" the ball outside the park.

Priety Zinta's team was ornamented with all the batting names that were needed to entertain the fans: Nicky P, Chris Gayle, and David Miller. The two openers, rather the best-friend duo Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul would gift his team a blistering start.

At that point, Rahul was overcoming the consequences of the controversy. But who cares? He racked up stellar numbers, amassing 593 runs in 14 matches in IPL 2019 and following it up with another solid season.

KL got the team's captaincy in the 2020-21 session, scoring a massive 760 runs at an average of 44.60 with a strike rate over 140. Notably, the then Indian skipper Virat Kohli was just 1 run ahead of him, scoring 761 runs at an average of 54.35.

Retention Declined

A dominating name in the IPL periphery is now suffering from retension clouds. In the previous session, Rahul was seen in a tussel with his present team Lucknow Super Team's owner, Sanjiv Goyenka.

In the 2025 session, there are speculations that Rahul may not be having a future with the Super Giants, considering the form he displayed last year, coupled with his exile from Team India's T20I side.

Rahul didn't get the vote of confidence from LSG bosses before the retention deadline.

According to a report in the Times of India, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer analysed Rahul's role in the franchise's losses last season. They figured out that the team may suffer hugely due to the number of balls Rahul plays in the middle before scoring runs.

Marred by controversy, Rahul lost battle to his form

Being absolutely silent may also lead to a suspension in three matches, and that's what KL faced in 2019. 

In 2019, KL’s career faced a major setback after appearing on the controversial show "Koffee with Karan." When it was just Hardik Pandya who made inappropriate comments, Rahul too suffered with his friend.

He was thus sent home mid-series during India’s tour of Australia. This episode came at a time when Rahul was already struggling with form, having racked up a string of low scores. The suspension felt like the final blow, pushing his red-ball career further into uncertainty.

Though he returned to the fold after the controversy, the damage had been done. Despite a strong showing in white-ball cricket, the Test door remained firmly closed.

While India’s cricketing calendar heavily revolved around Test matches, Rahul’s absence from red-ball cricket became increasingly noticeable. With the emergence of players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who cemented their spots, Rahul found himself sidelined.

The Wounds of Injuries and Lost Opportunities

Injuries have been a bar to Rahul's development. The thigh injury he sustained during an IPL 2023 match against RCB further added to his woes.

Even though the surgery was successful, as Rahul informed via his social media, his road to a successful comeback was halted. 

Talents who have been benched for so long, like Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, have made into India’s white-ball team. Traditionarily an opener in the red ball cricket, KL had to sacrifice his position for youngsters like Jaiswal and, in many instances, to Shubhman Gill.

A Steady Decline in Form

KL Rahul's stats in the test don't complement his actual accomplishment. Ideally, he is the one of those Indian batters to have had centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa. 

A batter whose majority of the innings fell to the drop zone in the fifties has an average of just 33.87 after 53 tests.  Among the 20 players who have played more than 80 innings for India in the history of Test cricket in the top six batting positions, Rahul has the worst average.

Many say he lacks patience, which contradicts his techniques and strokeplay, but him standing up for the team in need can rarely be denied.

The Twilight of a Career?

But in recent days, people are denying that; it may be out of frustration or expectation.

The terribly slow innings he played in the World Cup final (66 runs in 107 balls) not only brought him criticism but haunted himself, which he expressed in a podcast with Ravichandran Ashwin.

The "GPS tracker" of the team, who gallantly accepted the gloves in the absence of the injured Rishabh Pant, did a great job but somehow failed with his bat when his team mostly needed it. Once a poster boy in the white ball cricket got dragged under speculation.

Last nail to the coffin, exclusion from the T20 World Cup

Many expected the USA pitch to behave slowly. KL, who has earlier proved himself as an anchor, was a probable name in the list.

But the result worked otherwise. The image of Rahul, once a promising young cricketer with the world at his feet, is now tinged with melancholy.

Having the captain Rohit Sharma on his side, the chief selector of BCCI, Ajit Agarkar, announced that there won't be any KL Rahul in the plan.

He announced, "KL is a terrific player. We were looking for players [who could play] in the middle order; KL opens [for LSG]. Sanju [Samson] and [Rishabh] Pant can play in the middle; we felt these two are better in the latter stages of the innings."

