Highest Run-Scorers for India in ODI Cricket: Top 15 Batsmen

Since the inception of One Day Internationals (ODIs), India has been blessed with some of the finest batsmen to ever grace the 50-over format. From the classical elegance of Sunil Gavaskar to the modern-day dominance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Indian cricket’s journey in ODIs has been defined by an unending line of world-class run machines.

The country’s ODI batting history is a story of evolution — from the cautious yet effective approach of the 1980s and 1990s to the fearless strokeplay that defines contemporary cricket. India has produced legends who have consistently featured among the most runs in ODI for India, setting records that have stood the test of time.

Let’s look at the top 15 Indian batsmen with the most runs for India in ODIs, analyzing their contributions, consistency, and remarkable milestones.

Most Runs for India in ODIs

Rank	Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Ave	SR	100	50
1	SR Tendulkar	1989–2012	463	452	18426	200*	44.83	86.23	49	96
2	V Kohli	2008–2025	305*	296	14217	183	57.55	93.25	51	74
3	RG Sharma	2007–2025	276*	268	11308	264	48.95	92.56	32	60
4	SC Ganguly	1992–2007	308	297	11221	183	40.95	73.65	22	71
5	R Dravid	1996–2011	344	314	10768	153	39.15	71.18	12	83
6	MS Dhoni	2004–2019	347	294	10599	183*	50.23	87.13	9	73
7	M Azharuddin	1985–2000	334	308	9378	153*	36.92	74.02	7	58
8	Yuvraj Singh	2000–2017	301	275	8609	150	36.47	97.34	14	52
9	V Sehwag	1999–2013	241	235	7995	219	35.37	104.44	15	38
10	S Dhawan	2010–2022	167	164	6793	143	44.11	94.13	17	39
11	SK Raina	2005–2018	226	194	5615	116*	35.31	93.50	5	36
12	A Jadeja	1992–2000	196	179	5359	119	37.47	69.79	6	30
13	G Gambhir	2003–2013	147	143	5238	150*	39.68	85.25	11	34
14	NS Sidhu	1987–1998	136	127	4413	134*	36.89	70.07	6	33
15	K Srikkanth	1981–1992	146	145	4091	123	31.22	71.74	4	27

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 Runs (1989–2012)

• Matches: 463
• Average: 44.83
• Hundreds: 49
• Fifties: 96
• Highest Score: 200*

No discussion about Indian cricket is complete without Sachin Tendulkar, the man who redefined batting in the modern era. Leading the chart of most runs in ODI for India, Tendulkar amassed an incredible 18,426 runs over 23 years.

He was the first player ever to score a double century in ODIs and remains the only batsman with 100 international hundreds across formats. With his unmatched consistency, Tendulkar became the heartbeat of Indian cricket through the 1990s and 2000s. His ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks, adapt to conditions, and deliver under pressure made him the gold standard for ODI batting.

2. Virat Kohli – 14,217 Runs (2008–Continue)

• Matches: 305*
• Average: 57.55
• Hundreds: 51
• Fifties: 74

Virat Kohli stands second on the list of most runs for India in ODI and continues to close in on records that once seemed unbreakable. Known for his unmatched chase mastery and incredible consistency, Kohli’s ODI average of 57.55 highlights his dominance in the modern era.

His ability to build innings, rotate strike, and accelerate seamlessly makes him one of the most complete one-day batsmen ever. Kohli’s fitness, intensity, and passion for winning have made him a symbol of modern Indian cricket. With 51 centuries, he has already surpassed Sachin’s ODI hundred tally, becoming the ultimate run-machine of the 21st century.

3. Rohit Sharma – 11,308 Runs (2007–Continue)

• Matches: 276*
• Average: 48.95
• Hundreds: 32
• Fifties: 60
• Highest Score: 264

Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, redefined the meaning of ODI batting with his effortless strokeplay and ability to score big hundreds. His 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in ODI history.

Rohit’s timing, placement, and six-hitting ability make him one of the most dangerous openers in the world. His knack for turning starts into monumental innings has made him indispensable for India in white-ball cricket. With over 11,000 runs and counting, Rohit remains a cornerstone of India’s ODI success story.

