In the world of cricket, scoring the most runs in ODI in a calendar year is a sign of unmatched consistency and excellence. It’s not just about one big knock — it’s about performing again and again throughout the season. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid have shown how to make every match count.
This article brings you the complete list of batsmen who have achieved this remarkable milestone. Their records continue to inspire young cricketers and remind fans of the golden moments that defined one-day international cricket.
Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in ODI in a Calendar Year
Scoring consistently across an entire year in ODIs is no small feat, and only a few legends have managed to achieve it. The top players with the most runs in ODI in a calendar year have displayed incredible skill, focus, and determination to dominate bowlers in every condition. From Sachin Tendulkar’s record-breaking 1894 runs in 1998 to Shubman Gill’s brilliant form in 2023, these players have set new standards in one-day cricket. Let’s take a look at the leading batsmen who created history with their extraordinary performances in ODI cricket.
| Rank | Player | Year | Runs | Highest Score |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1998 | 1894 | 143 |
| 2 | Sourav Ganguly (IND) | 1999 | 1767 | 183 |
| 3 | Rahul Dravid (IND) | 1999 | 1761 | 153 |
| 4 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 1996 | 1611 | 137 |
| 5 | Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 2007 | 1601 | 181* |
| 6 | Saeed Anwar (PAK) | 1996 | 1595 | 115 |
| 7 | Shubman Gill (IND) | 2023 | 1584 | 208 |
| 8 | Sourav Ganguly (IND) | 2000 | 1579 | 144 |
| 9 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 2019 | 1490 | 159 |
| 10 | Martin Guptill (NZ) | 2015 | 1489 | 237* |
1. Sachin Tendulkar’s 1894 Runs in 1998
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 1998 |
| Matches | 34 |
| Runs | 1894 |
| Highest Score | 143 |
| Average | 65.31 |
| Strike Rate | 102.15 |
| Centuries (100s) | 9 |
| Fifties (50s) | 7 |
When it comes to consistency and dominance in ODI cricket, Sachin Tendulkar stands above everyone. The Indian legend holds the record for the most runs in a calendar year ODI, scoring an unbelievable 1894 runs in 1998. That year, Tendulkar was at his peak — smashing 9 centuries and 7 fifties, including memorable innings against Australia and Sharjah’s iconic “Desert Storm” knock. His ability to perform in all conditions made 1998 one of the greatest years ever for a batsman in ODI history. Even decades later, no player has been able to surpass Tendulkar’s incredible milestone.
2 .Sourav Ganguly’s 1767 Runs in 1999
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 1999 |
| Matches | 41 |
| Runs | 1767 |
| Highest Score | 183 |
| Average | 46.50 |
| Strike Rate | 76.00 |
| Centuries (100s) | 4 |
| Fifties (50s) | 10 |
In 1999, Sourav Ganguly enjoyed one of the finest years of his ODI career. The elegant left-hander scored an impressive 1767 runs, placing him among the top players with the most runs in a calendar year ODI. Known for his stylish stroke play and fearless approach at the top of the order, Ganguly led India’s batting lineup with consistency throughout the year. His performances included several match-winning knocks, making 1999 a standout year in his illustrious career.
3. Rahul Dravid’s 1761 Runs in 1999
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 1999 |
| Matches | 43 |
| Runs | 1761 |
| Highest Score | 153 |
| Average | 46.34 |
| Strike Rate | 75.16 |
| Centuries (100s) | 6 |
| Fifties (50s) | 8 |
The year 1999 was a turning point for Rahul Dravid in ODI cricket. Known for his solid technique and calm temperament, Dravid showcased his adaptability by scoring a remarkable 1761 runs, securing his spot among the elite players with the most runs in a calendar year ODI. Throughout the year, he combined stability with aggression, delivering several memorable partnerships and match-winning innings for India. His performances in 1999 proved that classical batting could thrive even in the fast-paced world of one-day cricket.
4. Sachin Tendulkar’s 1611 Runs in 1996
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 1996 |
| Matches | 32 |
| Runs | 1611 |
| Highest Score | 137 |
| Average | 53.70 |
| Strike Rate | 82.40 |
| Centuries (100s) | 6 |
| Fifties (50s) | 9 |
Before his record-breaking 1998 season, Sachin Tendulkar had already shown his dominance in 1996, scoring a brilliant 1611 runs in ODIs. This performance established him as one of the most consistent and feared batsmen in world cricket. His elegant stroke play, sharp timing, and ability to handle pressure helped India win crucial matches throughout the year. With several match-winning innings, Tendulkar proved why he would go on to set new standards for batting excellence and earn multiple spots in the list of top 5 players with the most runs in a calendar year ODI.
5. Matthew Hayden’s 1601 Runs in 2007
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 2007 |
| Matches | 32 |
| Runs | 1601 |
| Highest Score | 181* |
| Average | 59.29 |
| Strike Rate | 89.19 |
| Centuries (100s) | 5 |
| Fifties (50s) | 6 |
Matthew Hayden had an unforgettable run in 2007, scoring 1601 runs in ODIs and showcasing his trademark power and dominance at the top of the order. His incredible performances came during a golden period for Australian cricket, where his attacking starts often set the tone for big victories. Hayden’s ability to handle both pace and spin made him a nightmare for bowlers, and his consistent contributions helped Australia maintain their supremacy.
