International cricket has seen many great batters, but only a few have managed to score runs consistently across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. These players adapted to different eras, conditions, and formats, and their numbers reflect pure class, fitness, and mental strength.
At the very top of this elite list is Sachin Tendulkar, whose record has stood tall for more than a decade. However, modern legends like Virat Kohli and Joe Root are still adding to their tallies and shaping the future of the game.
This article explains the highest run-scorers in international cricket, their achievements, and why they are considered legends — in simple and easy language.
Top 10 Highest Run-Scorers in International Cricket (All Formats)
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | 100s | 50s | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 664 | 34,357 | 100 | 164 | 48.52 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 594 | 28,016 | 63 | 153 | 46.77 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 554 | 27,975 | 83 | 144 | 52.36 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 560 | 27,483 | 71 | 146 | 45.95 |
| 5 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 652 | 25,957 | 54 | 136 | 39.15 |
| 6 | Jacques Kallis (SA) | 519 | 25,534 | 62 | 149 | 49.10 |
| 7 | Rahul Dravid (IND) | 509 | 24,208 | 48 | 146 | 45.41 |
| 8 | Brian Lara (WI) | 430 | 22,358 | 53 | 111 | 46.28 |
| 9 | Joe Root (ENG) | 377 | 21,774 | 58 | 114 | 49.26 |
| 10 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 586 | 21,032 | 42 | 103 | 34.14 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Benchmark of World Cricket
| Detail | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 664 |
| Career Span | 1989–2013 |
| Runs | 34,357 |
| Highest Score | 248* |
| 100s / 50s | 100 / 164 |
Sachin Tendulkar is not just a cricketer — he is an emotion for cricket fans. He became the first player to score 100 international centuries and still holds the record for the most runs in international cricket history.
From facing the world’s best bowlers as a teenager to carrying India’s batting for over two decades, Sachin defined consistency like no one else.
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2. Kumar Sangakkara – Grace and Reliability Combined
| Detail | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 594 |
| Runs | 28,016 |
| Highest Score | 319 |
| 100s / 50s | 63 / 153 |
Kumar Sangakkara was known for his elegant stroke play and sharp cricketing mind. Whether playing Tests or ODIs, he scored runs with calmness and class.
He also balanced batting with wicketkeeping and captaincy, making him one of the most complete players of his era.
3. Virat Kohli – The Modern Run Machine
| Detail | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 556 |
| Runs | 27,975 |
| Highest Score | 254* |
| 100s / 50s | 84 / 144 |
Virat Kohli has redefined fitness, intensity, and chasing ability in modern cricket. He holds the record for the most ODI centuries and has been dominant across all formats.
His hunger for runs and ability to perform under pressure make him one of the greatest batters ever.
4. Ricky Ponting – The Face of Australian Dominance
| Detail | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 560 |
| Runs | 27,483 |
| Highest Score | 257 |
| 100s / 50s | 71 / 146 |
Ricky Ponting was a fierce competitor and one of the most successful captains in cricket history. He delivered his best performances in big matches and led Australia to multiple ICC trophies.
5. Mahela Jayawardene – Calm, Class, and Big Scores
Mahela Jayawardene made batting look smooth and effortless. His famous 374 in Test cricket remains one of the greatest innings ever. He was also known for his smart leadership and ability to handle pressure.
6. Jacques Kallis – The Best All-Rounder in History
| Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches | 519 |
| Runs | 25,534 |
| Highest Score | 224 |
| 100s / 50s | 62 / 149 |
Kallis scored runs like a top-order batter and took wickets like a frontline bowler.
His calm, solid batting gave South Africa stability in every situation.
7. Rahul Dravid – “The Wall” of Indian Cricket
| Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches | 509 |
| Runs | 24,208 |
| Highest Score | 270 |
| 100s / 50s | 48 / 146 |
Dravid was India’s most dependable batter.
His technique, patience, and discipline made him the perfect player for pressure situations.
8. Brian Lara – Flair, Power & Record-Breaking Genius
| Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches | 430 |
| Runs | 22,358 |
| Highest Score | 400* (World Record) |
| 100s / 50s | 53 / 111 |
Lara’s batting was bold and stylish.
He holds the record for the highest Test score ever, and his attacking stroke play inspired generations of Caribbean players.
9. Sanath Jayasuriya – The ODI Game-Changer
| Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches | 586 |
| Runs | 21,032 |
| Strike Rate | 81.17 |
| 100s / 50s | 42 / 103 |
Jayasuriya changed ODI cricket forever with his explosive batting in the first 15 overs.
He powered Sri Lanka to their 1996 World Cup win and remained a match-winner for over two decades.
See Also: Top 10 Highest Wicket Taker in Test Cricket History
10. Joe Root – England’s Modern Batting Pillar
| Key Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches | 380 |
| Runs | 22,000 |
| Highest Score | 262 |
| Average | 49.26 |
| 100s / 50s | 60 / 114 |
Joe Root is the most consistent English batter of the modern era.
He plays classical shots yet succeeds in all formats, especially in Test cricket where he has 41 centuries.
Top 10 Most Runs in ODIs
| Position | Player | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 463 | 18,426 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 308 | 14,557 |
| 3 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL/Asia/ICC) | 404 | 14,234 |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting (AUS/ICC) | 375 | 13,704 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL/Asia) | 445 | 13,430 |
| 6 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL/Asia) | 448 | 12,650 |
| 7 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK/Asia) | 378 | 11,739 |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis (SA/ICC) | 328 | 11,579 |
| 9 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 279 | 11,516 |
| 10 | Sourav Ganguly (IND/Asia) | 311 | 11,363 |
Top 10 Most Runs in Test Cricket
| Position | Player | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 200 | 15,921 |
| 2 | Joe Root (ENG) | 163* | 13,937 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 168 | 13,378 |
| 4 | Jacques Kallis (SA/ICC) | 166 | 13,289 |
| 5 | Rahul Dravid (IND/Asia) | 164 | 13,288 |
| 6 | Alastair Cook (ENG) | 161 | 12,472 |
| 7 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 134 | 12,400 |
| 8 | Brian Lara (WI/ICC) | 131 | 11,953 |
| 9 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI) | 164 | 11,867 |
| 10 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 149 | 11,814 |
Top 10 Most Runs in T20 Internationals
| Position | Player | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 136 | 4,429 |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 159 | 4,231 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 125 | 4,188 |
| 4 | Jos Buttler (ENG) | 144 | 3,869 |
| 5 | Paul Stirling (IRE) | 156 | 3,798 |
| 6 | Martin Guptill (NZ) | 122 | 3,531 |
| 7 | Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) | 106 | 3,414 |
| 8 | David Warner (AUS) | 110 | 3,277 |
| 9 | Muhammad Waseem (UAE) | 91 | 3,184 |
| 10 | Virandeep Singh (MAS) | 111 | 3,180 |
Conclusion: Sachin Tendulkar Still Stands Tall
The story of international cricket’s highest run-scorers is a story of discipline, adaptability, and greatness. While modern stars continue to chase records, Sachin Tendulkar’s 34,357 runs remain the ultimate benchmark.
These legends didn’t just score runs — they defined eras, inspired millions, and shaped the history of cricket.
