Most Runs in ODI Cricket History – Top Scorers & Records 2025

In a quiet Sharjah evening in the late 90s, a billion hearts raced as Sachin Tendulkar danced down the track to loft Shane Warne over mid-wicket.

It wasn’t just a six. It was a statement that ODI cricket had found its king. Over the years, the one-day format has been a canvas for countless masterpieces, and the true artists are those who have consistently scored big, shouldering their teams and rewriting records.

In this article, we explore the most runs in ODI history, spotlighting the batters whose consistency and hunger turned them into legends.

Who Has the Most Runs in ODI Cricket?

The record for most runs in ODI cricket is held by the one and only Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, a name synonymous with greatness. His monumental tally of 18,426 runs is not just a number; it’s a benchmark of sustained brilliance over two decades. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this feat so legendary and how others have measured up over the years.

Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 Runs

Sachin’s ODI career began in 1989, when he was just 16. His rise coincided with India’s growing dominance in world cricket. For over two decades, he carried the hopes of a cricket-obsessed nation. He was the first to score a double century in ODIs, the first to 10,000 runs, and the first to 100 international centuries. No player in history has matched his ODI total — and probably never will.

“When Sachin plays well, India sleeps well.” – Harsha Bhogle

Signature innings:

143 vs Australia (Desert Storm innings, 1998)

200* vs South Africa (first double ton in ODIs, 2010)

Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234 Runs

Sangakkara was elegance personified. From keeper-batsman to pure run-machine, his career peaked in the 2015 World Cup, where he scored four consecutive centuries — a world record. He was consistent both at home and abroad, especially strong in subcontinental conditions.

Virat Kohli – 14,181 Runs (as of July 2025)

Kohli redefined chasing. With a staggering average and 51 hundreds (most in ODI history), he’s already surpassed Tendulkar in centuries. His performances under pressure — especially during 2011–2023 — were often match-winning. Kohli could still return, and if he does, Sachin’s record might come under serious threat.

“Chase-master. Run-machine. Call him what you want — Kohli owns the big stage.”

Ricky Ponting – 13,704 Runs

Ponting’s ODI numbers are often underrated. He was the spine of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007). Known for his pull shots and unmatched leadership, his 140* in the 2003 World Cup final is considered one of the best innings in a major tournament.

Sanath Jayasuriya – 13,430 Runs

Jayasuriya changed how ODI cricket was played. His explosive batting in the first 15 overs redefined the role of an opener. His fearless approach laid the foundation for modern-day aggressive opening batsmen.

Why Sachin’s Record Still Stands Tall

Volume of Matches: Played 463 ODIs, the most by any player.

Era: Played when bowlers dominated and rules favoured them.

Adaptability: From swinging balls in England to bouncers in Australia, Sachin scored everywhere.

Pressure: Every innings carried the weight of Indian fans — and he delivered more often than not.

Even in today’s power-hitting era, his record of 18,426 runs still seems out of reach for most.

Emerging Giants – The Future of ODI Batting

While legends like Sachin, Sangakkara, and Kohli have etched their names in history, the next generation is already making waves. Among the brightest rising stars in the ODI format, Babar Azam and Shubman Gill stand out — not just for their numbers, but for their composure, technique, and ability to perform under pressure.

Babar Azam – Pakistan’s Elegant Run-Machine

With over 6,200 ODI runs as of mid-2025, Babar Azam has carried Pakistan’s batting on his shoulders for nearly a decade. His cover drives are already iconic, and his hunger for consistency places him alongside the best modern batters. Babar’s batting average hovers around the high 50s, and he has been a cornerstone in Pakistan’s ODI campaigns, often rescuing the team in tough conditions. If he maintains his form and fitness, he could very well challenge the all-time greats by the end of his career.

“Babar doesn’t just score runs — he builds innings with the calm of a veteran and the elegance of a classicist.”

Shubman Gill – The Next Big Thing

At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill has already become a central figure in India’s top order. With over 3,200 ODI runs, including several centuries against top-tier teams, Gill has shown maturity beyond his years. What makes Gill special is his adaptability — whether it’s anchoring a chase or accelerating in the death overs, he’s mastered every role. His timing, temperament, and technique have sparked comparisons with Kohli, and many believe he could be India’s next 10,000-run ODI batter.

