Cricket

List of Most Runs in International Cricket (All Formats)

This list showcases the top 21 cricketers who have scored the most runs in international cricket across all formats. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 34,357 runs, with Kumar Sangakkara and Virat Kohli also prominently featured.

21 itemsUpdated Mar 13, 2026

The accumulation of runs in international cricket across all three formats – Test, One-Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) – is a testament to a player's skill, endurance, and consistency. Leading this elite group is India's Sachin Tendulkar, whose monumental tally of 34,357 runs remains a benchmark for batting excellence. His career spanned over two decades, showcasing an unparalleled ability to dominate diverse bowling attacks. Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and Australia's Ricky Ponting (27,483 runs) also feature prominently, while active player Virat Kohli's 28,000+ runs highlight a contemporary legend's pursuit of these historic milestones. Achieving such colossal run totals demands not just talent but also exceptional longevity and adaptability. Players like Mahela Jayawardene (25,957 runs) from Sri Lanka, alongside Tendulkar, Sangakkara, and Ponting, represent an era where multi-format proficiency was paramount. These cricketers successfully transitioned between the demanding five-day Tests, the strategic 50-over ODIs, and the explosive T20Is, often adjusting their technique and mindset within days. Their ability to maintain peak performance for fifteen years or more, navigating injuries, form slumps, and the constant pressure of international competition, is what truly sets them apart. The list of top run-scorers also reflects the global powerhouses of cricket, with India, Sri Lanka, and Australia prominently featured among the leading five. These players were not just individual record-breakers; they were pillars of their national teams, often captaining their sides and inspiring generations. The evolution of the game, particularly the advent of T20 cricket, has added another dimension to run-scoring, offering more opportunities but demanding a different skill set. While the older guard established records primarily in Tests and ODIs, modern players like Kohli are accumulating runs rapidly across all formats, demonstrating a new era of batting prowess.

#	Name
1	Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 34,357 runs India Widely regarded as the 'God of Cricket,' Sachin Tendulkar leads the all-time list with an unmatched 34,357 runs in 664 international matches. He is the only cricketer to have scored 100 international centuries and defined an era of batting excellence from 1989 to 2013.
2	Virat Kohli (India) – 28,000+ runs India A modern-day great and active player, Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in early 2026, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara with 28,068 runs in 557 matches. He is known for redefining fitness and intensity in cricket, holding the record for most ODI centuries, and continues to add to his prolific tally across all formats.
3	Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 28,016 runs Sri Lanka / Asia / ICC The elegant left-handed maestro from Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara, accumulated 28,016 runs in 594 international matches. He showcased remarkable elegance and reliability throughout his career, making him one of the most prolific wicketkeeper-batsmen in history.
4	Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 27,483 runs Australia / ICC An iconic Australian captain, Ricky Ponting amassed 27,483 runs in 560 international matches. Known as the 'Australian Run Machine,' he led his team to multiple ICC triumphs and was renowned for his aggressive yet composed batting.
5	Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 25,957 runs Sri Lanka / Asia Mahela Jayawardene, a stylish Sri Lankan batsman, scored 25,957 runs in 652 international matches. He made batting appear effortless with his calm and classy style and is famously remembered for his monumental 374 in Test cricket.
6	Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 25,534 runs South Africa / Africa / ICC One of cricket's greatest all-rounders, Jacques Kallis of South Africa, scored 25,534 runs in 519 international matches. He consistently delivered exceptional performances with both bat and ball, marking him as a true legend of the game.
7	Rahul Dravid (India) – 24,208 runs India / Asia / ICC Affectionately known as 'The Wall,' Rahul Dravid accumulated 24,208 runs in 509 international matches for India. He was celebrated for his solid technique, immense concentration, and dependable batting across all formats.
8	Brian Lara (West Indies) – 22,358 runs West Indies / ICC The flamboyant left-handed West Indian legend, Brian Lara, scored 22,358 runs in 430 international matches. He is celebrated for his exhilarating style and holds several iconic batting records, including the highest individual Test score of 400*.
9	Joe Root (England) – 22,000+ runs England An active modern legend, Joe Root of England has scored 22,166 runs in 381 international matches and continues to add to his impressive tally. He is known for his elegant batting style and prolific run-scoring, particularly in Test cricket.
10	Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 21,032 runs Sri Lanka / Asia The explosive Sri Lankan opener, Sanath Jayasuriya, amassed 21,032 runs in 586 international matches. He revolutionized One Day International batting with his aggressive approach and contributed significantly across over 600 international appearances.
11	Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 20,580 runs
12	Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 20,541 runs
13	Rohit Sharma (India) – 19,800+ runs
14	Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 18,900+ runs
15	AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 18,672 runs
16	Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 18,887 runs
17	Steve Waugh (Australia) – 18,545 runs
18	David Warner (Australia) – 18,300+ runs
19	MS Dhoni (India) – 17,266 runs
20	Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 16,000+ runs
21	Virat Kohli (India) – 26,000+ runs India A modern-day great and active player, Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in early 2026, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara with 28,068 runs in 557 matches. He is known for redefining fitness and intensity in cricket, holding the record for most ODI centuries, and continues to add to his prolific tally across all formats.

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 13, 2026.

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