4. Sourav Ganguly – 11,221 Runs (1992–2007)

• Matches: 308
• Average: 40.95
• Hundreds: 22
• Fifties: 71

Known as the “Prince of Kolkata”, Sourav Ganguly transformed India’s ODI batting with his aggression and leadership. Opening alongside Tendulkar, Ganguly formed one of the most successful partnerships in world cricket.

A master of the off-side, Ganguly’s elegant cover drives and fearless attitude gave Indian cricket a new identity. Under his captaincy, India became a dominant ODI force in the early 2000s, and his 11,221 runs ensure his name remains among the all-time greats.

5. Rahul Dravid – 10,768 Runs (1996–2011)

• Matches: 344
• Average: 39.15
• Hundreds: 12
• Fifties: 83

Rahul Dravid, often nicknamed The Wall, was primarily known for his Test exploits, but his ODI record stands as proof of his adaptability. Scoring over 10,000 runs with a healthy average, Dravid’s role as a stabilizer in India’s middle order was crucial during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He also kept wickets in several matches, allowing India to play an extra batsman or bowler. Dravid’s contributions may not have been flashy, but they were always vital.

6. MS Dhoni – 10,599 Runs (2004–2019)

• Matches: 347
• Average: 50.23
• Hundreds: 9
• Fifties: 73

Mahendra Singh Dhoni combined consistency with unparalleled finishing ability. Scoring over 10,000 runs at an average above 50, Dhoni revolutionized ODI batting with his calmness under pressure.

His unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka remains one of the greatest ODI innings ever played by a wicketkeeper-batsman. Beyond numbers, Dhoni’s tactical acumen and leadership turned India into a world-beating ODI unit, capturing both the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cups.

7. Mohammad Azharuddin – 9,378 Runs (1985–2000)

• Matches: 334
• Average: 36.92
• Hundreds: 7
• Fifties: 58

Mohammad Azharuddin was one of the most stylish batsmen India has ever produced. His wristy strokeplay and quick running between the wickets made him a consistent performer through the 1980s and 1990s.

Azhar’s 9,378 runs came at a time when ODIs were far more bowler-friendly. As captain, he led India to numerous memorable wins, and his graceful batting remains etched in cricketing memory.

8. Yuvraj Singh – 8,609 Runs (2000–2017)

• Matches: 301
• Average: 36.47
• Hundreds: 14
• Fifties: 52

Yuvraj Singh was the heartbeat of India’s middle order for over a decade. A left-handed powerhouse, Yuvraj’s aggressive batting style made him a match-winner. His performances in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup, where he was Player of the Tournament, are iconic.

Beyond stats, Yuvraj’s comeback from cancer and his fearless hitting make him one of the most inspirational figures in Indian cricket.

9. Virender Sehwag – 7,995 Runs (1999–2013)

• Matches: 241
• Average: 35.37
• Strike Rate: 104.44
• Hundreds: 15

Virender Sehwag brought Test-match audacity into ODI cricket. His fearless batting at the top changed India’s approach to limited-overs cricket. With a strike rate of over 100, Sehwag often destroyed bowling attacks before they could settle.

His 219 against West Indies in 2011 was one of the most explosive ODI innings in history. Sehwag’s aggressive intent set the tone for a new generation of Indian openers.

10. Shikhar Dhawan – 6,793 Runs (2010–2022)

• Matches: 167
• Average: 44.11
• Hundreds: 17

Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flamboyant strokeplay and consistency in ICC tournaments, has been one of India’s most reliable ODI openers. His left-right partnerships with Rohit Sharma gave India a formidable top order.

Dhawan’s ability to perform in pressure situations, particularly in Champions Trophy and World Cups, makes him one of India’s most dependable limited-overs batsmen.

11. Suresh Raina – 5,615 Runs (2005–2018)

• Matches: 226
• Average: 35.31
• Hundreds: 5

Suresh Raina was India’s ultimate utility player — an aggressive middle-order batsman, electric fielder, and part-time bowler. Known for finishing games with flair, Raina’s contribution in India’s 2011 World Cup campaign was vital.

