Cricket Legends and Their Run-Scoring Records in ODI

Cricket is one of the most popular and widely followed sports in the globe, especially in Southeast Asia. Cricket is adored in nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Originating in England many centuries ago, the game then extended to other British colonies, including Australia, South Africa, India, and the West Indies. In the past, matches in cricket were usually played for over a week and were considered a gentleman’s game.

But ever since the limited-overs format was introduced, cricket has been far more thrilling and action-packed. Games can now be finished in a few hours or even a day. One-day internationals (ODIs) are the most often played version of limited-overs cricket. A normal ODI game lasts just a day, as the name implies, and it lets players show off their abilities without compromising the viewers’ enjoyment. In cricket, batting is the most thrilling part of the game, and practically all of the spectators enjoy seeing their favourite players smash the ball over the stands.

We’re going to look at some of the Legends that make this game what it is today. In One-Day Internationals, these players have scored the most runs in ODI cricket history.

Sachin Tendulkar (18426 Runs)

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar played 463 ODIs. To date, his record of 18,426 runs scored in various competitions is unmatched, and his personal best score stands at 200. He has amassed an incredible 49 hundreds, an astounding 96 half-centuries, and an unprecedented double-century in his ODI career. He is now unquestionably one of the best batters in cricket history thanks to this incredible performance.

Kumar Sangakkara (14234 Runs)

Kumar Sangakkara, a wicketkeeper and captain for Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time legends. Sangakkara led Sri Lanka to the World Cup final in 2011, and he also batted effectively in the 2015 tournament. In the ODI format, Sangakkara ranks second-highest run-scorer ever. In 404 matches, Sangakkara totalled 14,234 runs, with a top score of 169. He also hit 25 centuries.

Ricky Ponting (13704 Runs)

An icon of Australian cricket, Ricky Ponting is also a member of the ICC Hall of Fame.  During his time as captain, Australia won back-to-back World Cups thanks in large part to Ponting, a talented top-order batsman and outstanding fielder. He has scored the third-most runs in International Cricket history and is widely regarded as one of the game’s most successful captains. In 375 games, Ponting scored 13,704 runs, including 30 centuries.

Sanath Jayasuriya (13430 Runs)

With his high-octane style of play and consistent success in One-Day Internationals, Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya contributed to the sport’s meteoric growth in popularity. Jayasuriya was an all-around player who was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victory in the 1996 World Cup. In 445 games, Jayasuriya recorded a total of 13,430 runs.

Virat Kohli (13223 Runs)

After 15 years in the game, Virat Kohli has proven to be the finest batsman of this generation. When it comes to runs scored in One Day Internationals and International Cricket, Kohli ranks fifth all-time. Kohli has also scored 77 hundreds in international competition. He batted quite high in the Indian lineup and even captained the team at one point. Kohli has managed to score a total of 13,223 runs in just 283 ODI contests.

Mahela Jayawardene (12650 Runs)

Mahela Jayawardene appeared in 448 One Day Internationals throughout his career. Over the course of his career, he scored 12,650 runs, with 144 being his personal best. His stats include 19 hundreds and 77 half-centuries, both of which are quite noteworthy.

Inzamam-ul-Haq (11739 Runs)

In his illustrious career, Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq appeared in 378 One Day Internationals. He finished his career with 11,739 runs, with an undefeated 137 being his greatest individual score. He also has 83 half-centuries and 10 centuries on his list of accomplishments.

Jacques Kallis (11579)

Jacques Kallis, a former South African all-rounder, played in a total of 328 One Day Internationals. He ended up with 11,579 runs throughout the course of his career, including an individual best of 139. There are also 17 hundreds and 86 fifties in his remarkable ODI career.

Sourav Ganguly (11363 Runs)

In his career, Sourav Ganguly appeared in 311 One Day Internationals. He finished his career with 11,363 runs, with a personal best score of 183. There are also 22 hundreds and 72 half-centuries in his remarkable ODI record.

Rahul Dravid (10889 Runs)

Throughout his career, Rahul Dravid participated in 344 One Day International matches. He finished his career with 10,889 runs in total, including a career-high personal best of 153 runs. His ODI stats are outstanding, with 12 hundreds and 83 half-centuries.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, cricket, once known as a gentleman’s game played over several days, has transformed into a thrilling and action-packed sport with the introduction of limited-overs formats. One-Day Internationals (ODIs) have become immensely popular, allowing players to showcase their skills in a single day. Some cricket legends have left an indelible mark on ODI cricket history, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the way with an unmatched 18,426 runs. Other iconic figures like Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli, Mahela Jayawardene, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Jacques Kallis, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid have also contributed significantly to the sport’s legacy with their remarkable batting performances, making them some of the greatest ODI run-scorers of all time.