Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments [Updated 2025 Stats]

ICC tournaments represent the pinnacle of international cricket—the stages where legends are born and careers are defined.

The ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy bring together the world’s best teams competing for cricket’s most prestigious trophies.

Scoring runs in these tournaments isn’t just about technique or talent.

It’s about performing under immense pressure when billions watch, when every ball could change history, and when one innings can immortalize a player forever.

From Sachin Tendulkar’s masterful displays in the 1990s and 2000s to Virat Kohli’s modern-day dominance, ICC tournament runs separate the good from the great.

These performances in cricket’s biggest moments define true champions.

Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments

This article reveals the Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments of all time, combining performances across ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups, and Champions Trophies.

We’ll explore who has consistently delivered when it matters most and analyze what makes these players special.

The most runs in ICC tournaments all format list showcases the greatest batsmen cricket has ever seen, measured by their ability to perform on the biggest stages across different eras and formats.

Understanding ICC Tournaments: The Premier Events

Before diving into statistics, let’s understand what constitutes ICC tournament runs. Three major events contribute to these records:

ODI World Cup:

• Held every 4 years (though originally irregular)
• Cricket’s most prestigious tournament
• 50-over format showcasing endurance and strategy
• Features the highest quality cricket for 6-7 weeks
• Winning it remains every cricketer’s ultimate dream

T20 World Cup:

• Held every 2 years (recently becoming more frequent)
• Explosive, unpredictable format
• Shorter tournament duration (3-4 weeks)
• Tests players’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations
• Attracts massive global viewership

Champions Trophy:

• Previously held every 2-4 years (discontinued after 2017)
• Featured top 8 ODI teams
• Compact, intense tournament
• Known for producing close, competitive matches
• Created some of cricket’s most memorable moments

The data in this article combines total runs from all three tournaments, giving us the Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments all time across these premier events.

Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments (All Formats Combined)

Here’s the complete breakdown of cricket’s greatest ICC tournament performers, combining runs across all three major events:

Rank	Player	Country	Total Runs	ODI WC	T20 WC	Champions Trophy	Average
1	Virat Kohli	India	3834	1795	1292	747	61.64
2	Rohit Sharma	India	3456	1575	1220	661	54.15
3	Chris Gayle	West Indies	2942	1186	965	791	44.57
4	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	2876	1532	661	683	49.32
5	Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka	2858	1100	1016	742	46.42
6	Sachin Tendulkar	India	2719	2278	—	441	56.75
7	David Warner	Australia	2593	1527	978	88	48.00
8	Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	2456	1332	853	271	40.26
9	Kane Williamson	New Zealand	2439	1167	727	545	52.16
10	Ricky Ponting	Australia	2422	1743	86	593	45.32

Key Insights from the Rankings:

• Virat Kohli’s Unprecedented Dominance:

With 3834 runs, Kohli leads the Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments all format by a massive margin. His average of 61.64 is the highest among all players with 2000+ runs, showcasing incredible consistency across tournaments.

• India’s Stranglehold:

Three of the top six positions belong to Indian batsmen (Kohli, Rohit, Tendulkar), demonstrating India’s sustained excellence in ICC events over three decades.

• Format Versatility:

Players like Gayle, Rohit, and Mahela Jayawardene have scored 1000+ runs in multiple formats, showing their adaptability to different tournament pressures and game situations.

• Sri Lankan Golden Era:

Sangakkara and Jayawardene’s presence in the top 5 reflects Sri Lanka’s golden period when they were perennial finalists in ICC tournaments.

• Modern vs Classic:

The mix of retired legends (Tendulkar, Ponting) and active stars (Kohli, Rohit) shows how the game has evolved while maintaining respect for past greatness.

This table represents the Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments of all cricket history, combining multiple formats into one comprehensive ranking.

Player-wise Highlights and Achievements

Let’s dive deeper into what makes each player’s ICC tournament career special:

1. Virat Kohli (India) – 3834 Runs

The Chase Master:

Kohli has perfected the art of chasing in ICC tournaments. His ability to pace innings under pressure is unmatched. With 23 fifty-plus scores in ICC events, he’s cricket’s most reliable big-match player.

