Cricket’s history boasts legendary batsmen who redefined run-scoring with their relentless pursuit of dominance. Here’s a look at the top 5 players with the most runs in international cricket, combining all formats:
Sachin Tendulkar (India):
A name synonymous with batting brilliance, Sachin Tendulkar sits atop the mountain with a staggering 34,357 runs. His 24-year career witnessed a record-breaking 100 international centuries across Tests, ODIs, and his solitary T20I appearance.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka):
The epitome of grace and technique, Sangakkara amassed 28,016 runs in his 15-year tenure. While renowned for his red-ball prowess (12,400 runs in Tests), he excelled in limited-overs cricket as well, finishing with 63 international centuries.
Ricky Ponting (Australia):
A true leader and aggressive batsman, Ponting’s 27,483 runs speak volumes of his dominance. He was a key factor in Australia’s golden era, contributing significantly across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is during his 17-year career.
Virat Kohli (India):
The lone active player in the elite company, Kohli boasts a phenomenal 26,884 runs. He was once the undisputed king of consistency, holding averages above 50 across formats. Chasing Tendulkar’s century record with 80 tons already to his name, Kohli remains a force to be reckoned with, especially in ODIs where he holds the record for most centuries (50).
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka):
Another Sri Lankan legend, Jayawardene accumulated 25,957 runs in his 18-year career. His elegant strokeplay and ability to build partnerships, particularly alongside Sangakkara, made him a pillar of Sri Lankan batting.
These batting titans have etched their names in cricketing folklore, inspiring generations with their phenomenal run-scoring feats.