“Gill is not just a promise — he’s already delivering on the world stage.”

Highest Runs in ODI (Single Match) – The Day They Couldn’t Be Stopped

ODIs may span 100 overs, but some batters have left their mark in just one innings — rewriting history with brute force and timing. These extraordinary knocks are not just about runs; they’re about dominance, match impact, and making cricket fans worldwide pause and marvel. Let’s dive deeper into the highest runs in ODI cricket in a single match:

1. Rohit Sharma – 264 vs Sri Lanka (2014)

No one imagined a double century in ODIs was possible until Rohit came and made it look routine — but his 264 was something else. Played at a packed Eden Gardens, this knock remains the highest individual score in ODI history. After a slow start (he was dropped on 4), Rohit accelerated like a bullet train — scoring 186 runs off his last 100 balls. The highlight? He batted till the 50th over, anchoring the entire innings.

“Once I got to 50, I started thinking big. From 100, it was all about hitting boundaries and converting gaps.” – Rohit Sharma

His 33 fours are a record in itself. Sri Lankan bowlers, despite their experience, had no answers.

2. Martin Guptill – 237* vs West Indies (2015 World Cup Quarterfinal)

A career-defining World Cup performance. Guptill’s 237 not out in a high-pressure knockout game made it even more special. He started watchfully and then unleashed a barrage of sixes, especially square of the wicket. His strike rate? 145. His composure? Ice-cold.

New Zealand posted 393/6 and won the match comfortably. Guptill’s innings is still the highest ever in any World Cup match.

3. Virender Sehwag – 219 vs West Indies (2011)

When Sehwag gets going, bowlers pray. On this day, they found no refuge. His 219 came in just 149 balls — the first ever 200+ score by a captain in ODI history. He played like he had nothing to lose, smashing boundaries every few balls, often stepping out to fast bowlers like it was backyard cricket.

India scored 418/5 and thrashed West Indies, while Sehwag rewrote the record books.

4. Chris Gayle – 215 vs Zimbabwe (2015 World Cup)

The first-ever double hundred in World Cup history came from the bat of the Universe Boss. After a slow start (his fifty came off 51 balls), Gayle hit 16 sixes — the most in a World Cup innings. His final 165 runs came in just 85 balls.

He celebrated the milestone with a signature mid-pitch dance, and his innings helped West Indies score a massive 372/2.

5. Fakhar Zaman – 210* vs Zimbabwe (2018)

Fakhar Zaman became the first Pakistani to score a double hundred in ODIs. On a flat pitch in Bulawayo, Fakhar crafted a fluent, calculated, and stylish innings. What made this knock special was the opening partnership of 304 with Imam-ul-Haq — also a world record for the highest opening stand in ODIs.

Fakhar’s 210* remains a landmark in Pakistan cricket history and showcased that double tons weren’t just for Indian or Aussie players anymore.

The Double Century Era in ODIs

Before 2010, a 200 in ODIs seemed impossible. Then came Tendulkar’s 200* against South Africa in 2010, opening the floodgates. Since then, multiple players have achieved the feat:

• Sachin Tendulkar – 200*
• Rohit Sharma – 3 double centuries!
• Sehwag, Gayle, Guptill, Fakhar, and others followed.

These knocks changed how teams approach the last 15 overs. Where 300 was once considered match-winning, teams now eye 400+ thanks to these innings.

Why ODIs Still Matter in the T20 Era

Despite T20’s flashy charm, the 50-over format still tests a batter’s technique, temperament, and stamina. To dominate ODIs requires not just power, but patience. Every player on this list stood the test of time — adapting their game and delivering across formats and decades.

Conclusion

From Tendulkar’s straight drives to Kohli’s clinical chases, the history of ODIs is written with the willow of batting greats. The list of most runs in ODI is not just numbers — it’s a legacy of passion, grit, and unmatched brilliance. And while records may fall, the memories they create live on.

With new stars rising and legends retiring, the question remains: Who will be the next king to claim the throne of highest runs in ODI history?