Key Achievements:

• Highest average (61.64) among players with 2500+ runs
• Player of the Tournament in 2014 T20 World Cup
• Multiple match-winning knocks in knockouts
• 1795 ODI World Cup runs at average 59.83

Kohli is undoubtedly the most runs in ICC tournaments for India leader and shows no signs of slowing down.

2. Rohit Sharma (India) – 3456 Runs

The Century King:

Rohit shares the record for most ICC tournament centuries (7) with Tendulkar and Gayle. His ability to convert starts into big scores makes him invaluable in major events.

Key Achievements:

• 7 centuries (joint-most all-time)
• Most 50+ scores in T20 World Cups
• Crucial in India’s 2007 T20 WC and 2013 Champions Trophy wins
• 1575 ODI World Cup runs

As one of the Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments in India achievers, Rohit continues adding to his legacy.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 2942 Runs

The Universe Boss:

Gayle’s explosive batting has defined T20 World Cup cricket. His fearless approach and power-hitting capability made him a nightmare for bowlers in ICC tournaments.

Key Achievements:

• One of only two players with 1000+ runs in both ODI and T20 World Cups
• 7 ICC tournament centuries
• Instrumental in West Indies’ T20 World Cup victories (2012, 2016)
• Highest strike rate among top 10 run-scorers

4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 2876 Runs

The Elegant Left-Hander:

Sangakkara combined elegance with ruthless efficiency. His four consecutive centuries in the 2015 ODI World Cup remain one of cricket’s greatest individual feats.

Key Achievements:

• 4 back-to-back centuries in 2015 World Cup
• Average close to 50 across all formats
• 1532 ODI World Cup runs
• Highest runs in knockouts after Kohli

5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 2858 Runs

The Anchor:

Mahela’s ability to bat through innings and accelerate when needed made him perfect for ICC tournaments. He scored centuries in both ODI and T20 World Cups.

Key Achievements:

• Centuries in both ODI and T20 World Cup finals
• 1016 T20 World Cup runs (among highest ever)
• Instrumental in Sri Lanka reaching multiple finals
• Perfect partner for Sangakkara

6. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 2719 Runs

The Master Blaster:

Sachin’s 2278 ODI World Cup runs are the most runs in ICC tournaments ODI format by any player. His consistency across six World Cups (1992-2011) is legendary.

Key Achievements:

• Highest ODI World Cup runs ever (2278)
• Only player with 500+ runs in two World Cup editions (1996, 2003)
• 7 ICC tournament centuries
• Never played T20 World Cup but still ranks 6th overall

7. David Warner (Australia) – 2593 Runs

The Modern Aussie Great:

Warner represents Australia’s modern batting dominance. His aggressive approach and consistency across formats make him a key ICC tournament performer.

Key Achievements:

• Australia’s leading scorer in modern ICC events
• Crucial in 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories
• 1527 ODI World Cup runs
• Explosive starts that set up Australian victories

8. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 2456 Runs

The Bangladeshi Icon:

Shakib is the only Bangladeshi in the top 10, showcasing his nation’s growing cricket stature. His dual role as batsman and bowler makes him unique.

Key Achievements:

• 1332 ODI World Cup runs
• Only player in top 10 with significant bowling contributions
• Bangladesh’s highest ICC tournament scorer
• Consistent performer across all three formats

9. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 2439 Runs

The Silent Achiever:

Williamson’s calm demeanor hides his fierce competitive spirit. He’s led New Zealand to multiple finals with crucial innings under pressure.

Key Achievements:

• Led NZ to 2019 ODI WC and 2021 T20 WC finals
• Average of 52.16 shows remarkable consistency
• Crucial knockouts innings defining his career
• New Zealand’s most reliable ICC tournament batsman

10. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 2422 Runs

The Winning Machine:

Ponting’s 1743 ODI World Cup runs include match-winning innings in two finals (2003, 2007). His leadership and batting defined Australia’s dominant era.

