When it comes to the ICC ODI World Cup, there is nothing in fans’ minds quite like records of run-scoring. Once every four years, the world comes together for cricket’s greatest party – crazy stadiums, pressure-cooker moments and heroes who summon magic from thin air. In World Cup history, we have many records and one of them is related to the number of players who have scored the most runs in ODI World Cups.
These are run machines cleansing the soul, those who have defined entire eras and upon whose strong square shoulders nations and generations fit – they’ve also scorched out there in centre too a few of the very best batting ever seen. So whether you are in a statistics, fantasy cricket or nostalgia mode, let this list remind you of peak cricketing greatness.
In this blog, we will delve deep into the top 10 all-time highest run-scorers in ODI World Cup, look at how they performed over their career and what sets them apart.
Most Runs in ODI World Cup – Full List, Stats & All-Time Records
In context of ICC ODI World Cup, no one catch fans’ imagination more than run-scoring records. Once every four years, the world stands witness to cricket’s grandest carnival – jam-packed stadiums, high-pressure situations and legends that rise to the occasion. There are a plethora of records in the history of World Cup, but one record is monumental and that’s the list comprising players with most runs in ODI world cups.
These run-machines have defined eras, hoisted nations on their shoulders and produced some of the best batting that has ever been seen. Whether you like stats, are a fantasy cricket player or simply someone who wants to take a trip down memory lane, this list is the story of great cricket unfolded at the highest level.
Here in this blog, we scroll down the top ten leading run-scorers in ODI World Cup and delve into their performances, learn about what makes them exceptional.
Top 10 Players With The Most Runs in ODI World Cup History
| Player | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 45 | 2278 | 152 | 56.95 |
| Virat Kohli | 37 | 1795 | 117 | 59.83 |
| Ricky Ponting | 46 | 1743 | 140* | 45.86 |
| Rohit Sharma | 28 | 1575 | 140 | 60.57 |
| Kumar Sangakara | 37 | 1532 | 124 | 56.74 |
| David Warner | 29 | 1527 | 178 | 56.55 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 36 | 1332 | 124* | 41.62 |
| Brian Lara | 34 | 1225 | 116 | 42.24 |
| AB de Villiers | 23 | 1207 | 162* | 63.52 |
| Chris Gayle | 35 | 1186 | 215 | 35.93 |
Sachin Tendulkar – 2278 Runs
No list of the best World Cup batsmen is ever complete without Sachin Tendulkar’s name. The Indian legend is the highest run-scorer in the history of ODI World Cup and has maintained his record for more than a decade & counting to still be safe.
Sachin Tendulkar and India’s Emotional World Cup Win in 2011: Why His Legacy Is Special
- Appeared in six World Cups (1992–2011), the most by any Indian batter
- Player of the Tournament in 2003 with 673 runs
- Was the epitome of consistency, class and staying power
Sachin did not just burden India’s batting many a time but also inspired an entire generation with his knock.
Virat Kohli – 1795 Runs
The chase master, the run machine —Virat Kohli has redefined World Cup batting with unprecedented consistency.
Highlights
- Most runs across 2019 and 2023 World Cups
- Famous for transforming pressure into motivation
- Has a spectacular average of 59.83 in the World Cups
What makes Kohli a standout is the manner in which he does well under pressure situations. Whether it’s a run chase in the death overs or a knockout match, Virat generally rises to the occasion.
Ricky Ponting – 1743 Runs
Ricky Ponting – One of the finest captain ever, The man who ruled World Cups as a leader and a batsman.
Why Ponting Is a WC Giant
- Took Australia to two consecutive titles (2003 & 2007)
- Famous for swashbuckling style of play as well as penchant for big games
- Notched unforgettable 140 in the 2003 final*
Ponting being a pressure player and game changer of World Cup cricket: COnwell PuntingsSHIP can handle the challenges.
