One-Day International (ODI) cricket has had the largest share of some of the greatest players in the world for quite a long time. Batters who have skillfully combined their grace, power, and consistency to score runs in large numbers have been dominating the game through the ages. The pioneers of the 1970s to the icons of the present day, these players have made 50-over cricket a perfect art.
Cricket has seen significant changes in due course such as fielding restrictions, powerplays, and larger bats, but the greats have always managed to find ways to come out on top. The top five ODI run-scorers not only are numbers but also represent legacies that are based on tireless dedication, discipline, and an insatiable thirst for runs.
Here are the five players who changed the course of history in ODI batting
Players With Most Runs in ODIs
5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 12,650 Runs
Mahela Jayawardene, one of the best batsmen in Sri Lanka, was a player for all formats but he shined in ODIs. He is the fifth all-time run-scorer in the history of the sport with a total of 12650 runs scored from 448 matches, which includes 19 centuries and 77 fifties.
The batsman has been part of some great partnerships and has also played some great cricket throughout his career. Jayawardene has been the savior of the Sri Lankan team several times, and his contribution has been pivotal in winning matches. The world may have moved on from his retirement, but he continues to be remembered as the greatest ODI batters ever.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 13,430 Runs
Another great Sri Lankan batsman, Sanath Jayasuriya is known for his brilliant batting in both ODI and Test cricket. He has played 445 matches, scored 12430 runs and he currently resides in the fourth place among all-time run scorers in ODIs.
Jayasuriya was a spectacular player who made 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries throughout his career. As an all-rounder, he took 323 wickets in ODI matches and thus, the combination of his explosive batting and rapid partnerships gave Sri Lanka a new aggressive identity in limited-overs cricket.
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 14,234 Runs
The Sri Lankan players did not allow others to get any share of the ODI format for quite some time in the past. Another player is wicket-keeper batter Kumar Sangakkara, who has scored 14,234 runs in 404 matches. His average was 41.98 with 25 centuries and 93 fifties. He is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI history.
Sangakkara played the ODIs until 2015 and his last match was against South Africa. He is characterized as one of those left-handed attacking players who can go after the bowlers at any point in the game. Besides runs, Sangakkara’s leadership, intelligence, and grace both on and off the field earned him universal respect.
2. Virat Kohli (India) – 14,255 runs
Virat Kohli is a modern-day great player, and the world admires him. He raised the fitness standards in the Indian team during his captaincy. Kohli, despite being without trophies, is a player who has won all the ICC trophies as a player. Recently, he passed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs against Australia.
Kohli has 14,255 runs in 292 matches (up to 2025) with an unbelievable average of over 58 and 50 centuries, which is also the highest by any player in ODIs. Kohli’s achievements in successful chases and ICC tournaments further validate his stature as a modern legend.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 18,426 Runs
Playing until the age of 40, Sachin Tendulkar has a long list of accolades. However, one of the most prestigious records is that he is the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket.In 463 matches, Tendulkar scored 18,426 runs with an average of 44.83 that consisted of 49 centuries and 96 fifties.
Masterpieces of precision and timing were Tendulkar’s innings, whether it was his 143 in Sharjah against Australia in 1998 or his record-breaking double century in 2010. He not only broke records but also inspired millions and paved the way for India’s present-day cricketing power.