6. Saeed Anwar’s 1595 Runs in 1996
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 1996 |
| Matches | 36 |
| Runs | 1595 |
| Highest Score | 115 |
| Average | 51.45 |
| Strike Rate | 91.56 |
| Centuries (100s) | 3 |
| Fifties (50s) | 10 |
Saeed Anwar had a phenomenal year in 1996, amassing 1595 runs in ODIs with remarkable consistency and flair. Known for his elegant stroke play and effortless timing, Anwar dominated bowlers across all conditions. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed made him one of Pakistan’s most dependable top-order batsmen of that era. Throughout the year, he produced multiple match-winning performances that helped Pakistan secure key victories.
7. Shubman Gill’s 1584 Runs in 2023
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 2023 |
| Matches | 29 |
| Runs | 1584 |
| Highest Score | 208 |
| Average | 63.36 |
| Strike Rate | 105.45 |
| Centuries (100s) | 5 |
| Fifties (50s) | 9 |
Shubman Gill had a sensational year in 2023, scoring 1584 runs in ODIs and emerging as one of the brightest young stars in world cricket. His calm temperament, elegant timing, and ability to play both aggressive and anchor roles made him India’s most consistent performer of the year. Gill’s standout moment came when he smashed a double century against New Zealand — a knock that highlighted his class and dominance at the top. His consistency throughout the season placed him among elite company, earning him a well-deserved spot in the list of players with the most runs in a calendar year ODI.
8. Sourav Ganguly’s 1579 Runs in 2000
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 2000 |
| Matches | 32 |
| Runs | 1579 |
| Highest Score | 144 |
| Average | 56.39 |
| Strike Rate | 82.75 |
| Centuries (100s) | 7 |
| Fifties (50s) | 6 |
Sourav Ganguly, one of India’s finest ODI captains and most stylish left-handers, had an extraordinary year in 2000, scoring 1579 runs in ODIs. Known for his elegant cover drives and fearless stroke play, Ganguly led from the front, consistently providing India with solid starts and crucial partnerships. His leadership and batting form were equally inspiring, guiding India through a period of transition.
9. Rohit Sharma’s 1490 Runs in 2019
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 2019 |
| Matches | 28 |
| Runs | 1490 |
| Highest Score | 159 |
| Average | 57.30 |
| Strike Rate | 89.92 |
| Centuries (100s) | 7 |
| Fifties (50s) | 6 |
Rohit Sharma had an unforgettable year in 2019, scoring 1490 runs in ODIs — a performance that showcased his remarkable consistency and dominance at the top of the order. Known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, Rohit displayed his trademark elegance and power throughout the year, especially during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, where he smashed a record five centuries in a single tournament.
10. Martin Guptill’s 1489 Runs in 2015
| Stat | Details |
| Year | 2015 |
| Matches | 32 |
| Runs | 1489 |
| Highest Score | 237* |
| Average | 55.14 |
| Strike Rate | 96.56 |
| Centuries (100s) | 4 |
| Fifties (50s) | 8 |
Martin Guptill had a remarkable year in 2015, scoring 1489 runs in ODIs and becoming one of New Zealand’s most dependable openers during their golden run. His most iconic moment came in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he smashed an unbeaten 237* against the West Indies — the highest individual score in World Cup history. Guptill’s combination of power-hitting, elegant stroke play, and composure under pressure made him a key figure in New Zealand’s success that year. His outstanding form secured him a place among players with the most runs in a calendar year ODI, highlighting his impact on world cricket.
Final Words
Every name on this list tells a story — of grit, dominance, and pure class. Scoring the most runs in a calendar year ODI is more than just a statistic; it’s a statement of consistency and excellence across formats and conditions. From Tendulkar’s magic to Gill’s modern brilliance, these players have shown what it takes to shine throughout an entire year of international cricket.
FAQs
1. Who has scored the most runs in ODI in a calendar year?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in ODI in a calendar year, scoring 1894 runs in 1998 — a record that still stands unbeaten.
2. Which Indian players have the most runs in a calendar year ODI?
India has dominated this list with players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, all achieving exceptional seasons in different years.
3. Who scored the most runs in ODI in 2023?
Shubman Gill was the top run-scorer in 2023, amassing 1584 runs in ODIs with 5 centuries and a double hundred to his name.
4. Has anyone scored more than 1800 runs in a calendar year ODI?
Yes, only Sachin Tendulkar has achieved this feat — scoring 1894 runs in 1998, making it one of the greatest individual ODI records in cricket history.
5. Which player scored the most centuries in a single calendar year in ODIs?
Both Sachin Tendulkar (1998) and Rohit Sharma (2019) scored 7 or more centuries in a single year, showing unmatched consistency throughout the season.
6. Who holds the record for the highest individual score among these players?
Martin Guptill scored an unbeaten 237* in 2015 — the highest individual score in a World Cup and one of the top scores in ODI history.