Key Achievements:

• Two-time World Cup-winning captain
• 140* in 2003 World Cup final
• 1743 ODI World Cup runs at crucial moments
• Led from the front in pressure situations

Most Runs in ICC Knockout Matches (All Formats)

Knockout matches define champions. Here are the players who’ve excelled when elimination looms:

Player	Runs in Knockouts	Notable Performances
Virat Kohli	1048	82* vs AUS (2016 T20 WC QF), 96 vs BAN (2015 WC QF)
Kumar Sangakkara	879	124 vs ENG (2015 WC QF), 105* vs AUS (2015 WC QF)
Ricky Ponting	810	140* vs IND (2003 WC Final), 91 vs IND (2023 WC Final)
Rohit Sharma	774	88 vs NZ (2019 WC Semi), 83 vs AUS (2023 WC Final)
Sachin Tendulkar	758	85 vs PAK (2011 WC Semi), 98 vs KEN (2003 WC Semi)
David Warner	695	122* vs PAK (2015 WC QF), 53 vs IND (2023 WC Final)
Kane Williamson	647	67* vs IND (2019 WC Semi), 85 vs ENG (2019 WC Final)

Why Knockout Runs Matter Most:

• Extreme Pressure:

Knockouts mean win or go home. Every run carries the weight of a nation’s expectations.

• Mental Strength:

Performing in eliminations tests mental toughness more than skill. These runs separate legends from good players.

• Legacy Defining:

Knockout performances are remembered forever. Ponting’s 140* in the 2003 final defined his career more than any other innings.

Kohli’s 1048 runs in most runs in ICC knockout matches (all format) category show his big-match temperament is unparalleled.

Most Runs in ICC Tournaments for India

India has produced three of cricket’s greatest ICC tournament performers. Here’s how they compare:

Player	Total Runs	Average	ICC Titles Won	Formats
Virat Kohli	3834	61.64	2 (2011 WC, 2013 CT)	ODI WC, T20 WC, CT
Rohit Sharma	3456	54.15	2 (2007 T20 WC, 2013 CT)	ODI WC, T20 WC, CT
Sachin Tendulkar	2719	56.75	1 (2011 WC)	ODI WC, CT

India’s ICC Tournament Dominance:

• Three of Top Six:

India has produced 3 of the top 6 run-scorers in ICC tournament history, showcasing sustained excellence across generations.

• Different Eras:

Sachin (1990s-2011), Kohli (2011-present), and Rohit (2007-present) represent different cricket eras, proving India’s consistent talent production.

• Winning Correlation:

All three have won ICC tournaments, showing their runs came in winning causes, not just personal milestones.

The most runs in ICC tournaments for India category is dominated by these three legends, with younger players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal now building their own legacies.

Fun Facts and Key Stats

Here are fascinating statistics that add context to ICC tournament run-scoring:

Individual Records:

• Highest Individual Score: Martin Guptill – 237* (vs West Indies, 2015 ODI WC QF)
• Most Centuries: Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle – 7 each
• Most 50+ Scores: Virat Kohli & Sachin Tendulkar – 23 each
• Best Average (Min. 2000 Runs): Virat Kohli – 61.64
• Fastest Century: Kevin O’Brien – 50 balls (vs England, 2011 WC)

Format-Specific Records:

• Most ODI WC Runs: Sachin Tendulkar – 2278
• Most T20 WC Runs: Virat Kohli – 1292
• Most Champions Trophy Runs: Chris Gayle – 791
• Highest ODI WC Average (Min. 500 runs): Virat Kohli – 59.83

Unique Achievements:

• Only Player Without T20 WC Appearance in Top 10: Sachin Tendulkar (retired before format)
• Most Consecutive 50+ Scores: Kumar Sangakkara – 5 (2015 WC)
• Most Runs in Single Tournament: Sachin Tendulkar – 673 (2003 WC)
• Most Runs After Age 35: Chris Gayle – 850+ runs

These statistics show that ICC tournament greatness requires not just skill but also longevity, consistency, and the ability to perform across different formats and conditions.

Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments (ODI Focus)

Since ODI World Cups have the longest history, let’s specifically look at the most runs in ICC tournaments ODI category:

Rank	Player	Runs	Matches	Average	Centuries
1	Sachin Tendulkar	2278	45	56.95	6
2	Ricky Ponting	1743	46	45.86	5
3	Virat Kohli	1795	37	59.83	5
4	Rohit Sharma	1575	36	53.12	7
5	Kumar Sangakkara	1532	37	56.74	5
6	AB de Villiers	1207	23	63.52	2
7	David Warner	1527	32	52.65	4
8	Shakib Al Hasan	1332	34	44.40	2
9	Kane Williamson	1167	27	53.04	1
10	Chris Gayle	1186	34	35.93	2

ODI World Cup Insights:

• Tendulkar’s Unmatched Record:

Sachin’s 2278 runs across six World Cups (1992-2011) may never be broken. His longevity and consistency are legendary.

