Sachin Tendulkar leads the list of most runs in international cricket in all formats, holding a record of 34,357 runs that has stood the test of time. Alongside legends like Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, and Kumar Sangakkara, these players have thrilled fans with their consistency in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. This article highlights the top 10 most runs in international cricket in all formats, celebrating the milestones, records, and lasting legacy of the greatest run-scorers in cricket history.
Sachin Tendulkar is the all-time leader in most runs in international cricket in all formats, with 34,357 runs to his name. Along with stars like Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, and Brian Lara, he has set benchmarks that inspire generations. This article lists the top 10 most runs in international cricket across all formats, showing the achievements, records, and remarkable careers of the players who have dominated Tests, ODIs, and T20 internationals.
Most Runs in International Cricket Across All Formats (Test, ODI & T20I)
Scoring runs in every format of international cricket is a true test of skill and endurance. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara have excelled across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Here, we present the most runs in international cricket across all formats, showing the totals and achievements of the greatest run-scorers in cricket history.
| Rank | Player | Matches | Total Runs | Format (Test / ODI / T20I) |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 664 | 34,357 | 15,921 / 18,426 / 1010 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | 594 | 28,016 | 12,400 / 14,234 / 1,382 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | 560 | 27,483 | 13,378 / 13,704 / 401 |
| 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | 652 | 25,957 | 11,814 / 12,650 / 1,493 |
| 5 | Jacques Kallis | 519 | 25,534 | 13,289 / 11,579 / 666 |
| 6 | Virat Kohli | 500+ | 24,000+ | 8,416 / 12,898 / 2,732 |
| 7 | Brian Lara | 430 | 22,358 | 11,953 / 10,405 / – |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | 485 | 21,000+ | 7,214 / 10,480 / 3,306 |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | 420 | 20,014 | 8,765 / 9,577 / 1,672 |
| 10 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | 499 | 20,580 | 8,820 / 11,619 / 141 |
| 11 | Rohit Sharma | 499 | 19,700 | 9,445 / 9,025 / 1,230 |
| 12 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 586 | 21,032 | 6,973 / 13,430 / 629 |
| 13 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 454 | 20,988 | 11,867 / 9,122 / – |
| 14 | Steve Waugh | 493 | 18,496 | 10,927 / 7,599 / – |
| 15 | David Warner | 383 | 18,995 | 8,098 / 7,772 / 3,125 |
Sachin Tendulkar – The God of Cricket
| Format | Matches Played | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Strike Rate |
| Test | 200+ | 51 | 68 | 54.08 |
| ODI | 463 | 49 | 96 | 86.23 |
| T20I | 1 | 0 | 1 | 122.50 |
Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the God of Cricket, is the all-time leader in most runs in international cricket in all formats, amassing an incredible 34,357 runs over a career spanning more than two decades. Representing India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Tendulkar’s remarkable consistency, technique, and adaptability have set benchmarks that no cricketer has yet surpassed.
- Test Cricket: Tendulkar played 200 Test matches, scoring 15,921 runs, including 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. His ability to anchor the innings and perform under pressure made him the backbone of the Indian Test team.
- ODI Cricket: In ODIs, Tendulkar appeared in 463 matches, scoring 18,426 runs with 49 centuries and 96 fifties. He was the first player to score a double century in ODI cricket, a record that changed the way limited-overs cricket was played.
- T20 International Cricket: Although Tendulkar played only a handful of T20Is, he still managed 1,010 runs, showcasing his adaptability even in the shortest format.
Kumar Sangakkara – A Cricketing Maestro
| Statistic | Test | ODI | T20I |
| Matches | 134 | 404 | 56 |
| Runs | 12,400 | 14,234 | 1,382 |
| Average | 57.40 | 41.98 | 31.40 |
| Centuries (100s) | 38 | 25 | 0 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 52 | 93 | 8 |
| Highest Score | 319 | 169 | 66* |
Kumar Sangakkara, born on October 27, 1977, in Matale, Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history. Over his illustrious career, he amassed a total of 28,016 runs in international cricket across all formats.
