Most international runs in Cricket history

Cricket, in its 145 years old glorious history has produced some exceptional batsmen, who not only conquered the world but also entered the record books after having carved out a special niche for themselves. With their impeccable performances, they not only achieved personal glory but also in the process, took their teams to unparalleled heights. 

Be it the oldest format Tests, One-day Internationals, or the newest inclusion in the form of Twenty-20 cricket. Along with the right temperament and technique, these legends excelled in every format of the game. Sportz Point here takes a look at the top batsmen with the most international runs in cricket history.

Also Read: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Who is ahead after 145 Test matches? Full analysis

Most international runs in Cricket history

1. Sachin Tendulkar | India | 34,357 runs

India's Legend of the game, Sachin Tendulkar carried the weight expectations of a billion fans on his shoulders for over 23 years. From making his debut as a 16-year-old boy in 1989 to bidding adieu in his home ground, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in 2013. The maestro represented India in a mammoth 782 innings and in the process created an unparalleled number of records, from 100 International runs to scoring the most runs ever in Tests and ODIs.

During his journey, Sachin scored 34,357 international runs - the highest ever by a player. He scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests while 18,426 runs in ODIs and even played a T20I towards the end of his career. The Master Blaster is leading the charts of all-time most international runs.

2. Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 28,016 runs

One of the most elegant left-handers to have ever played the game, Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara was a treat to watch when in full flow. From awe-inspiring cover drive against the pacer to aggressively taking on the spinners. Sangakkara, during his 15-year career, gave Sri Lanka and cricket fans around the World multiple reasons to celebrate.

From 2000 to 2015, Sangakkara played a total of 594 international games, Which included 134 Tests, 404 ODIs, and 56 T20Is. With a total of 28,016 runs in those matches, Sangakkara sits on second on the list of batsmen with the most international runs.

Moreover, with 153 half-centuries to go with 63 hundred during this period is the highlight of Sangakkara's international career. With 11 double-centuries in his Test career, Sangakkara sits beside the legends of the game.

3. Ricky Ponting | Australia | 27,483 runs

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was an inspiring leader. He also is the most successful run-maker in Australian cricket history. In a career spanning 17 years, Ponting took Australian cricket to unparalleled heights with the combination of his leadership skills and batting.

Ponting represented Australia in 560 international matches(668 innings). He scored 27,483 runs at an average of 45.95 across formats. Ponting scored a total of 71 tons in his international career. He has over 13000 runs in both Test & ODI cricket.

4. Virat Kohli | India | 26942 Runs

India's most successful and former skipper Virat Kohli is just behind Ponting in terms of international runs. Virat Kohli has a pile of runs to his name in all formats of the game. Moreover, we can call him the giant of the game in all formats. 

However, Virat has scored a total of 26942* runs in just 591 innings in his career so far. Also, he is just 58 runs away from reaching an incredible 27,000 international runs. Virat scored a total of 80 tons and 140 half-centuries across formats of the game. He also averages 53.35 with the highest score of 254* in across formats.

Also Read: T20I records by Virat Kohli

5. Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 25,957 runs

It would be a surprise if the Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene didn't come on this list. Like Sangakkara, Mahela was also a classical batsman with most international runs.

Mahela scored 25,957 runs during his 652 international career matches(725 innings), including 136 half centuries and 54 tons. Mahela finished his career with 11814 runs in Tests, 12650 runs in ODIs, and 1493 runs in T20Is.

6. Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 25,534 runs

The great all-rounder of all time, purely in terms of numbers. South Africa's Jacques Kallis showed the world how a player can excel in all departments of the game. Jacques Kallis played 519 international matches(617 innings) in his career where he scored 25.534 runs to go with 577 wickets. The South African legend scored 62 tons along with 149 half-centuries during his reign in international cricket.

Kallis just always had the right technique and mindset to succeed in challenging situations. With 13,289 runs in Tests, 11,579 runs in ODIs, and 666 runs in T20Is combined Kallis sits sixth on the list of batsmen with the highest international runs.

7. Rahul Dravid | India | 24,208 runs

One of the greatest batsmen of Indian and world cricket history, Rahul Dravid comes at no 7 on this list. Known for his long innings and willpower to stay at the crease, Dravid scored a total of 24,208 runs in his career in 605 innings that he played. Dravid scored 146 half-centuries and 48 centuries across formats.

Dravid played a total of 17 years for India and scored 13,288 runs in Tests and 10,889 runs in ODIs and then played only one T20I game. He averages 45.41 and with the highest score of 270 across formats.

Also Read: The Most Memorable Test Centuries in Cricket History

8. Brian Lara | West Indies | 22,358 runs

The West Indies legend of the game, Brian Lara comes just after the Indian wall. The West Indian legend was known for his big daddy hundreds where he used to bat with flair and style. Lara scored a total of 22,358 runs with an average of 46.28 in 521 innings across formats.

He holds the highest individual run in Test cricket, he scores 400* runs in the red ball format of the game. Lara scores 11,953 runs in Tests and 10,405 runs in ODIs. With 111 half-centuries and 53 centuries to his name. He comes at no 8 on our list.

9. Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 21,032 runs

Sri Lanka's greatest batsman of last decade, Sanath Jayasuriya comes at ninth place on this list of most international runs in cricket history. Jayasuriya scored a total of 21,032 runs in his career in 651 innings in his international career which included 103 half-centuries and 42 centuries.

Jayasuriya has 6,973 runs in Tests and 14,723 runs in ODIs with the highest score of 340 in test. 

10. Shivnarine Chanderpaul | West Indies | 20,988 runs

Former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul comes at the 10th spot in this list of most international runs in cricket history. Chanderpaul scored a total of 20,988 runs in just 553 innings. Also, he has 125 half-centuries and 41 tons to his name in international cricket. He scored with an average of 45.72 with the highest score of 203* across formats.

N.B: The stats are accurate as of 16/09/2024.