• Modern Stars Closing In:

Kohli and Rohit, still active, could potentially challenge Tendulkar’s record with 1-2 more World Cups.

• Average Excellence:

AB de Villiers’ average of 63.52 is the highest among players with 1000+ runs, though he played fewer matches.

Summary & Analysis: What These Numbers Tell Us

The Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments all time reveals fascinating patterns about cricket greatness:

• India’s Dominance:

With Kohli, Rohit, and Tendulkar in the top 6, India has produced the most consistent ICC tournament performers. This reflects their strong domestic structure, talent pool, and emphasis on big-match performance.

• Era Evolution:

The list includes players from the 1990s (Tendulkar, Ponting) to modern stars (Kohli, Rohit, Warner), showing how cricket has evolved while maintaining respect for past achievements.

• Sri Lankan Golden Period:

Sangakkara and Jayawardene’s presence reflects Sri Lanka’s 1996-2015 golden era when they were perennial finalists.

• Format Versatility:

The ability to score runs across different ICC tournaments (ODI WC, T20 WC, Champions Trophy) separates legends from great players. Only players adapting to different formats reach the top.

• Active Players’ Potential:

Kohli, Rohit, Warner, Williamson, and Shakib are still playing. Their final tallies could be significantly higher, potentially creating new records.

• Big-Match Temperament:

What unites all these players is their ability to perform under extreme pressure. ICC tournaments test mental strength as much as technical skill, and these players have consistently delivered.

FAQs:

• Who has scored the most runs in ICC tournaments?

Virat Kohli leads with 3834 runs across ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups, and Champions Trophy, followed by Rohit Sharma (3456 runs) and Chris Gayle (2942 runs).

• Who has the most ODI World Cup runs?

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 2278 runs across six World Cups (1992-2011), the most runs in ICC tournaments ODI format by any player.

• Which Indian has scored the most runs in ICC tournaments?

Virat Kohli is the most runs in ICC tournaments for India leader with 3834 runs, followed by Rohit Sharma (3456) and Sachin Tendulkar (2719).

• Who has the best average in ICC tournaments?

Among players with 2500+ runs, Virat Kohli has the best average at 61.64, showcasing remarkable consistency across all ICC events.

• How many centuries has Rohit Sharma scored in ICC tournaments?

Rohit Sharma has scored 7 centuries in ICC tournaments, sharing the record with Sachin Tendulkar and Chris Gayle for most ICC tournament centuries.

• Which players have 1000+ runs in multiple ICC tournament formats?

Only Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli have scored 1000+ runs in both ODI and T20 World Cups, showing exceptional format versatility.

• Who has scored the most runs in ICC knockout matches?

Virat Kohli leads with 1048 runs in knockout matches across all formats, demonstrating his big-match temperament and ability to perform under pressure.

• Can anyone break Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI World Cup record?

Virat Kohli (1795) and Rohit Sharma (1575) are active and could potentially challenge Sachin’s 2278 ODI World Cup runs with 1-2 more tournaments, though it remains a difficult task.

Conclusion: Cementing Legacies on Cricket’s Biggest Stages

Scoring runs in ICC tournaments is the ultimate measure of cricketing greatness.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re stories of pressure handled, nations inspired, and legacies cemented forever.

From Sachin Tendulkar’s six World Cup campaigns spanning 19 years to Virat Kohli’s chase masterclasses in eliminations, from Ricky Ponting’s final heroics to Rohit Sharma’s century blitz in 2019, every run in these tournaments carries weight beyond statistics.

The Top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments of all represents cricket’s elite—players who rose to the occasion when billions watched, when one mistake meant elimination, and when personal glory aligned with national pride.

As Kohli and Rohit continue their careers, they’ll add to their already historic tallies.

New stars like Shubman Gill, Babar Azam, and Travis Head are building their own ICC legacies.

Who do you think will break Virat Kohli’s ICC tournament record in the coming decade? Will Rohit Sharma overtake him? Or will a new star emerge to rewrite history?