But who knows if it was his slow start of the innings, turning into a curse?

Is There a Way Back for KL Rahul?

KL, who was dropped from the last Border Gavaskar Trophy, found his way into the team in the World Test Championship. But at what cost? as a replacement for injured Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.

Rahul, who is sporty at any position in the team, be it batting or keeping gloves, is now adjusting to his in-and-out role.

If its just his form or some cricketing politics, what he mentioned to his LSG coach Justin Langer is still not clear.

However, while his recent struggles have been disheartening, KL Rahul remains a fighter. His journey, filled with peaks and troughs, has never lacked resilience. With time still on his side, the question lingers—can KL Rahul find his way back to the top?

Only time will tell. For now, the gentle fall of this once radiant star continues to cast a shadow over Indian cricket.

Cricket's biggest tournaments bring together the best teams from around the world. From the fast-paced T20 format to the longest format of the game, each trophy is a huge achievement in international cricket.

Our list will provide you with the statistical breakdown of every ICC tournament, highlighting the teams that have dominated the cricket world across men's and women's competition, as well as the Under-19 category.

Check out the ICC trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025):

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup (ODI)

Australia dominated the ICC ODI World Cup with 4 titles in 6 seasons from 2000-2025. They are the current champion side that defeated the host nation, India, on their home soil in the 2023 finals.

Here's the complete list of trophy winners:

Read Also: Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles

ICC Men's T20 World Cup

India holds the current title of the ICC T20 World Cup. They, along with England and the West Indies, won the title 2 times from 2000 to 2025. India defeated South Africa in a thrilling final match to reign as champions in 2024.

Here's the complete list of trophy winners (2000-2025):

ICC Champions Trophy (ODI)

Another ICC tournament where India has done exceptionally well with the most number of titles (3) from 2000 to 2025. They are also the current champions of the 2025 season, where they dominated the entirety of it, and eventually lifted the cup after a phenomenal victory over New Zealand.

Here's the list of trophy winners:

ICC World Test Championship

Inaugurated in 2019, the ICC World Test Championship was designed to award the supremacy of cricket's longest format. South Africa made history by winning the 2023-25 WTC cycle and breaking their ICC trophy drought.

Here's the list of trophy winners:

Read Also: Best figures in ICC WTC Final

ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup (ODI)

India won the most titles in Under-19 World Cup history with 5 titles to their name. The Australian side is the current champion, who won the 2024 edition, clinching their 4th title of this tournament.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup (ODI)

Australia are the most successful team with 7 titles overall in the ICC Women's World Cup. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their maiden Women's World Cup title in 2025 edition. Playing their third final after the heartbreaks of 2005 and 2017, the Women in Blue finally rose to the occasion in style.

Here's the list of trophy winners:

Read Also: Pratika Rawal becomes the fastest to reach 500 ODI runs in women's cricket.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup

ICC Women's T20 World Cup is a relatively new tournament, with the first edition being held in 2019. Out of the 9 seasons played so far, Australia stood victorious in 6 of them. However, New Zealand broke their winning streak by emerging as champions of the 2024 season. 

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

ICC UNDER-19 WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP

ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup is the newest among all the tournaments held by the International Cricket Council, inaugurated in 2023. India has won both the 2023 and 2025 seasons and has purely dominated the WC.

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.

In a dead-rubber clash that felt anything but, the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned the third ODI against Australia into a personal batting masterclass, guiding India to a commanding 9-wicket victory. Their unbroken 168-run partnership was a stark reminder of their class, effortlessly chasing down 237 and ensuring India avoided a series whitewash on Australian soil. Let's take a look at the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs.

Also Read: All the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

Most 100+ partnerships in ODIs

1. Sourav Ganguly-Sachin Tendulkar | 26

Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar have scored the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs. The Indian pair stitched 26 century stands from 176 innings. In fact, Ganguly and Tendulkar have also registered the most century partnerships (21) among the opening pairs in ODI cricket. Apart from their 21 opening hundred stands, they added three century partnerships for the second wicket and two for the third.

