Highest Run Scorers in International Cricket (All Time)

The record for the most runs in international cricket history belongs to Sachin Tendulkar. Across a 24-year career spanning Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, the Indian legend amassed a colossal 34,357 runs, a benchmark that remains the “Mount Everest” for modern batters.

Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in Cricket History (Updated 2026)

Below is the current standing of the top 10 run-getters across all three formats combined.

Note: Stats for active players (Kohli, Root) are subject to change as matches progress.

The “Big Three” Explained

1. The Undisputed King: Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 Runs)

Sachin Tendulkar is not just a statistic; he is an era. He remains the only cricketer to score 100 international centuries. His longevity allowed him to dominate two different generations of bowling—from the pace of Wasim Akram and Curtly Ambrose in the 90s to the spin wizardry of Warne and Muralitharan in the 2000s.

• Key Stat: He holds the record for most runs in both Tests (15,921) and ODIs (18,426).

2. The Modern Master: Virat Kohli (28,000+ Runs)

In early 2026, Virat Kohli achieved a historic milestone by overtaking Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer ever. While Tendulkar relied on longevity and technique, Kohli’s game is built on supreme fitness and an insatiable hunger for “chasing” targets. He is the only player in history to average above 50 in ODIs and T20Is simultaneously for a significant portion of his career.

• Key Stat: Kohli is the fastest batter to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODI cricket.

3. The Elegant Anchor: Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 Runs)

The Sri Lankan left-hander was the epitome of grace. Sangakkara’s ability to keep wickets (for much of his career) and still bat in the top 3 makes his numbers even more impressive. He was a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket, guiding them to multiple World Cup finals.

• Key Stat: He scored four consecutive centuries in the 2015 ODI World Cup, a record that highlights his incredible consistency.

Active Players to Watch

While the list is dominated by retired legends, two active players are still climbing the ladder:

Joe Root (England)

Currently sitting at No. 9, England’s run-machine Joe Root is the biggest threat to the middle-order records. Having moved past 22,000 runs, Root is aggressively chasing Brian Lara’s record. His focus on Test cricket (where he scores the bulk of his runs) sets him apart from other modern players who prioritize T20 leagues.

Kane Williamson & Steve Smith

While slightly further down the list (hovering around the 16,000-18,000 mark), these two remain vital accumulators. However, given their age and injury history, cracking the top 5 remains a steep challenge compared to Root and Kohli.

Breakdown by Format

To understand where these runs come from, it helps to look at the format dominance:

• Test Cricket (The Long Format): This is still Tendulkar’s fortress (15,921 runs). The closest active challenger is Joe Root, who is closing in on the 14,000-run mark in Tests.

• ODIs (50 Overs): Tendulkar leads with 18,426 runs, but Virat Kohli has come closer than anyone thought possible, currently sitting comfortably in the 14,000s with a better strike rate and average.

• T20 Internationals: This is the one format where the “Old Guard” is absent. The top run-scorers here are modern aggressors like Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, who have traded the top spot multiple times over the last few years.

Conclusion

Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 34,357 runs was once considered breakable, but as the cricket calendar shifts heavily toward T20 leagues and shorter series, the volume of international matches required to catch him is shrinking. While Virat Kohli has made a valiant charge to No. 2, Tendulkar’s “Mountain of Runs” likely remains safe for another generation.

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