Key Achievements
- Test Cricket: Sangakkara played 134 Test matches, scoring 12,400 runs at an average of 57.40. He recorded 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries, with a highest score of 319.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): In 404 ODIs, he accumulated 14,234 runs at an average of 41.98, including 25 centuries and 93 fifties. His highest score was 169.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Sangakkara featured in 56 T20Is, amassing 1,382 runs at an average of 31.40, with 8 half-centuries. His highest score was 66*.
- World Record: In 2014, he set a world record by scoring 2,868 runs in a calendar year across all formats, the most by any player in a single year.
- Wicketkeeping Records: As a wicketkeeper, Sangakkara completed 482 dismissals in ODIs, a record at the time of his retirement. He also holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in World Cup history.
Ricky Ponting – Australian Cricket Legend
| Statistic | Test | ODI | T20I |
| Matches | 168 | 375 | 17 |
| Runs | 13,378 | 13,704 | 401 |
| Average | 51.85 | 42.03 | 28.64 |
| Centuries (100s) | 41 | 30 | 0 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 62 | 82 | 2 |
| Highest Score | 257 | 164 | 98* |
Ricky Ponting, born in Launceston, Tasmania, is a former Australian cricket star and captain. He played as a right-handed top-order batsman from 1995 to 2012. Ponting was known for his aggressive batting, smart captaincy, and ability to perform under pressure. He helped Australia win several World Cups and dominated cricket for nearly two decades, leaving a lasting mark on the game.
Key Achievements
- Test Cricket: Ponting played 168 Test matches, scoring 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85. He recorded 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries, with a highest score of 257.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): In 375 ODIs, he accumulated 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, including 30 centuries and 82 fifties. His highest score was 164.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Ponting featured in 17 T20Is, amassing 401 runs at an average of 28.64, with 2 half-centuries. His highest score was 98*.
- World Cup Success: Ponting led Australia to victory in three ICC Cricket World Cups (1999, 2003, and 2007), making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament’s history.
- Captaincy Record: He is Australia’s most successful Test captain, with 48 wins in 77 matches, including a historic 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England.
Mahela Jayawardene – Career Statistics
Mahela Jayawardene, one of Sri Lanka’s finest batsmen, is among the players with the most runs in international cricket in all formats. Known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor under pressure, he scored over 25,000 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Jayawardene’s consistency, ability to anchor innings, and match-winning performances have made him a true legend in world cricket.
| Statistic | Test | ODI | T20I |
| Matches | 149 | 448 | 55 |
| Runs | 11,814 | 12,650 | 1,493 |
| Average | 49.84 | 33.37 | 31.77 |
| Centuries (100s) | 34 | 19 | 1 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 50 | 77 | 9 |
| Highest Score | 374 | 150 | 100* |
Key Achievements
- Test Cricket: Jayawardene played 149 Test matches, scoring 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84. He recorded 34 centuries and 50 half-centuries, with a highest score of 374.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): In 448 ODIs, he accumulated 12,650 runs at an average of 33.37, including 19 centuries and 77 fifties. His highest score was 150.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Jayawardene featured in 55 T20Is, amassing 1,493 runs at an average of 31.77, with 1 century and 9 half-centuries. His highest score was 100*.
- World Cup Success: Jayawardene is the only batsman in World Cup ODI history to score centuries in both a semi-final and a final of the tournament. He achieved this feat by scoring a century in the 2007 Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, and a century in the 2011 Cricket World Cup final against India.
- Test Triple-Century: He became the first Sri Lankan captain to score a Test triple-century, making 374 off 572 deliveries with 43 fours and 1 six, the fourth-highest individual innings score in Test match cricket and the highest by a right-hander.