The Indian pair has also racked up the most opening partnership runs in ODIs. Ganguly and Tendulkar scored 6609 opening runs while batting together.

2. Tillakaratne Dilshan-Kumar Sangakkara | 20

Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka have shared 20 100-plus stands among themselves in ODI cricket. Dilshan was a brutal hitter in his prime and accompanied by one of the best wicketkeeper-batsman Sangakarra haunted many bowling lineups. They have a batting average of 53.67 and have scored 5475 runs in 108 innings.

Their highest stand as a pair came in the 2015 World Cup against Bangladesh. They beat Bangladesh by 92 runs because of solid performances from Dilshan (161* off 146 balls) and Sangakkara (105 off 76 balls).

3. Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma | 19*

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli combined for an unbroken 169-run stand to see India to a comfortable nine-wicket win in the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With this, they have now 19 hundred plus partnership record in ODI cricket. Rohit ended with 121*(125) with 13 fours and three maximums while Kohli ended with 74*(81) with seven boundaries to his name.

This was also the 12th 150-plus partnership between Kohli and Rohit in ODIs, equalling Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for the most 150-plus partnerships in the format.

Also Read: Batters to score ODI century on their birthdays

4. Shikhar Dhawan-Rohit Sharma | 18

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world from 2011 to 2022. They formed a formidable batting pair at the top of the order for India, especially in ODIs. Whether it’s against fierce rivals Pakistan or quality teams like Australia, their consistency and understanding have made them one of the most successful opening pairs in international cricket. 

In 117 innings, they scored an impressive 5193 runs with an average of 45.15. Their partnership included 18 centuries and 15 fifties.

After the Champions Trophy 2025 ended, Virat Kohli returned to international cricket during the three-match ODI series against Australia- registering an 8 and a 4-ball duck in both the matches so far. This has put his career under scrutiny, and with the 2027 World Cup lined not so far, the veteran batter might not have lot of chances to prove himself as an important player for Men in Blue.

Virat Kohli marked a comeback to international cricket after a gap of over 7 months. Having retired from T20I and Test format, Kohli last represented India in ODIs during the Champions Trophy 2025 held earlier this year. However, his return to action did not go as planned. At this stage of his career, especially with such high pressure to perform, it will be tough for Virat Kohli to overcome this weakness. 

Virat Kohli is active in the ODI format as he wishes to play in the 2027 World Cup. So, let's have a look at all the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

Virat Kohli a right-handed sensational cricketer, made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008. He has redefined Indian cricket with his exceptional consistency and record-breaking performances.

Kohli has scored 27,000+ runs in the international cricket which comprises 14181 runs in the ODIs in 304 matches at an outstanding average of 57.88, including a record 51 centuries. He has the most centuries in ODI cricket which is one of the biggest achievements for any player.

Also Read: Batters to score ODI century on their birthdays

All the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

• 51 ODI centuries – most hundreds by any player in ODI history
• 14,181 runs – third-highest in ODI history
• Career average of 57.88 – third-highest in ODI history (minimum 5,000 runs)
• Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 ODI runs
• Most centuries against a single team – 10 vs Sri Lanka
• Outstanding chaser – career average 64.50 in ODI run chases (89.50 when India won)
• 87.5% ODI wins after scoring a century – 42 of his first 50 ODI tons led to India winning
• Most Player of the Series awards in an ODI bilateral series

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, the pressure of ICC knockout matches can make or break careers. Every player steps in with the mindset of taking their nation ahead in the game, leaving no room for regrets. However, only a few can actually stay consistent under such highly competitive environment.

No matter how a player performed throughout the tournament, the ultimate test always awaits in the knockouts. ICC knockouts' history have seen extremely talented players scoring for their teams and keeping the flow going.

The question is, out of all the consistent scorers round the globe, who scored the most runs? We have the answer to it. Check out the list of top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.

10. Mahela Jayawardene (499 runs) | Sri Lanka 

Mahela Jayawardene, a true master of elegant batting, consistently delivered for Sri Lanka in crucial matches throughout his international career. He holds the 10th position with 499 runs in 18 innings played in ICC knockout matches.

One of his iconic knock among all is undoubtedly his century in the 2011 World Cup Final against India (103* off 88 balls). Though the match result was not in their favour, Mahela's contribution was the sole reason SL could reach a defendable target after the early collapse of the batting line-up.

