Top Run-Scorers in the History of the ODI ICC Cricket World Cup.

Since its inception in 1975, the ICC Cricket World Cup has stood as the ultimate stage for cricketing excellence, drawing the world's best players to compete for glory. Over the decades, the tournament has been graced by some of the greatest batters in the game's history, whose remarkable performances have etched their names in the record books. Among the many statistics that highlight a player's contribution, the number of runs scored stands out as a true testament to consistency, skill, and longevity in the competition.

From the iconic Sachin Tendulkar to modern-day stars like Virat Kohli, these players have dominated the run charts and continue to set new benchmarks in World Cup history. In this article, we take a look at the top five run-scorers in the history of the ICC World Cup, celebrating the legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the tournament

Sachin Tendulkar - 2278 Runs 

No World Cup run-scorer list is complete without Sachin Tendulkar at the top. Across six World Cups, he consistently dominated the tournament, often leading the charge for India. His crowning achievement came in 2011 when he played a key role in India lifting the trophy on home soil. Despite three more World Cups, Tendulkar’s record of 2278 runs in 45 matches at an average of 56.95 still stands strong. His combination of runs, longevity, and consistency makes this record one of the toughest to break. While new stars continue to rise, Tendulkar’s legacy remains untouchable, setting a benchmark for future generations.

Virat Kohli - 1795 Runs

Another prolific run-scorer on this list is Virat Kohli, who has firmly established himself as one of the modern greats of World Cup cricket. Widely seen as the successor to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of breaking records and setting new benchmarks, Kohli sits comfortably in second place with 1795 runs in 37 matches at an impressive average of 59.83. His World Cup journey began with a stunning century against Bangladesh in 2011, and he has continued to deliver standout performances in every tournament since. If Kohli plays in more World Cups, there's a strong chance he could eventually surpass Tendulkar’s record, further solidifying his legacy in the competition.

Ricky Pointing - 1743 Runs

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is the third-highest run-scorer in World Cup history and holds the record for most runs by an Australian in the tournament. With 1743 runs in 46 matches at an average of 45.86, Ponting's consistency was key to Australia’s success. As captain, he led his team to three World Cup titles, including a historic hat-trick of wins in 1999, 2003, and 2007. His performances with the bat and leadership were crucial to Australia’s dominance in World Cup cricket.

Rohit Sharma - 1575 Runs

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is the fourth-highest run-scorer in World Cup history and the third Indian on this list. In just three World Cups, Rohit has been exceptional, scoring 1575 runs in 28 matches at an average of 60.57, the highest among the top run-scorers. Since his promotion to opener, he has been a consistent force for India. Rohit also holds the record for the most World Cup centuries and continues to be a key player in India’s World Cup ambitions. His performances and leadership make him one of the most complete players in the tournament's history.

Kumar Sangakkara - 1532 Runs

The only wicketkeeper-batter on this list, Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most consistent performers in World Cup history. A key figure for Sri Lanka, Sangakkara has scored 1532 runs in 37 matches at an average of 56.74, delivering crucial runs regardless of his batting position. His consistency and adaptability made him the backbone of Sri Lanka's batting line-up. In the 2015 World Cup, Sangakkara made history by becoming the first player to score three consecutive centuries in a single World Cup, a record he still holds. His contributions with the bat, combined with his wicketkeeping, make him one of the most complete players to have ever graced the tournament.