by ICC tournaments represent cricket’s grandest stage.
The ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy bring together the world’s best teams competing for ultimate glory.
These tournaments define careers. A century in a World Cup final means more than ten centuries in a bilateral series.
Pressure, expectations, and the weight of national pride make ICC events special.
According to Winners Ground, performances in these tournaments separate good players from legends.
Every four years, millions watch as cricketers battle for their nations.
Those who consistently perform across multiple tournaments earn immortality.
Their names become synonymous with excellence, their innings replayed for generations.
Most Runs in ICC Tournaments
Let’s explore the top 10 most runs in ICC tournaments — the players who’ve conquered cricket’s biggest stage across ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups, and Champions Trophies.
Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments – All Formats
Here’s the complete ranking of players with the most runs in ICC tournaments all format:
| Rank | Player | Country | Total Runs | ODI WC | T20 WC | Champions Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 3834 | 1795 | 1292 | 747 |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma | India | 3456 | 1575 | 1220 | 661 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 2942 | 1186 | 965 | 791 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 2876 | 1532 | 661 | 683 |
| 5 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 2858 | 1100 | 1016 | 742 |
| 6 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 2719 | 2278 | — | 441 |
| 7 | David Warner | Australia | 2593 | 1527 | 978 | 88 |
| 8 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 2456 | 1332 | 853 | 271 |
| 9 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 2439 | 1167 | 727 | 545 |
| 10 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 2422 | 1743 | 86 | 593 |
Key Observations:
- Virat Kohli leads with 3834 runs, 378 more than second-placed Rohit Sharma
- 3 Indians in top 6 show India’s consistency in ICC events
- Sri Lankan legends Sangakkara and Jayawardene both crossed 2850 runs
- Tendulkar’s 2719 runs came without playing a single T20 World Cup
Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments of All
What makes these players stand out isn’t just runs — it’s consistency, pressure handling, and match-winning contributions.
Unique Achievements
Virat Kohli’s Supremacy:
- Highest average (61.64) among all top 10
- Most consistent across all three ICC formats
- Named Player of Tournament in multiple events
- Master of chasing in pressure situations
Rohit Sharma’s Big-Match Temperament:
- Most ODI World Cup centuries in a single edition (5 in 2019)
- Explosive opener who sets the tone for India
- Consistent in T20 World Cups as well
- Leadership combined with runs, makes him invaluable
Tendulkar’s Legendary Status:
- Only player with 2000+ ODI World Cup runs
- Played in 6 World Cups (1992-2011)
- Never played T20 World Cup yet in the top 6
- 2719 runs in just two formats
Chris Gayle’s Entertainment Value:
- Universe Boss brings fear to bowlers
- 791 Champions Trophy runs show versatility
- T20 World Cup specialist with explosive starts
- Entertainment and runs combined
Player-by-Player Detailed Analysis
1. Virat Kohli (India) – The Chase Master
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 37 | 1795 | 59.83 | 5 | 12 |
| T20 World Cup | 30 | 1292 | 58.72 | 0 | 15 |
| Champions Trophy | 12 | 747 | 62.25 | 3 | 5 |
Key Highlights:
- Averages above 58 in all three formats
- 23 fifty-plus scores in ICC events
- Best chaser in cricket history
- Performs when it matters most
Best Innings:
- 183 vs Pakistan (Champions Trophy 2017) – masterclass
- 107 vs Bangladesh (ODI WC 2023) – under pressure
- 82* vs Pakistan (T20 WC 2022) – legendary finish
2. Rohit Sharma (India) – The Hitman
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 28 | 1575 | 56.25 | 7 | 7 |
| T20 World Cup | 49 | 1220 | 30.50 | 0 | 11 |
| Champions Trophy | 11 | 661 | 55.08 | 3 | 3 |
Key Highlights:
- 7 ODI World Cup centuries (most all-time)
- 5 centuries in single World Cup (2019)
- Aggressive opener who dominates power plays
- Captain who leads from the front
Best Innings:
- 140 vs Pakistan (ODI WC 2019)
- 131 vs Bangladesh (Champions Trophy 2017)
- 92* vs Australia (T20 WC 2024) – semifinal heroics
3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – Universe Boss
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 34 | 1186 | 39.53 | 2 | 8 |
| T20 World Cup | 33 | 965 | 34.46 | 1 | 6 |
| Champions Trophy | 17 | 791 | 50.73 | 4 | 2 |
Key Highlights:
- Most destructive opener in ICC history
- 4 Champions Trophy centuries show consistency
