The ICC ODI World Cup has produced countless unforgettable moments, but nothing excites fans more than watching a batter dominate the tournament. Over the decades, legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Virat Kohli have etched their names in the history books by amassing the most runs in ODI World Cup history. Their performances not only powered their teams to success but also set new benchmarks for future generations. Let’s explore the elite list of run machines who redefined consistency and class on the world stage.
Top 20 Players with the Most Runs in ODI World Cup History
Scoring big runs in the World Cup isn’t just about talent—it’s about performing under pressure, adapting to different conditions, and delivering when it matters most. The players who top the charts for the most runs in ODI World Cup history have showcased extraordinary consistency and mental toughness across multiple editions. From Sachin Tendulkar’s record-breaking dominance to Virat Kohli’s modern-day heroics, these batting legends have become synonymous with World Cup excellence. Here’s a look at the top 20 run-scorers who have left their mark on cricket’s grandest stage.
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Runs | Highest Score |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 45 | 2278 | 152 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 37 | 1795 | 117 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 46 | 1743 | 140* |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | India | 28 | 1575 | 140 |
| 5 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 37 | 1532 | 124 |
| 6 | David Warner | Australia | 29 | 1527 | 178 |
| 7 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 36 | 1332 | 124* |
| 8 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 34 | 1225 | 116 |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 23 | 1207 | 162* |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 35 | 1186 | 215 |
| 11 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 27 | 1167 | 148 |
| 12 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 38 | 1165 | 120 |
| 13 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 36 | 1148 | 128* |
| 14 | Steven Smith | Australia | 34 | 1136 | 105 |
| 15 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 27 | 1112 | 161* |
| 16 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 40 | 1100 | 115* |
| 17 | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 31 | 1085 | 149 |
| 18 | Javed Miandad | Pakistan | 33 | 1083 | 103 |
| 19 | Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 38 | 1079 | 102* |
| 20 | Stephen Fleming | New Zealand | 33 | 1075 | 134* |
Sachin Tendulkar – The Undisputed King of World Cup Runs
Sachin Tendulkar is the top run-scorer in ODI World Cup history. He played 45 matches across six editions from 1992 to 2011 and scored a massive 2,278 runs. His highest score was 152 against Namibia in 2003. Tendulkar also hit 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries, proving how consistent he was. More than the stats, what made him special was his ability to perform under pressure. For millions of fans, Tendulkar wasn’t just a cricketer—he was a symbol of hope and greatness.
Virat Kohli – The Modern Master of World Cups
Virat Kohli is one of the most reliable batsmen in ODI World Cup history. From his debut in 2011 to his incredible run in 2023, Kohli played 37 matches and scored 1,795 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in tournament history. Known for his calm approach and strong finishing, he has 5 centuries and 12 fifties, with a fantastic average of 59.83. Kohli’s consistency and hunger for runs helped India in many crucial games.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is one of the greatest World Cup players of all time. The former Australian captain played in five editions between 1996 and 2011, scoring 1,743 runs in 46 matches. His highest score was an unbeaten 140, and he hit 5 centuries and 6 half-centuries in his World Cup career. Known for his aggressive batting and sharp leadership, Ponting was a big-match player who often delivered when it mattered the most.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has quickly become one of the top World Cup performers in ODI history. Playing from 2015 to 2023, he has scored 1,575 runs in just 28 matches, with a superb average of 60.57. His highest score is 140, and he holds the record for the most centuries (7) in a single World Cup edition—achieved in 2019. Rohit’s aggressive yet composed style at the top of the order made him a game-changer for India.
Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara scored 1,532 runs in 37 World Cup matches, with 5 centuries and 7 fifties. His record-breaking run of four straight hundreds in 2015 is unmatched. A calm, reliable, and stylish batter—Sangakkara was Sri Lanka’s backbone on the big stage.
David Warner
David Warner, the explosive Australian opener, has been a consistent run-getter in World Cups. From 2015 to 2023, he played 29 matches and scored 1,527 runs, with a top score of 178. Known for his aggressive starts, Warner has hit 6 centuries and 5 half-centuries, averaging 56.55. His ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay made him a crucial part of Australia’s batting line-up.
Brian Lara
Brian Lara scored 1,225 runs in 34 World Cup matches between 1992 and 2007. With 2 hundreds and a top score of 116, he was the West Indies’ most dependable batter and a joy to watch on the big stage.
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounder, has been a consistent performer in the ODI World Cup across five editions from 2007 to 2023. In 36 matches, he has scored 1,332 runs, with a best of 124 not out. Shakib has hit 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries, averaging 41.62. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him one of the most valuable players in World Cup cricket.
AB de Villiers
South Africa’s AB de Villiers redefined aggressive batting in World Cups. Playing 23 matches between 2007 and 2015, he scored 1,207 runs with 4 centuries and a top score of 162 not out. Known for his 360-degree shot-making and calm under pressure, de Villiers was a game-changer for his team and a fan favorite around the world.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss,” brought raw power and flair to the ODI World Cup stage. Representing West Indies from 2003 to 2019, he smashed 1,186 runs in 35 matches, including a record-breaking 215, which remains one of the highest individual scores in World Cup history. With 2 centuries and 6 fifties, Gayle is among the top players with the most runs in ODI World Cup tournaments, leaving behind a legacy of sixes and fearless batting.
Final Words
The ODI World Cup has been a grand stage where cricketing legends etch their names in history through extraordinary performances. From Sachin Tendulkar, the all-time highest run scorer in World Cup history, to modern-day greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, these players have shown that true greatness lies in consistency, adaptability, and delivering under pressure.
Whether it’s the most runs in ODI World Cup history or dominating a single edition, each record tells a story of grit and glory. As new stars emerge in future tournaments, these records will continue to inspire and challenge the next generation of cricketers chasing their own piece of World Cup history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has scored the most runs in ODI World Cup history?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in ODI World Cup history. He scored 2,278 runs in 45 matches between 1992 and 2011.
Who is the highest run scorer in a single World Cup edition?
Virat Kohli scored 765 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, making him the highest run scorer in a single edition of the tournament.
Who are the top 5 players with the most runs in World Cups?
As of now, the top five highest run scorers in ODI World Cup history are:
- Sachin Tendulkar – 2,278 runs
- Virat Kohli – 1,795 runs
- Ricky Ponting – 1,743 runs
- Rohit Sharma – 1,575 runs
- Kumar Sangakkara – 1,532 runs
How many World Cup centuries does Rohit Sharma have?
Rohit Sharma has scored 7 centuries in ODI World Cups, the most by any player in tournament history.
Which active cricketers are close to breaking World Cup run records?
Players like Babar Azam, David Warner, and Shreyas Iyer have shown consistency and are strong contenders for climbing up the list of most runs in World Cup in future editions.
What is the highest individual score in World Cup history?
Martin Guptill holds the record for the highest individual score in a World Cup match — 237 runs* against West Indies in the 2015 quarterfinal.
