The leading run scorer in One Day International (ODI) cricket is an ever-changing entity, with new players emerging to take the mantle from the previous generations. While the records for highest runs scored in ODIs may change, the players who have held the top spot remain the same.
Sachin Tendulkar
The leading run scorer in ODIs is Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. He has scored 18,426 runs in 463 matches, with an impressive average of 44.83. He also holds the record for most centuries in ODIs with 49 centuries and 96 half centuries. His most memorable innings was his unbeaten 200 against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010.
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara is the second leading run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 14,234 runs in 404 matches, with an average of 41.98. He has 25 centuries and 83 half centuries. His highest score is 169 not out against Zimbabwe in 2015.
Ricky Ponting
Australian legend Ricky Ponting is the third highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 13,704 runs in 375 matches, with an average of 42.03. He has 30 centuries and 82 half centuries. His highest score is 164 not out against South Africa in 2006.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya is the fourth highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 13,430 runs in 445 matches, with an average of 32.36. He has 28 centuries and 68 half centuries. His highest score is 189 against India in 1997.
Mahela Jayawardene
Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene is the fifth highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 12,650 runs in 448 matches, with an average of 33.37. He has 19 centuries and 77 half centuries. His highest score is 144 against South Africa in 2006.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Pakistani batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq is the sixth highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 11,739 runs in 378 matches, with an average of 39.52. He has 10 centuries and 83 half centuries. His highest score is 137 not out against New Zealand in 2003.
Jacques Kallis
South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis is the seventh highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 11,579 runs in 328 matches, with an average of 45.25. He has 17 centuries and 86 half centuries. His highest score is 139 not out against New Zealand in 2006.
Rahul Dravid
Indian batsman Rahul Dravid is the eighth highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 10,889 runs in 344 matches, with an average of 39.16. He has 12 centuries and 83 half centuries. His highest score is 153 against New Zealand in 1999.
Sourav Ganguly
Indian batsman Sourav Ganguly is the ninth highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 10,363 runs in 311 matches, with an average of 41.02. He has 22 centuries and 72 half centuries. His highest score is 183 against Sri Lanka in 1999.
Brian Lara
West Indian batsman Brian Lara is the tenth highest run scorer in ODIs. He has scored 10,348 runs in 299 matches, with an average of 40.48. He has 19 centuries and 63 half centuries. His highest score is 169 against Pakistan in 1993.
These players have dominated the ODI batting charts for years and are some of the most iconic figures in cricket. They have set the benchmark for future generations of cricketers and have etched their names in the annals of cricketing history.