The ICC One-Day International (ODI) Cricket World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in the World of Cricket. This is a platform where legends are made and history is written. Over the past 10 years, some batsmen have scored record-breaking runs with their extraordinary skills, establishing their names among the top 10 highest run scorers in the ODI World Cup.
Let us know about Most Runs in ODI World Cup players, in detail- their journeys, key performances, and what made them extraordinary.
Top 10 Players Who Scored Most Runs in ODI World Cup
Sachin Tendulkar (India)- 2,278 runs
Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster of the India National Cricket team, is at the top of the list. He is the king of World Cup batting and an inspiration for many. He has played for India from 1992 to 2011 and scored a record of 2,278 runs in 45 matches with 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries. Sachin has always been the backbone of his team, and his 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup remain one of the most memorable performances by any batsman.
Virat Kohli (India)- 1,795 runs
Virat Kohli was inspired by Sachin Tendulkar and followed his legacy to become India’s modern-day batting icon. He is loved by every cricket lover. He has played in the game from 2011-2023 and has inspired everyone. In his 37 matches, he has scored a total of 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83, along with 5 centuries and 12 half-centuries. He holds a record for scoring 765 runs in 2023, which is the most runs in a single World Cup edition.
Ricky Ponting (Australia)- 1,743 runs
Ricky Ponting, the legend of the Australian cricket team, has built some records that added a lot to the Australian golden era. Playing extraordinarily from 1996-2011, Ricky Ponting led the Australian team and made them win the 2 ODI World Cup titles. Known for his aggressive style, and scored a total of 1,743 runs in 46 matches at an average of 45.86. His unbeaten score of 140 in the 2003 World Cup final will be the most remembered performance of the inning.
Rohit Sharma (India)- 1,575 runs
Rohit Sharma stands at no. 4 in the list and is responsible for redefining the opening batting in the World Cups. Playing since 2015, he has scored a total of 1,575 in just 28 matches with 7 centuries (the most among all the players in World Cups) and 6 half-centuries. Rohit can lead the team, along with setting a bar to convert starts into big scores. His ability to pursue challenges is what makes him a World Cup giant.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)- 1,532 runs
Kumar Sangakkara was the pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting order. He has played 37 matches and scored a total of 1,532 runs with a 56.74 average rate. His playing showed class and consistency in scoring the best of runs at the fastest pace for his country.
David Warner (Australia)- 1,527 runs
David Warner has been Australia’s most amazing batsman since 2015. To his record, he has scored a total of 1,527 runs in 29 matches. David’s batting skills have been a great contribution to making Australia the toughest rivalry of all time.
Shakin Al Hasan (Bangladesh)- 1,356 runs
Not just batting, Shakib Al Hasan is the all-rounder of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and a World Cup batting hero. Scoring a total of 1,356 runs in 36 matches has made Shakib reach the 7th position in the highest run scorer in ODI World Cup history.
Brian Lara (West Indies)- 1,225 runs
Brian Lara brought flair and elegance to the World Cup. He played from 1992 to 2007 and scored a total of 1,225 runs in 34 matches with 2 centuries and 7 half-centuries. His aggressive play in the format has made him score best against tough rivals and made him a West Indies legend.
AB de Villiers (South Africa)- 1,207 runs
AB de Villiers, the 360-degree batter, is known for his stroke play. In 23 matches, he has scored a total of 1,207 runs with 4 centuries and 6 half-centuries at an average of 63.52. He stands out in the list because of his explosive batting and competitive play.
Chris Gayle (West Indies)- 1,186 runs
Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” is known for his powerful six-hitting ability. In 35 games, he scored 1,186 runs with a strike rate close to 90, and he hit two centuries. His score of 215 against Zimbabwe in 2015 was the first double-century in World Cup history.
Most Runs in ODI World Cup: Player Stats, Performances
| Rank | Player | Country | Runs | Highest Score | Matches | 100s | 50s | 6s | 4s | Average |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 2,278 | 152 | 45 | 6 | 15 | 27 | 241 | 56.95 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 1,795 | 117 | 37 | 5 | 12 | 14 | 159 | 59.83 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 1,743 | 140 | 46 | 5 | 6 | 31 | 145 | 45.86 |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | India | 1,575 | 140* | 28 | 7 | 6 | 54 | 166 | 60.57 |
| 5 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1,532 | 124 | 37 | 5 | 7 | 14 | 147 | 56.74 |
| 6 | David Warner | Australia | 1,527 | 178 | 29 | 6 | 5 | 41 | 154 | 56.55 |
| 7 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 1,356 | 124* | 36 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 128 | 47.38 |
| 8 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 1,225 | 116 | 34 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 131 | 42.24 |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 1,207 | 162* | 23 | 4 | 6 | 37 | 121 | 63.52 |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 1,186 | 215 | 35 | 2 | 6 | 49 | 116 | 35.93 |
Final Thoughts
The leading 20 run-scorers in the ODI World Cup’s all-time list are more than just numbers; they all mean more to their teams than that; they came up with runs in big moments when their teams needed it most. Their records illustrate their skill, determination, and commitment to the sport. There will be new names becoming familiar along the way, but these legends will continue to inspire future generations with their iconic World Cup moments.