- Changed how opening batting is played
- Entertainment factor unmatched
Best Innings:
- 215 vs Zimbabwe (ODI WC 2015) – record knock
- 98 vs South Africa (T20 WC 2007) – first T20 WC
- 117 vs India (Champions Trophy 2004)
4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – Mr. Consistency
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 35 | 1532 | 56.00 | 5 | 7 |
| T20 World Cup | 31 | 661 | 30.04 | 0 | 5 |
| Champions Trophy | 14 | 683 | 52.53 | 2 | 3 |
Key Highlights:
- 4 consecutive World Cup centuries (2015)
- Wicketkeeper-batsman with exceptional technique
- Averaged 56 in ODI World Cups
- Elegant stroke player and leader
5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – The Anchor
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 34 | 1100 | 35.48 | 1 | 8 |
| T20 World Cup | 31 | 1016 | 39.07 | 0 | 9 |
| Champions Trophy | 15 | 742 | 53.00 | 3 | 3 |
Key Highlights:
- Over 1000 runs in T20 World Cups
- Crucial World Cup final century (2011)
- Partnerships with Sangakkara are legendary
- Calm under pressure situations
6. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – The Master Blaster
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 45 | 2278 | 56.95 | 6 | 15 |
| T20 World Cup | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Champions Trophy | 11 | 441 | 40.09 | 1 | 2 |
Key Highlights:
- Only player with 2000+ ODI World Cup runs
- Played 6 World Cups (1992-2011)
- Most runs without playing the T20 format
- God of Cricket’s ICC legacy
Best Innings:
- 152 vs Namibia (ODI WC 2003)
- 98 vs Pakistan (ODI WC 2003)
- Lifted the World Cup trophy in 2011
7. David Warner (Australia) – The Pocket Dynamo
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 29 | 1527 | 56.55 | 6 | 5 |
| T20 World Cup | 49 | 978 | 28.76 | 0 | 8 |
| Champions Trophy | 2 | 88 | 44.00 | 0 | 1 |
Key Highlights:
- Explosive left-handed opener
- 6 ODI World Cup centuries
- T20 World Cup winner (2021)
- Aggressive yet consistent
8. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – All-Round Brilliance
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 30 | 1332 | 49.33 | 2 | 10 |
| T20 World Cup | 41 | 853 | 25.84 | 0 | 7 |
| Champions Trophy | 7 | 271 | 54.20 | 0 | 3 |
Key Highlights:
- Only Bangladeshi in top 10
- Best all-rounder in ICC events
- Consistent performer for Bangladesh
- Carries team’s hopes on shoulders
9. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – Captain Cool
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 26 | 1167 | 53.04 | 1 | 10 |
| T20 World Cup | 36 | 727 | 32.13 | 0 | 6 |
| Champions Trophy | 10 | 545 | 54.50 | 2 | 3 |
Key Highlights:
- Led NZ to two World Cup finals
- Classical technique and temperament
- Averages above 50 in two formats
- Reliable under pressure
10. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – Winning Machine
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 46 | 1743 | 45.86 | 5 | 6 |
| T20 World Cup | 5 | 86 | 21.50 | 0 | 0 |
| Champions Trophy | 15 | 593 | 54.00 | 2 | 2 |
Key Highlights:
- Two World Cup wins as captain
- Most ruthless captain in ICC events
- Pull shot specialist
- Winner mentality personified
Most Runs in ICC Tournaments ODI
The ODI World Cup remains cricket’s pinnacle event. Here are the most runs in ICC tournaments ODI leaders:
| Player | ODI WC Runs | Best Score | Centuries | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2278 | 152 | 6 | 45 |
| Virat Kohli | 1795 | 107 | 5 | 37 |
| Ricky Ponting | 1743 | 140* | 5 | 46 |
| Rohit Sharma | 1575 | 140 | 7 | 28 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 1532 | 124 | 5 | 35 |
ODI World Cup Records
Tendulkar’s Unmatched Legacy:
- 2278 runs across 6 World Cups
- Played from 1992 to 2011
- Finally won a trophy in 2011
- Most experienced World Cup player
Rohit’s Century Record:
- 7 ODI World Cup centuries (most all-time)
- 5 centuries in a single World Cup (2019)
- Aggressive yet consistent opener
- Changed opening batting standards
Most Runs in ICC Knockout Matches (All Format)
Knockout matches separate legends from good players. Here are players who thrive under ultimate pressure:
| Player | Knockout Runs | Average | Best Score | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 740 | 54.8 | 96* | 3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 610 | 48.2 | 102 | 2 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 598 | 42.7 | 103* | 4 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 580 | 40.0 | 112 | 3 |
| David Warner | 520 | 43.3 | 89 | 2 |
Key Insights:
- Kohli averages 54+ in knockout matches
- Jayawardene played 4 finals (won 1)
- Warner’s T20 World Cup final heroics (2021)
- Pressure brings out the best in these legends
Most Runs in ICC Tournaments for India
