ODI cricket in the 21st century has largely tilted in favor of batsmen, making life tougher for bowlers. The white ball loses its swing and seam movement after the initial overs, and unlike in T20s, batsmen can build their innings without taking early risks.

Over the years, the sport has witnessed several exceptional batsmen who have thrived on the grand stage. While many have scored heavily and played match-winning knocks, only a select few have maintained consistency long enough to surpass 11,000 ODI runs.

5. Sourav Ganguly – 288 innings

Renowned for his fearless leadership, Sourav Ganguly’s batting prowess often remains overshadowed by other Indian greats. However, his contributions with the bat were remarkable.

Ganguly reached the 11,000-run milestone in ODIs during his 288th innings, achieving the feat against England in Birmingham in 2007. He retired with an impressive tally of 13,363 runs at an average of 41, including 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries.

4. Ricky Ponting – 286 innings

A dominant force in world cricket, Ricky Ponting was known for his aggressive approach and ability to take on the best bowlers.

The former Australian captain reached 11,000 ODI runs in his 286th innings against India in Sydney in 2008. With 13,704 runs at an average of 42, including 30 centuries and 82 fifties, Ponting remains Australia’s highest ODI run-scorer. His iconic unbeaten century in the 2003 World Cup final played a key role in securing Australia’s dominant victory over India.

3. Sachin Tendulkar – 276 innings

Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar reached the 11,000-run landmark in just 276 innings, achieving the feat against England in Kanpur in 2002. He celebrated the milestone with a match-winning 87* off 67 balls.

Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in ODI history, amassing 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. Having retired in 2013, he remains the only cricketer to score 100 international centuries.

2. Rohit Sharma – 261 innings

Rohit Sharma’s ODI journey began as a middle-order batter, but his career took off after his promotion as an opener in 2013. Since then, he has established himself as one of the finest white-ball batters.

In February 2025, Rohit became the 10th cricketer to surpass 11,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 261 innings—making him the second-fastest to do so.

1. Virat Kohli – 222 innings

Virat Kohli holds the record for being the fastest batter to reach 11,000 ODI runs, accomplishing the milestone in just 222 innings. He reached the mark during India’s 2019 World Cup clash against Pakistan in Manchester.

A modern-day legend, Kohli also holds the record for most ODI centuries, with 50 tons to his name. He played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and finished as the highest run-getter in the 2023 edition.