Jacques Kallis – Career Statistics
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, holding the record for the most runs in international cricket across all formats. Over a distinguished career, he amassed over 25,000 runs and took nearly 600 wickets in Tests and One Day Internationals (ODIs). His remarkable consistency with both bat and ball has solidified his legacy as a true legend of the game.
| Statistic | Test | ODI | T20I |
| Matches | 166 | 328 | 25 |
| Runs | 13,289 | 11,579 | 666 |
| Average | 55.37 | 44.36 | 28.55 |
| Centuries (100s) | 45 | 17 | 0 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 58 | 86 | 5 |
| Highest Score | 224 | 139* | 63* |
| Wickets | 292 | 273 | 7 |
| Best Bowling | 6/54 | 5/30 | 3/29 |
Key Achievements
- Test Cricket: Scored 13,289 runs in 166 matches at an average of 55.37, with 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries. He also took 292 wickets, making him one of the greatest all-rounders in Test history.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): Accumulated 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs at an average of 44.36, along with 273 wickets, combining elite batting and bowling performance.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Played 25 matches, scoring 666 runs and taking 7 wickets, adapting well to the shortest format.
- All-Round Excellence: Kallis is widely regarded as one of the few players in cricket history to excel as both a batsman and a bowler across all formats.
- Records & Legacy: He is the only cricketer in history to score over 10,000 runs and take over 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs, highlighting his extraordinary versatility.
Most Runs in T20 International Cricket – Leading Batsmen
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Runs |
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | India | 159 | 4,231 |
| 2 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 128 | 4,223 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | 125 | 4,188 |
| 4 | Jos Buttler | England | 139 | 3,808 |
| 5 | Paul Stirling | Ireland | 147 | 3,655 |
| 6 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 122 | 3,531 |
| 7 | Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | 106 | 3,414 |
Most Runs in ODI International Cricket – All Time Leaders
ODI cricket has seen some of the finest batsmen in history, and the top run-scorers have defined excellence in the format. Sachin Tendulkar leads with 18,426 runs, followed by greats like Kumar Sangakkara, Virat Kohli, and Ricky Ponting. Their consistency, skill, and match-winning innings have made them legends of the 50-over game
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 463 | 18,426 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | 404 | 14,234 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | 302 | 14,181+ |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | 375 | 13,704 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 445 | 13,430 |
| 6 | Mahela Jayawardene | 448 | 12,650 |
| 7 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | 378 | 11,739 |
| 8 | Jacques Kallis | 328 | 11,579 |
| 9 | Sourav Ganguly | 311 | 11,363 |
| 10 | Rohit Sharma | 273 | 11,168 |
Top Run-Scorers in Test Cricket – Most Runs All Time
Test cricket, the ultimate test of skill and endurance, has seen some of the greatest batsmen in history. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 15,921 runs, followed by legends like Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Kumar Sangakkara. These players have dominated across eras, showcasing unmatched consistency, technique, and the ability to perform under pressure, leaving an enduring legacy in the longest format of the game.
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 200 | 15,921 |
| 2 | Ricky Ponting | 168 | 13,378 |
| 3 | Jacques Kallis | 166 | 13,289 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 12,400 |
| 5 | Mahela Jayawardene | 149 | 11,814 |
| 6 | Brian Lara | 131 | 11,953 |
| 7 | Rahul Dravid | 164 | 13,288 |
| 8 | AB de Villiers | 114 | 8,765 |
| 9 | Steve Waugh | 168 | 10,927 |
| 10 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | 120 | 8,820 |
Final Words
Cricket has always celebrated those who combine skill, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure, and the players featured in this list represent the very best. From Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental records to the remarkable careers of Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and other legends, these batsmen have redefined what it means to excel in international cricket across all formats. Their runs, records, and memorable innings continue to inspire millions of fans around the world. Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, these top run-scorers have left an indelible mark on the history of the game, cementing their legacy as true icons of cricket.
FAQs
Q1. Who has scored the most runs in international cricket in all formats?
A: Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 34,357 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, making him the all-time leading run-scorer.
Q2. Who are the top run-scorers in T20 International cricket?
A: Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, and Virat Kohli are the leading run-scorers in T20Is, consistently performing in the shortest format.
Q3. Who has scored the most runs in ODI cricket?
A: Sachin Tendulkar leads with 18,426 runs in ODIs, followed by Kumar Sangakkara and Virat Kohli.
Q4. Who are the top run-scorers in Test cricket history?
A: Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Kumar Sangakkara are among the highest run-scorers in Tests.
Q5. Which players have excelled across all formats of international cricket?
A: Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene, and Jacques Kallis have scored heavily in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing their versatility.
