Most Runs in International Cricket: Top 10 Legendary Batters

Cricket was shaped by some amazing players who have taken over the world stage through their ability, consistency, and ability to adapt across different formats. They have set records that inspire the next generation. In this article we will take a close review of the 10 players who have the most runs in international cricket and the way their performance has made a continuing impact in the field.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in International Cricket in all Formats

Rank	Player Name	Country	Total Runs	Tests	ODIs	T20Is
1	Sachin Tendulkar	India	34,357	15,921	18,426	10
2	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	28,016	12,400	14,234	1,382
3	Virat Kohli*	India	27,599*	9,230*	14,181*	4,188*
4	Ricky Ponting	Australia	27,483	13,378	13,704	401
5	Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka	25,957	11,814	12,650	1,493
6	Jacques Kallis	South Africa	25,534	13,289	11,579	666
7	Rahul Dravid	India	24,208	13,288	10,889	31
8	Brian Lara	West Indies	22,358	11,953	10,405	0
9	Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	21,032	6,973	13,430	629
10	Shivnarine Chanderpaul	West Indies	20,988	11,867	8,778	343

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

most runs in international cricket — Image Source: ESPN Cricinfo

Total Runs: 34,357
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 15,921 runs
ODIs: 18,426 runs
T20Is: 10 runs
Career Span: 1989–2013

Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “God of Cricket,” remains unmatched in terms of achievements. His career travelled over two decades, during which he broke multiple records, including the record for most runs in international cricket. He also has the record most ODI runs in international cricket Tendulkar’s unique consistency in all conditions and formats earned him respect worldwide. With 100 international centuries and remarkable performances in iconic matches, he left a gift that continues to inspire cricketers.

2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Total Runs: 28,016
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 12,400 runs
ODIs: 14,234 runs
T20Is: 1,382 runs
Career Span: 2000–2015

Kumar Sangakkara’s clever stroke play and remarkable technique helped him get an impressive score of 28,016 international runs. Sangakkara was equally effective in Tests and ODIs, becoming the backbone of Sri Lankan cricket. His four back-to-back centuries in the 2015 ICC World Cup highlight his hunger for runs and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Total Runs: 27,599* (as of March 2025)
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 9,230* runs
ODIs: 14,181* runs
T20Is: 4,188* runs
Career Span: 2008–Present

Virat Kohli’s outstanding consistency in modern cricket places him third on the list of most runs in international cricket. Kohli’s ability to defeat bowlers across formats and his hunger for runs have set him apart. He has the most runs in T20 internationals and continues to be a strong support for India. Kohli’s multiple match-winning performances, including his memorable chase against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Total Runs: 27,483
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 13,378 runs
ODIs: 13,704 runs
T20Is: 401 runs
Career Span: 1995–2012

Ricky Ponting, Australia’s most successful captain, was known for his bold approach and sharp cricketing mind. His ability to defeat world-class bowling attacks helped him secure his position as one of the top run-getters. Ponting led Australia to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, contributing greatly with the bat and leading by example.

5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

Total Runs: 25,957
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 11,814 runs
ODIs: 12,650 runs
T20Is: 1,493 runs
Career Span: 1997–2015

Mahela Jayawardene, known for his calm behavior and classical stroke play, was a pillar in Sri Lanka’s middle order. His ability to handle pressure and perform in challenging situations, such as his match-winning century in the 2011 ICC World Cup final, made his name as one of Sri Lanka’s most incredible batters.

6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Total Runs: 25,534
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 13,289 runs
ODIs: 11,579 runs
T20Is: 666 runs
Career Span: 1995–2014

Jacques Kallis, the best all-rounder of his time, not only performed well with the bat but also contributed with the ball. Kallis’s ability to steady the innings in Tests and increase the scoring rate in ODIs made him very important for South Africa. His remarkable consistency placed him among the most runs in international cricket.

7. Rahul Dravid (India)

Total Runs: 24,208
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 13,288 runs
ODIs: 10,889 runs
T20Is: 31 runs
Career Span: 1996–2012

Rahul Dravid, called “The Wall,” was a master of technique and patience. His ability to bat for long hours earned him huge respect. Dravid’s contributions in Tests and ODIs were crucial to India’s success during the early 2000s. His ability to bat at any position and his leadership qualities confirmed he left a huge legacy.

8. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Total Runs: 22,358
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 11,953 runs
ODIs: 10,405 runs
T20Is: 0 runs
Career Span: 1990–2007

Brian Lara was an excellent batter for the West Indies, known for his bold and stylish play. His unbeaten 400 against England remains the highest individual score in Test cricket. Lara always delivered match-winning knocks, especially against top-quality bowling attacks, which helped him get many runs in all formats. His performances confirm his place among the highest run-scorers in international cricket and inspire many future cricketers with his remarkable achievements.

9. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Total Runs: 21,032
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 6,973 runs
ODIs: 13,430 runs
T20Is: 629 runs
Career Span: 1989–2011

Sanath Jayasuriya changed ODI cricket with his brave batting at the top of the order. His ability to take on bowlers from the first ball defined limited-overs batting. Jayasuriya’s bold approach earned him a place among the most runs in international cricket and transformed Sri Lanka into a tough ODI side.

10. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)

Total Runs: 20,988
Format-wise Breakdown:

Tests: 11,867 runs
ODIs: 8,778 runs
T20Is: 343 runs
Career Span: 1994–2015

Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s weird batting style and remarkable strength allowed him to succeed for the West Indies. His ability to smooth out long innings, especially in Test cricket, helped him get the most runs in international cricket in all formats for the West Indies after Brian Lara.

Updated Players with the Most Runs in International Cricket 2024

As of 2024, Virat Kohli continues to chase Sachin Tendulkar’s massive record of most runs in international cricket 2024. Kohli’s hunger for runs and consistency across formats keeps him among the top-ranked batters globally.

Conclusion

The top 10 players with the most runs in international cricket in all formats have shown outstanding skill and consistency throughout their careers. Their remarkable records continue to inspire cricketers to aim for greatness. These achievements not only recall their consistency across formats but also set a high standard for future generations. As young players aim to succeed, these milestones act as a reminder that faith, hard work, and passion are important to leave a great impact on the game. For more cricket updates and insights, visit our website, Spin and Swing.