Record Alert: Fastest Indian Batsman to Reach 5000 Runs in ODIs Cricket

In the annals of Indian one‑day international (ODI) cricket, the 5,000‑run mark is one of the key benchmarks for consistency, longevity, and class. Becoming the Fastest Indian to Reach 5000 Runs in ODI is not just about accumulating runs — it’s about doing so efficiently, across matches and formats, while under pressure and against varied opposition. In this feature, we profile the Top 10 Fastest Indian to Reach 5000 Runs in ODI (by innings taken), highlight key stories, and also examine what this feat signifies in the modern era of cricket.

Top 10 Fastest Indian to Score 5000 Runs in ODI

Here’s a compiled list (with innings taken) of the top 10 Indian batters (male and female) who have reached the 5,000‑run milestone in ODIs the quickest:

Rank	Player	Innings to Reach 5,000 ODI Runs
1	Smriti Mandhana	112
2	Virat Kohli	114
3	Shikhar Dhawan	118
4	Sourav Ganguly	126
5	MS Dhoni	135
6	Gautam Gambhir	135
7	Sachin Tendulkar	138
8	Rohit Sharma	142
9	Mithali Raj	144
10	Rahul Dravid	148

Smriti Mandhana – 112 innings

Smriti Mandhana created history by becoming the fastest Indian, across both men’s and women’s cricket, to reach 5,000 ODI runs in just 112 innings. Her elegant stroke play, consistency at the top order, and ability to anchor and accelerate as needed have made her a standout performer. Her record is a testament to the rapid evolution of women’s cricket in India, and it cements her status as a modern-day great in the ODI format.

Virat Kohli – 114 innings

Virat Kohli reached 5,000 ODI runs in just 114 innings, becoming the fastest Indian male cricketer to do so. Known for his remarkable consistency, fitness, and chase-master mentality, Kohli’s early rise set the tone for his record-breaking career. His technique and hunger for runs allowed him to dominate across conditions and oppositions. Matching Vivian Richards’ global record, Kohli’s entry into the 5,000-run club marked him as a future legend in Indian cricket.

Shikhar Dhawan – 118 innings

Shikhar Dhawan’s attacking style and dependable opening partnerships helped him become the third-fastest Indian to reach 5,000 ODI runs in 118 innings. A key contributor in ICC tournaments, Dhawan blended flair with solidity, particularly on overseas tours. His left-handed dynamism often gave India strong starts, and his consistency across formats made him a vital cog in India’s batting order. Achieving the milestone quickly underlines his importance in India’s ODI setup over the past decade.

Sourav Ganguly – 126 innings

Sourav Ganguly reached 5,000 ODI runs in 126 innings, making him one of the quickest during his era. Known as the ‘Prince of Kolkata,’ Ganguly combined elegance with aggression, particularly on the offside. His fearless approach revolutionized India’s one-day strategies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a captain and opener, his ability to provide brisk starts was instrumental in many Indian wins. His milestone reflected leadership, consistency, and a modern approach to ODIs.

MS Dhoni – 135 innings

MS Dhoni, renowned for his calmness and finishing prowess, crossed the 5,000-run mark in 135 innings. While often batting lower in the order, he maintained a high average and strike rate. His ability to read the game and chase under pressure set him apart. Achieving this milestone while juggling captaincy duties makes the feat even more impressive. Dhoni’s unorthodox yet effective style reshaped India’s middle order and established him as one of the greatest ODI finishers.

Gautam Gambhir – 135 innings

Gautam Gambhir took 135 innings to reach 5,000 ODI runs, showcasing his stability and grit as a top-order batsman. Known for his temperament in big matches, including ICC finals, Gambhir was a reliable scorer who thrived under pressure. Though often overshadowed by flashier teammates, his contributions were crucial during India’s successful campaigns. His innings were built on determination and sharp cricketing sense, making him a vital asset during India’s transition period in limited-overs cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar – 138 innings

Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in ODI history, reached 5,000 runs in 138 innings. In an era with tougher pitches and fewer matches, this was a remarkable feat. His ability to adapt and innovate kept him ahead of the curve. Though he started as a middle-order batsman, his switch to opener unlocked his full potential. Tendulkar’s milestone was a stepping stone in a legendary career that saw him redefine the art of batting in ODIs.