India has produced the most runs in ICC tournaments for India with multiple legends:
Indian Players’ Combined Contribution
| Player | Total ICC Runs | Tournaments | Best Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 3834 | All three | Champions Trophy (Avg 62.25) |
| Rohit Sharma | 3456 | All three | ODI WC (7 centuries) |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2719 | ODI WC + CT | ODI WC (2278 runs) |
| Yuvraj Singh | 1177 | All three | T20 WC (Player of the Tournament 2007) |
| MS Dhoni | 1143 | All three | ODI WC (finishing specialist) |
Why India Dominates:
- Strong domestic cricket structure
- Massive talent pool and competition
- Pressure handling from a young age
- IPL experience helps in big tournaments
- Consistent team success over decades
Top 10 Most Runs in ICC Tournaments in India
Home advantage plays a role. Here are players who’ve excelled in India during ICC events:
| Player | Runs in India | Average | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 542 | 67.75 | 2/2 |
| Virat Kohli | 487 | 69.57 | 1/3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 456 | 57.00 | 2/1 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 412 | 58.85 | 1/3 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 398 | 66.33 | 1/2 |
Home Advantage Factors:
- Familiar conditions and pitches
- Crowd support and pressure handling
- Knowledge of venues
- Weather and dew factor understanding
Interesting Facts & Records
Unique ICC Tournament Records
Highest Individual Score:
- Martin Guptill – 237* vs West Indies (ODI WC 2015)
Most 50+ Scores in ICC Events:
- Virat Kohli & Sachin Tendulkar – 23 each
Most Hundreds in ICC Tournaments:
- Rohit Sharma – 10 (7 ODI WC, 3 CT)
- Sachin Tendulkar – 7 (6 ODI WC, 1 CT)
Only Player Without T20 WC Appearance in Top 10:
- Sachin Tendulkar (retired before the format’s peak)
Only Bangladeshi in Top 10:
- Shakib Al Hasan (all-rounder carrying the nation’s hopes)
Best Average Among 2000+ Runs:
- Virat Kohli – 61.64
Key Stats Summary Table
| Stat | Record | Player |
|---|---|---|
| Most runs overall | 3834 | Virat Kohli |
| Most runs in ODI WC | 2278 | Sachin Tendulkar |
| Most 50+ scores | 23 | Kohli & Tendulkar |
| Highest average | 61.64 | Virat Kohli |
| Most hundreds in ICC events | 10 | Rohit Sharma |
| Most runs in single WC | 673 | Rohit Sharma (2019) |
| Most consistent (Avg 50+) | 5 players | Kohli, Sangakkara, Williamson, Ponting, Tendulkar |
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q1. Who has scored the most runs in ICC tournaments?
Virat Kohli leads with 3834 runs across ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups, and Champions Trophies.
- Q2. Which Indian player has most runs in ICC tournaments?
Virat Kohli (3834), followed by Rohit Sharma (3456) and Sachin Tendulkar (2719).
- Q3. Who has scored the most runs in ICC tournaments ODI?
Sachin Tendulkar with 2278 ODI World Cup runs across 6 tournaments.
- Q4. Who has the highest average among ICC tournament players?
Virat Kohli with an average of 61.64 across all ICC events.
- Q5. Which player has the most hundreds in ICC tournaments?
Rohit Sharma with 10 centuries (7 in ODI WC, 3 in Champions Trophy).
- Q6. Has anyone scored 2000+ runs in ODI World Cups alone?
Yes, only Sachin Tendulkar with 2278 runs across 6 World Cups (1992-2011).
- Q7. Who performs best in ICC knockout matches?
Virat Kohli averages 54.8 in knockout matches with 740 runs, the highest among active players.
- Q8. Which team has most players in top 10 ICC run-scorers?
India with 3 players (Kohli, Rohit, Tendulkar), followed by Sri Lanka, with 2 (Sangakkara, Jayawardene).
Conclusion: The Immortals of ICC Cricket
These ten players haven’t just scored runs — they’ve defined what it means to perform on cricket’s biggest stage.
From Tendulkar’s six World Cups to Kohli’s modern mastery, from Gayle’s explosive power to Sangakkara’s elegant consistency, each has left an indelible mark.
What separates them:
- Consistent performance across multiple tournaments
- Ability to handle pressure in knockout matches
- Match-winning contributions in crucial games
- Leadership and inspiration for their teams
ICC tournaments don’t just test skill — they test character, temperament, and mental strength. These legends passed every test.
As new tournaments approach, young stars like Shubman Gill, Babar Azam, and Travis Head will chase these records. But the bar has been set incredibly high.
“Legends come and go, but their runs in ICC tournaments remain etched forever in cricket’s golden history.”
The next generation has its work cut out. Can anyone surpass Kohli’s 3834 runs? Can anyone match Rohit’s 10 ICC centuries? Only time will tell.
But for now, these ten champions reign supreme in the pantheon of ICC cricket greatness.