His ability to dominate spin and score quick runs in the death overs made him an ODI asset for over a decade.

12. Ajay Jadeja – 5,359 Runs (1992–2000)

• Matches: 196
• Average: 37.47
• Hundreds: 6

Ajay Jadeja was one of India’s most composed finishers during the 1990s. His quick-scoring ability and cool temperament helped India in tight situations. His unforgettable cameo against Pakistan in the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal remains one of the defining ODI moments of the decade.

13. Gautam Gambhir – 5,238 Runs (2003–2013)

• Matches: 147
• Average: 39.68
• Hundreds: 11

Gautam Gambhir was a technically sound and gritty batsman who often rose to the occasion. His 97 in the 2011 World Cup Final remains one of the most crucial innings in Indian ODI history. With over 5,000 runs, Gambhir was a vital cog in India’s top order for nearly a decade.

14. Navjot Singh Sidhu – 4,413 Runs (1987–1998)

• Matches: 136
• Average: 36.89
• Hundreds: 6

Navjot Singh Sidhu was known for his solid technique and patience at the crease. A consistent performer during the 1990s, Sidhu’s ability to build innings and play long knocks made him one of India’s key batsmen in an era dominated by swing and seam.

15. Krishnamachari Srikkanth – 4,091 Runs (1981–1992)

• Matches: 146
• Average: 31.22
• Hundreds: 4

K. Srikkanth, India’s attacking opener of the 1980s, set the tone for aggressive batting long before Sehwag or Rohit. His fearless approach at the top of the order helped India win the 1983 World Cup, where he was the team’s top scorer in the final.

Conclusion: India’s ODI Batting Legacy

From Sachin Tendulkar’s classical dominance to Virat Kohli’s modern mastery, and Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking brilliance, India’s ODI batting story is a saga of evolution and excellence.

These 15 batsmen represent different eras, styles, and strengths — yet all share a common legacy: unmatched contribution to India’s success in limited-overs cricket.

As new talents continue to emerge, these legends have laid the foundation for India’s future in ODIs, ensuring that the nation remains a powerhouse in the format.

Whether it’s Tendulkar’s artistry, Kohli’s intensity, or Dhoni’s calmness, the list of most runs in ODI for India is not just a record book — it’s a chronicle of passion, consistency, and cricketing greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who has scored the most runs for India in ODIs?

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs for India in ODI cricket, with a phenomenal tally of 18,426 runs from 463 matches between 1989 and 2012. He remains the all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs globally, not just for India.

2. Who is the fastest Indian to reach 10,000 ODI runs?

Virat Kohli is the fastest Indian (and overall) to reach 10,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 205 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record. His consistency and fitness make him one of the most efficient run-getters in ODI history.

3. Which Indian batsman has the highest individual score in ODIs?

Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual ODI score — an incredible 264 runs against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in 2014. It remains the highest-ever individual score in One Day International cricket.

4. How many Indian players have scored over 10,000 runs in ODIs?

As of 2025, six Indian batsmen have crossed the 10,000-run mark in ODIs:

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 runs
2. Virat Kohli – 14,217 runs
3. Rohit Sharma – 11,308 runs
4. Sourav Ganguly – 11,221 runs
5. Rahul Dravid – 10,768 runs
6. MS Dhoni – 10,599 runs

These names dominate the list of most runs in ODI for India and reflect the depth of India’s batting excellence.

5. Who has the highest batting average among Indians in ODIs?

Among the top Indian run-scorers, Virat Kohli has the highest batting average of 57.55. His consistency across formats and his ability to perform under pressure make him India’s most prolific modern-day batsman.

6. Who scored India’s first double century in ODIs?

Sachin Tendulkar became the first Indian (and first in the world) to score a double century in ODIs, smashing 200 runs against South Africa* in Gwalior in 2010. His record-breaking knock inspired future Indian batsmen like Rohit Sharma to achieve similar milestones.

Related Blog: Fastest Indian Batsman to Reach 5000 Runs in ODIs Cricket