Scoring 10,000 runs in ODI cricket isn’t just another statistical feat—it reflects a player’s dominance, resilience, and longevity. This milestone, revered by fans and critics alike, separates the great from the truly legendary.
But while many cricketing giants have crossed the 10,000-run mark, very few have done it faster than others in terms of innings—a measure of how consistently explosive they were from early in their careers.
“Scoring 10,000 ODI runs is not about talent alone—hunger, fitness, and the ability to evolve with the game.”
— Rahul Dravid, Former Indian Captain
In this article, we dive into:
The 10,000-run milestone is the ODI version of a golden badge of honour. Few players even get close to it, and those who do often earn a spot in the Hall of Fame.
As of May 2025, 15 players have entered the elite 10K club. Here’s a look at the fastest among them.
Player | Country | Innings Taken | Matches Played | Date Achieved | Career Span |
Virat Kohli | India | 205 | 213 | Oct 24, 2018 | 2008 – Present |
Rohit Sharma | India | 241 | 248 | Sep 12, 2023 | 2007 – Present |
Sachin Tendulkar | India | 259 | 266 | Mar 31, 2001 | 1989 – 2012 |
Sourav Ganguly | India | 263 | 272 | Aug 14, 2005 | 1992 – 2007 |
Ricky Ponting | Australia | 266 | 272 | May 24, 2007 | 1995 – 2012 |
“Kohli’s pace to 10K ODI runs was not just about consistency, it was about domination.”
— Michael Vaughan, Former England Captain
He reached the 10K milestone in just 10 years, becoming the quickest in terms of innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record by 54 innings.
“He makes batting look easy under pressure. He doesn’t just build innings—he builds legacies.”
— AB de Villiers, Former South African Cricketer
The dynamics of ODI cricket have changed significantly over the last two decades. Here’s how modern conditions have made fast scoring and milestones like 10,000 runs more achievable:
Despite these factors, reaching 10,000 runs still demands discipline, game awareness, and adaptability.
Even in today’s cricket-friendly environment, achieving 10,000 runs isn’t easy.
“The toughest part isn’t scoring the runs; it’s surviving the droughts in between.”
— Kumar Sangakkara
As records fall, fans wonder: Who’s the next big thing?
Milestones in cricket are more than just statistics—they’re emotional moments.
“Cricket is a stats-driven sport—but milestones like 10,000 runs bring out the heart behind the numbers.”
— Harsha Bhogle
Reaching 10,000 ODI runs is about consistency, evolution, and impact. While many greats took years to achieve it, Virat Kohli has set a bar that seems almost unmatchable.
But in the ever-changing world of cricket, records are meant to be broken. With emerging stars and modern playing conditions, the next 10K marvel might just be around the corner.
So, who do you think will achieve the fastest 10,000 runs in ODI? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!
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