Rohit Sharma – 142 innings

Rohit Sharma reached the 5,000-run mark in 142 innings, marking his transformation from an inconsistent middle-order player to a dominant opener. Known for his effortless stroke play and big hundreds, Rohit mastered the role of anchoring long innings. His ability to accelerate after settling in became his trademark. Despite a slow start to his career, his adaptability and power-hitting in crucial matches helped him become one of India’s most feared ODI batters in recent years.

Mithali Raj – 144 innings

Mithali Raj, the former captain of India’s women’s team, reached 5,000 ODI runs in 144 innings, underlining her long-term dominance in the format. Her classical technique and calm demeanor allowed her to anchor innings consistently. Mithali’s landmark was a product of sustained excellence, leadership, and unmatched commitment. As one of the pioneers of women’s cricket in India, her achievements have inspired generations, and her inclusion among ODI greats — regardless of gender — is well-deserved.

Rahul Dravid – 148 innings

Rahul Dravid, known as ‘The Wall,’ crossed 5,000 ODI runs in 148 innings. Though more celebrated for his Test exploits, Dravid was a vital ODI contributor thanks to his technique and adaptability. His role often shifted — from anchor to middle-order stabilizer to even wicketkeeper-batsman. Despite not being a power-hitter, he rotated strike efficiently and played key roles in several successful chases. His milestone reflects consistency, reliability, and a team-first mindset that defined his career.

Final Thoughts

Reaching 5,000 runs in ODI cricket is a benchmark that reflects consistency, class, and adaptability. For Indian cricket, the journey of its top batters toward this milestone showcases not just personal excellence but also the evolution of the game itself — from the elegance of Dravid and Ganguly to the aggression of Kohli and Rohit, and the emergence of women stars like Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj.

Mandhana’s record as the Fastest Indian to Reach 5000 Runs in ODI is a historic breakthrough, highlighting the rising impact of women’s cricket in India. Meanwhile, Kohli’s and Dhawan’s rapid climb underscores a golden era of modern batting. Each name on the list represents a unique journey, style, and contribution to Indian cricket’s ODI legacy. These milestones are more than numbers — they’re a testament to the enduring passion, discipline, and brilliance that define India’s cricketing heroes across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the fastest Indian to reach 5000 runs in ODI cricket?

Smriti Mandhana is the fastest Indian (across men and women) to reach 5,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 112 innings. Among male players, Virat Kohli holds the record, doing it in 114 innings.

Which male cricketer was the fastest Indian to score 5000 ODI runs?

Virat Kohli was the fastest Indian male cricketer to score 5,000 runs in ODIs, reaching the milestone in 114 innings, matching Vivian Richards’ global record.

Is Smriti Mandhana the fastest woman to 5000 ODI runs globally?

While Smriti Mandhana is the fastest Indian woman to 5000 ODI runs, she is also among the fastest women globally to achieve this feat. Her 112-innings milestone is a historic achievement in women’s ODI cricket.

How many Indian players have scored 5000 or more runs in ODIs?

Over 15 Indian players have crossed 5,000 ODI runs, but only 10 are currently listed among the fastest to reach the mark, based on innings played.

Why is the 5000-run mark important in ODIs?

Reaching 5,000 ODI runs is considered a sign of consistency, skill, and longevity. It reflects a player’s sustained performance across different conditions and formats over time.

6. Who are the top 3 fastest Indians to reach 5000 ODI runs?

The top 3 fastest Indians are:

1. Smriti Mandhana – 112 innings
2. Virat Kohli – 114 innings
3. Shikhar Dhawan – 118 innings

Related Blog: Highest Successful Run Chase in Women’s ODI