Cricket is always a game of consistency, endurance, and ability. Particularly across all the game’s formats—tests, one-day internationals (ODI), and T20 internationals—very few hitters made a strong imprint and became legendary in the history books.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 34,357 Runs
Though mostly recognized as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar is still among the best cricketers ever to grace the game. Sachin, who made his first appearance at the age of sixteen, had a 24-year career in international cricket during which he scored 34,357 runs across all forms.
Tendulkar authored an incredible record of 100 international hundreds that are still unbroken today and participated in 200 Tests, 463 ODIs, and one T20I.
Retiring in 2013 with 15,921 runs in red-ball cricket, 18 424 in ODIs, and 10 runs in the sole T20I Sachin Tendulkar is a top-tier legend of the game.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 28,016 Runs
Among the most graceful and technically competent batters in cricket history is Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara. Over 15 years of an outstanding career, the wicket-keeper batsman amassed 28,016 runs over 134 Tests, 424 ODIs, and 56 T20s.
Having 63 international centuries overall, his greatest score was 319. Sangakkara made 12,400 runs in 134 Tests at a 57.40 average, thus he was somewhat more successful in red-ball cricket.
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 27,483 Runs
Leading Australia to two global Cups and a member of the team that won multiple other ICC titles, Ricky Ponting is among the best captains in global cricket.
Early in the 2000s Ponting was bold and well ahead of his time. Over 168 Tests, 375 ODIs, and 17 T20Is he scored 27,483 runs overall. Even after his 17-year career came to an end in 2012, Australian cricket still boasts unmatched batting and leadership performance from him.
4. Virat Kohli (India) – 26,884 Runs
The only currently active player on the magnificent list is former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Kohli has 26,884 runs across 113 Tests, 292 ODIs, and 125 T20s as of right now.
During the pre-COVID period, he was considered to be the most consistent batter across all forms and had an average over 50 overall.
Already reaching the 80 tons barrier in 2024, Kohli is now pursuing Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 centuries mark. Virat Kohli has notably had significantly more success in ODIs because he is the one with the most hundreds in the format (50) and has amassed 13848 overall.
5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 25,957 Runs
Another outstanding Sri Lankan, Mahela Jayawardene, finished 25,957 runs across his 18-year career. Jayawardene’s career consisted of 149 tests, 448 ODIs, and 55 T20s.
For more than ten years, he was an indispensable member of the Sri Lankan side thanks in large part to his refined stroke play and ability to construct innings. One of the most productive partnerships in cricket history, Jayawardene’s alongside Sangakkara guided Sri Lanka to many unforgettable successes.