Cricket has seen its fair share of batting giants who have left fans awestruck with their phenomenal run-scoring prowess. Here’s a closer look at the top 5 players with the most runs in international cricket, combining all formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is):
Sachin Tendulkar (India): Revered as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar sits at the top with a staggering 34,357 runs. His 24-year career yielded an unmatched 100 international centuries, a record that still stands strong. Across formats, he amassed 15,921 runs in Tests, 18,426 in ODIs, and 10 in T20Is.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, known for his graceful batting technique, occupies the second spot with 28,016 runs. His 15-year career saw him score across all formats – 12,400 runs in Tests, 14,234 in ODIs, and 338 in T20Is. Notably, he holds the record for the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan batsman (319).
Ricky Ponting (Australia): Australian great Ricky Ponting, a two-time World Cup winner, finds himself at number 3. His aggressive batting style, particularly dominant in the early 2000s, resulted in a total of 27,483 runs. He compiled these runs across 168 Tests (13,378), 375 ODIs (13,704), and 17 T20Is (401).
Virat Kohli (India): Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, is the lone active player in this elite company. As of July 2024, he boasts an impressive 26,884 runs across formats – 11,320 in Tests, 13,848 in ODIs (highest ODI centuries – 50), and 1,716 in T20Is. He continues to chase Tendulkar’s century record, having already reached 80 international tons.
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): Mahela Jayawardene, another Sri Lankan legend, completes the list with 25,957 runs. His 18-year career saw him score across formats – 11,814 in Tests, 12,650 in ODIs, and 493 in T20Is. His elegant stroke-play and strong partnerships with Sangakkara were a hallmark of Sri Lankan batting for over a decade.
These batting maestros have etched their names in cricket history with their phenomenal run-scoring abilities. Each with their own unique style and approach, they continue to inspire generations of aspiring cricketers.
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