Top 5 batsmen with most runs in international cricket ft. Virat Kohli

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of most runs in international cricket with a massive lead.

Scoring runs consistently across formats and eras is one of the toughest challenges in international cricket. From timeless technicians to modern-day run machines, only a few batters have managed to dominate Tests, ODIs, and T20Is while maintaining longevity, adaptability, and elite standards against the world’s best bowling attacks.

Today, we take a look at the five men who dominated the sport with bat in hand, across every format, thereby booking their place in this elite list of batsmen with the most runs in international cricket.

Batsmen with most runs in international cricket

5. Mahela Jayawardene – 25,957

Mahela Jayawardene made batting appear effortless with his calm, classy style, accumulating 25,957 runs in 652 matches. Famous for his monumental 374 in Tests, smart captaincy, and a century during the ICC 2011 World Cup final, albeit in a losing cause, the Sri Lankan batter handled pressure with impeccable timing and composure.

4. Ricky Ponting – 27,483

Ricky Ponting, the fierce Australian icon, scored 27,483 runs in 560 matches, leading his team to multiple ICC triumphs as one of cricket’s most successful captains. He thrived in big matches with aggressive yet composed batting, delivering clutch performances that defined Australia’s dominance in the 2000s.

His leadership and ability to dominate attacks made him a true legend of the game. The Australian will always be remembered for his incredible 140* in the 2003 World Cup Final against India, and historic twin centuries (120 & 143) in his 100th Test match* against South Africa in 2006.

3. Kumar Sangakkara – 28,016

Kumar Sangakkara combined elegance, reliability, and sharp cricketing intelligence to amass 28,016 runs in 594 matches. A master of timing and composure, he excelled as a wicketkeeper-batsman and captain, scoring prolifically in Tests and ODIs with graceful stroke play, with 63 tons under his name.

His calmness under pressure and ability to adapt across conditions cemented his status as one of Sri Lanka’s finest and most complete players.

2. Virat Kohli – 28,017*

Indian great Virat Kohli has become the second-highest run-getter in international cricket history, overtaking Kumar Sangakkara during his innings in the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026, at Vadodara. Known as the modern run machine, Kohli has redefined fitness, chasing prowess, and intensity with 84 centuries and exceptional averages across formats.

His hunger for big scores and performance under pressure make him one of the all-time greats, achieved in fewer innings than legends before him. With plenty of time still left, the right-handed Indian batter will hope to get nearer to his idol.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 34,357

Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” remains the undisputed leader with 34,357 runs in 664 matches. He holds the record for the most international centuries (100) and defined consistency across eras, from his teenage debut in 1989 to retirement in 2013.

His ability to carry India’s batting for over two decades, facing the best bowlers worldwide, set an unbreakable benchmark in the sport.

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