Jayawardene stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

9. Sourav Ganguly (514 runs) | India

The former captain and aggressive left-handed opener, Sourav Ganguly, led India with passion in high-stakes games. He often contributed with the bat which laid the foundation of a huge total for the team.

Ganguly scored 514 runs in only 8 innings played in ICC knockouts! His unbeaten 141 against South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final is the highest among all his other knockout performances.

Ganguly stats in ICC knockout matches:

8. Jacques Kallis (539) | South Africa

Jacques Kallis, the greatest all-rounder of his generation, was a pillar of the South African team. His contributions in the knockout matches for SA were not always marked by centuries, but they had solid consistency.

He scored 539 runs in only 11 matches, which says a lot about his dedication and hard work for winning. His highest among all was a notable 113* against Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the inaugural season (1998) of the ICC Champions Trophy, which led to a big victory.

Kallis stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

7. Kumar Sangakkara (595) | Sri Lanka

Another Sri Lankan legend makes it to the top 10 for most runs in ICC knockout matches with his quality batting. It is none other than Kumar Sangakkara, who was the cornerstone of SL in white-ball cricket for over a decade.

He was a part of several Sri Lankan teams that reached major ICC Finals, like the 2011 WC final, and the victorious 2014 T20 World Cup. Sangakkara scored 595 runs in 19 matches, at an average of 39.66.

His contributions were one of the key aspects of the team's success in reaching these finals.

Sangakkara stats in ICC knockout matches:

6. Sachin Tendulkar (657) | India

The 'Little Master,' Sachin Tendulkar, played in an era where India reached multiple ICC knockout stages. He scored 657 runs in 14 innings, including a century. In knockouts, his vital half-centuries saved the team from choking in several matches.

One of his most remembered fifties is the 85 runs against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar's only century in a knockout game came against Australia in the 1998 quarter-final match of the Champions Trophy, where he scored 141 off 128 balls.

Tendulkar stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

5. Kane Williamson (659 runs) | New Zealand

Kane Williamson is the only cricketer from New Zealand to feature in this list, and that too in the top 5. He scored 659 runs in 15 matches and has always been a great support to the team's batting lineup.

His century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa played a significant role in setting a good total, which led to a victory. Williamson played many such match-winning knocks for NZ in knockouts.

Williamson stats in ICC knockout matches:

4. Steve Smith (663 runs) | Australia

The Australian star player, Steve Smith, always showed a knack for performing on the big stage for his team. He stands 4th with 663 runs scored in 13 matches. One of his most memorable centuries in knockouts came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India.

Smith has consistently performed in every format, each time Australia reached the highly competitive stage of the game of cricket.

Smith stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

3. Ricky Ponting (731 runs) | Australia

The legendary Australian batter, Ricky Ponting, led his side to unmatched dominance in ICC tournaments. He scored 731 runs in 18 matches, with 3 centuries and 1 half-century. 

His most iconic ICC knockout moment is the 2003 World Cup Final, where he scored a phenomenal 140* runs against India. Australia winning the title that year made Ponting's knock more memorable.

Ponting stats in ICC knockout matches:

2. Rohit Sharma (884 runs) | India

The 3rd Indian batter to dominate the list, the 'Hitman' of cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands tall with 884 runs in 21 matches. He has a long experience of playing in high-pressure ICC knockout matches and acing them.

While he has multiple centuries in the World Cup, his highest in an ICC knockout is 137 runs, scored against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final. From giving a solid start to carrying the momentum and building partnerships, Rohit has done it all to fetch those magnificent knockout victories.

Sharma's stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

1. Virat Kohli (1024 runs) | India

Virat Kohli, the chase master and modern-day legend, sits atop this list with 1024 runs in ICC knockout matches. He is the only player ever to score over a thousand runs in knockouts, having 1 century and 9 half centuries.

Kohli's hunger for runs and victory makes him the most reliable player in vital matches. He reached his 50th ODI century by scoring 117 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 WC semi-final. He has often guided India through tricky chases or helped set up formidable totals.

Kohli's stats in ICC knockout matches: