Most Runs In International Cricket In All Formats (2025 Updated)
By:Andeep SinghModified:
Cricket has seen many great batters, but only a few have scored huge numbers across all three formats, Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. When fans talk about the Most Runs In International Cricket In All Formats, one name always stands at the very top: Sachin Tendulkar. His record continues to be unmatched even in 2025, despite modern stars closing in.
This updated article covers the highest run scorers in international cricket, their achievements, and how they shaped the history of the sport.
Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in International Cricket History
Across generations, these players showed exceptional skill, patience, and consistency. They scored runs in different conditions, against tough opponents, and across all formats of the game.
Below is the updated list (2025) of the top run scorers in cricket history:
Sachin Tendulkar is not just a cricketer — he is a global icon. Fans who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s remember rushing to the TV whenever Sachin walked in to bat. He carried the hopes of a billion people and still performed calmly.
He remains the highest run scorer in international cricket and the only player with 100 international centuries. His discipline, technique, and long career helped him reach a record that still stands firm in 2025.
2. Kumar Sangakkara – 28,016 Runs
Matches
594
Span
2000-2015
Runs
28016
Average
46.77
Strike Rate
66.56
Highest Score
319
100s
63
50s
153
Sangakkara was elegance in motion. Whether playing Tests or ODIs, his batting looked smooth and effortless. He was also a smart leader and a dependable wicketkeeper. His strong numbers across all formats show how complete a player he was.
3. Virat Kohli – 27,808 Runs
Matches
554
Span
2008–2025
Runs
27,808
Average
52.36
Strike Rate
79.29
Highest Score
254*
100s
83
50s
144
Virat Kohli is the biggest modern-day name in cricket. Known for his chasing skills, fitness, and fearless attitude, he continues to push boundaries. He has already crossed 50 ODI hundreds, breaking previous world records. Kohli’s journey is still active, meaning he may soon climb higher on this list.
4. Ricky Ponting – 27,483 Runs
Matches
560
Span
1995-2012
Runs
27483
Average
45.95
Strike Rate
68.48
Highest Score
257
100s
71
50s
146
Ponting represented Australia’s aggressive era. He was a run machine who also led his side to two World Cup titles. His sharp cricketing mind and consistent run-making made him one of the greatest captains and batters ever.
5. Mahela Jayawardene – 25,957 Runs
Matches
652
Span
1997-2015
Runs
25957
Average
39.15
Strike Rate
64.73
Highest Score
374
100s
54
50s
136
Mahela made batting look elegant. His timing, placement, and calm attitude helped Sri Lanka reach many important finals. His highest Test score of 374 remains legendary.
6. Jacques Kallis – 25,534 Runs
Matches
519
Span
1995-2014
Runs
25534
Average
49.10
Strike Rate
56.30
Highest Score
224
100s
62
50s
149
Kallis is often called the greatest all-rounder in cricket history. He scored heavily and also picked more than 550 wickets. His batting average above 55 in Tests shows how tough he was to dismiss.
7. Rahul Dravid – 24,208 Runs
Matches
509
Span
1996-2012
Runs
24208
Average
45.41
Strike Rate
51.98
Highest Score
270
100s
48
50s
146
Nicknamed “The Wall,” Dravid was India’s most dependable Test batter. When the team needed stability, he stood firm. His patience and flawless technique helped India win many overseas matches.
8. Brian Lara – 22,358 Runs
Matches
430
Span
1990-2007
Runs
22358
Average
46.28
Strike Rate
68.08
Highest Score
400*
100s
53
50s
111
Brian Lara was pure entertainment. His stroke play was artistic, and his record 400 in Tests* is still the highest individual score. He carried West Indies cricket during challenging times and did it with style.
9. Joe Root – 21,774 Runs
Matches
377
Span
2012–2025
Runs
21,774
Average
49.26
Strike Rate
66.70
Highest Score
262
100s
58
50s
114
Joe Root is the backbone of England’s batting. He mixes classic shots with modern strike rotation. Root continues to score heavily in Tests, proving that traditional batting still works in today’s fast format era.
10. Sanath Jayasuriya – 21,032 Runs
Matches
586
Span
1989-2011
Runs
21032
Average
34.14
Strike Rate
81.17
Highest Score
340
100s
42
50s
103
Jayasuriya changed ODI cricket with his fearless hitting. His explosive starts shaped Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win. Along with batting, he also contributed regularly with left-arm spin.
Format-Wise: Most Runs in All Formats Combined
Below are the top five run scorers in each format.
Most ODI Runs
Rank
Player
Runs
1
Sachin Tendulkar
18,426
2
Virat Kohli
14,390
3
Kumar Sangakkara
14,234
4
Ricky Ponting
13,704
5
Sanath Jayasuriya
13,430
Most Test Runs
Rank
Player
Runs
1
Sachin Tendulkar
15,921
2
Joe Root
13,551
3
Ricky Ponting
13,378
4
Jacques Kallis
13,289
5
Rahul Dravid
13,288
Most T20I Runs
Rank
Player
Runs
1
Babar Azam
4,429
2
Rohit Sharma
4,231
3
Virat Kohli
4,188
4
Jos Buttler
3,869
5
Paul Stirling
3,760
Conclusion
Even in 2025, Sachin Tendulkar continues to hold the record for the Most Runs In International Cricket In All Formats. His tally of 34,357 runs remains untouched and is one of the toughest records in sports history.
Many modern greats like Virat Kohli and Joe Root continue to add to their numbers, but Sachin’s record stands tall. These batters, from past legends to active stars, have helped shape cricket into the global sport we enjoy today.
FAQ’s
Who has the most international runs in cricket history?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 34,357 runs.
Which active player has the highest chance to break Tendulkar’s record?
Virat Kohli is the closest active player, but the gap is still large.
Who has the most centuries in international cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar leads with 100 international centuries.
Who is the leading run scorer in T20Is?
As of 2025, Babar Azam leads with 4,429 runs.
Which country has the most players in the top 10 run scorers list?
India, with four players: Tendulkar, Kohli, Dravid, and Jayasuriya (Asia XI counts separately).
