One Day Internationals (ODIs) is one of the exciting cricket formats that offers fast-paced action with 50 overs for each side. The team that ends up scoring more runs within those overs wins the match. The ODI format was introduced in 1971 when a Test match got abandoned due to bad weather conditions. Unlike test cricket, which is played for up to five days, an ODI takes only a day to get the result.

For batters to score quick runs and keep the scoreboard moving, it is important for them to adapt to the conditions and help their team score big. By keeping note of that, let's explore the players who are top run getters in this format of cricket.

10 players with the most runs in ODIs

Below is the list of players who scored the most runs in ODI cricket. These players have inked their name in history with their exceptional batting skills by outclassing opposition bowlers with ease.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Termed as the "God of Cricket," Sachin Tendulkar is the top run-scorer in ODI cricket with 18,426 runs in 463 matches. The player had a marathon career of 23 years, where he broke and created many records in cricket. Even after getting retired in 2012, the crowd still starts chanting Sachin-Sachin when he gets displayed on the big screen.

2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Kumar Sangakkara, the left-hand batting sensation from Sri Lanka, has scored 14,234 runs in his one-day international career. He played an instrumental role in providing stability to the Sri Lankan playing XI. After having an exceptional career of 16 years, Sangakkara retired from ODIs during the 2015 ODI World Cup.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli is one of the modern greats of international cricket who is regarded as the 'Chase Master' in ODIs. The player has made 14,181 runs in 301 matches at an astounding average of 57.88. He is one of the few batters who not only hit boundaries but also believe in rotating strikes with ones and twos.

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Ricky Ponting, one of the greatest captains and batters of the game, has made 13,704 runs in 375 ODIs during his career. The player is also regarded as one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket. He had the unique ability to play pull shots while being on the front foot.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan batter, was famous for his aggressive batting style. In his ODI career, the player played 445 matches and scored 13,430 runs. Apart from his batting, he proved his effectiveness with the ball by picking key wickets during important phases of the game.

6. Mahela Jayawardhene (Sri Lanka)

Mahela Jayawardhene, the batter who was known for his elegant stroke play, represented Sri Lanka in 448 one-day internationals. He made 12,650 runs in his long career of 17 years. He also made significant contributions in the fielding department by taking breathtaking catches.

7. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the man who made his name in the international cricket with his power hitting capabilities, made 11,739 runs in 378 matches. The only shortcoming he had throughout his career was running between the wickets. Despite this, the player has been regarded as one of the finest batters in international cricket.

8. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Jacques Kallis was hands down one of the greatest all-rounders in world cricket. Having scored 11,579 runs in 328 matches, the player made huge contributions with the ball by picking 273 wickets in ODIs. His ability to effectively tackle seamers and pacers made him a technically sound batter.

9. Sourav Ganguly (India)

Sourav Ganguly is one of the most successful captains that India has. The player represented Team India in 311 ODIs and scored 11,363 runs in it. His fearlessness used to get reflected in batting as well as captaincy. Team India made significant leaps during his stint as a skipper.

10. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma, the Hitman who is known for his lazy elegance, is the only batter to have scored two double centuries in ODI cricket. As of now, he has played 273 matches and made 11,168 runs at a healthy average of 48.77. Under his leadership, Team India has won two consecutive ICC trophies, equalling the record of MS Dhoni.