ODI cricket in the 21st century has increasingly favored batsmen over bowlers. The white ball loses its swing and seam movement after the initial overs, and unlike in T20s, batsmen have the luxury of building their innings without taking early risks.
The introduction of the two-new-ball rule in 2011 further tilted the balance, preventing the ball from aging enough to generate reverse swing.
Throughout the game’s history, several exceptional batsmen have dominated the format, not only amassing runs but also delivering match-winning performances. However, only a select few have maintained consistency long enough to surpass the 11,000-run milestone in ODIs.
5. Jacques Kallis – 293 innings
Jacques Kallis is the only South African batsman to surpass 10,000 runs in ODI cricket. He reached the 11,000-run milestone in his 293rd innings, playing against Pakistan in Dubai in 2010. Kallis ended his ODI career with 11,579 runs at an average of 44, including 17 centuries. Additionally, he claimed 273 wickets in the format, making him one of the most complete all-rounders in cricket history.
4. Sourav Ganguly – 288 innings
Sourav Ganguly, celebrated for his bold captaincy, often had his batting achievements overshadowed by other Indian greats. He reached 11,000 ODI runs in his 288th innings during a match against England in Birmingham in 2007. Ganguly retired with 13,363 runs at an average of 41, featuring 22 centuries and 72 fifties.
3. Ricky Ponting – 286 innings
Ricky Ponting, Australia’s former captain, was known for his aggressive batting style. He reached the 11,000-run mark in his 286th innings, playing against India in Sydney in 2008. Ponting holds the record for most ODI runs by an Australian, with 13,704 runs at an average of 42, including 30 centuries and 82 fifties. One of his finest knocks came in the 2003 ICC World Cup final, where he led Australia to victory over India with a match-winning century.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 276 innings
Regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar reached 11,000 ODI runs in his 276th innings, against England in Kanpur in 2002. He marked the milestone with a match-winning 87* off 67 balls. Tendulkar holds the record for the most ODI runs (18,426) at an average of 44.83, with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries to his name. He retired in 2013 with 100 international centuries.
5. Virat Kohli – 222 innings
Virat Kohli is the fastest batsman to score 11,000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving the feat in just 222 innings during the 2019 World Cup against Pakistan in Manchester. Kohli also holds the record for the most ODI centuries, with 50 to his name. He played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory and was the highest run-scorer in the 2023 edition of the tournament.