Rohit Sharma – 1575 Runs
If there’s a World Cup performer who reinvented explosive batting, Rohit Sharma is your man.
Rohit’s World Cup Impact
- Smashed record 5 centuries in the 2019 World Cup.
- Highest score: 140
- Currently averaging 60-plus – one of the best in history
Rohit serenades class with destruction, he’s one openers in the contemporary era terrify opposition bowlers.
Kumar Sangakkara – 1532 Runs
The Sri Lankan legend played with class, timing and cricketing intellect on the international stage.
Sangakkara’s World Cup Legacy
- Became the only man to score four ODI hundreds at a WC- in 2015
- In my life as a left-hander, one of the classiest conservatives ever
- Maintained an excellent average of 56.74
Sangakkara’s presence extended beyond runs – he was a leader, mentor and cricketing ambassador.
David Warner – 1527 Runs
The modern-day firecracker for Australia, David Warner possesses both aggression and consistency.
Warner’s Strengths
- Outstanding strike rotation and power through the off side
- Top score: 178, one of the finest WC innings
- And average – 56 to show he loves big tournaments
Warner’s capacity to go after bowlers from the word go is what makes him a game-changer.
Shakib Al Hasan – 1332 Runs
Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh’s best-ever cricketer Shakib has held fort at the centre for his side led by example in all three formats.
Why Shakib Deserves Huge Credit
- Handy allrounder with bat and ball
- Finished top of the run-scoring charts at the 2019 World Cup in one of best tournaments ever
- Highest score: 124*
That adaptability across conditions and roles is what makes Shakib a World Cup icon.
Brian Lara – 1225 Runs
The West Indian genius, celebrated for his style and unparalleled skill, twinkled on the grandest stage.
Lara’s WC Highlights
- Highest score: 116
- Played in a competitive era with strong bowling attacks
- 42.24 average of 34 matches
For all that it was a team at times in turmoil, Lara towered above them — and not just literally.
AB de Villiers – 1207 Runs
Mr. 360°, the king of innovation, style and unprecedented striking prowess AB de Villiers.
To World Cups AB Was Born
- Top score: 162 off 66 balls*, one of the most brutal WC innings
- 63.52, extremely impressive average, best of the top 10
- Could hit any shot in the book – and then some
AB’s knack of pulling off such gigantic innings put him in a league of his own.
Chris Gayle – 1186 Runs
The ‘Universe Boss’ provided explosive entertainment during his World Cup games.
Gayle’s WC Brilliance
- Cracked a double hundred (215) vs Zimbabwe in 2015
- The biggest culprits were the explosive starts that altered match momentum
Gayle’s sheer power and fearless batting style turned him into a fan favorite around the world.
Why These Batters Stand Out
These top 10 players did not simply score runs — they made them in World Cups, against the best attacks and before gigantic crowds. Their durability, mental fortitude, skill and temperament made them heroes of the World Cup.
- Common traits among these legends:
- Consistency across multiple tournaments
- Big-match mentality
- Adaptability to different conditions
- Strong temperament under knockout pressure
- Then came the intangibles that separate good players from greats.
What Makes the ODI World Cup So Special for Batters?
The World Cup is not just any old tournament, it’s cricket’s biggest stage. It’s an opportunity for batters to:
- Create lifelong legacy
- Perform in front of millions
- Face top-tier bowling attacks
- Lift their nation’s expectations
Soccer’s World Cup is tough to score big in. That’s why these figures are so iconic.
Conclusion
Most runs in ODI World Cup: The list of most runs in ODI World Cup is a tribute to cricketing superlative. Sachin’s endurance, Kohli’s finesse, Ponting’s dominance and AB de Villiers’ innovation –all of these players have left an impact on the tournament in their own way.
Considering the upcoming ODI World Cup, fans will be very keen to see who would join this elite list or give a tough fight to them. But for the time being, let’s celebrate these ten batting legends who have ascended to top of the list as the leading run-scorers in World Cup history.