Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most international runs for India, with 34,357 runs across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). His outstanding career lasted from 1989 to 2013, making him one of the most successful batters in cricket history.
Virat Kohli ranks second among India’s highest international run scorers, followed by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. Kohli has also moved into second place on the all time men’s international run scoring list across all countries after surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s 28,016 runs in January 2026.
This article covers the top 10 Indian players with the most official international runs, their career records and achievements across formats.
Top 10 Players With the Most International Runs for India
India has produced several exceptional batters who have maintained remarkable consistency throughout their international careers. The following table ranks the leading players by their official international runs scored while representing India in Test, ODI and T20I cricket.
| Rank | Player | Official International Runs for India | Career Span |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 34,357 | 1989 to 2013 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | 28,527 | 2008 to present |
| 3 | Rahul Dravid | 24,064 | 1996 to 2012 |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | 20,652 | 2007 to present |
| 5 | Sourav Ganguly | 18,433 | 1992 to 2008 |
| 6 | MS Dhoni | 17,092 | 2004 to 2019 |
| 7 | Virender Sehwag | 16,892 | 1999 to 2013 |
| 8 | Mohammad Azharuddin | 15,593 | 1984 to 2000 |
| 9 | Sunil Gavaskar | 13,214 | 1971 to 1987 |
| 10 | Yuvraj Singh | 11,686 | 2000 to 2017 |
Figures updated as of 23 October 2026. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain active in ODI cricket, so their totals may continue to change.
Note: These figures represent official international runs scored for India. Rahul Dravid (24,208), MS Dhoni (17,266), Virender Sehwag (17,253) and Yuvraj Singh (11,778) have higher overall international totals when their appearances for ICC World XI and Asia XI are included. These additional runs are excluded from the India only figures used in the table.
1. Sachin Tendulkar: 34,357 International Runs
Source: Punjabi Kesari
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most international runs for India, scoring 34,357 runs between 1989 and 2013. His tally includes 15,921 Test runs, 18,426 ODI runs and 10 T20I runs.
He also holds the record for 100 international centuries. His consistency across formats and remarkable longevity established him as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.
2. Virat Kohli: 28,527 International Runs
Source: mykhel
Virat Kohli has scored 28,527 international runs since his debut in 2008, including 9,230 Test runs, 15,109 ODI runs and 4,188 T20I runs. He is known for his consistency, chasing ability and performances under pressure.
In January 2026, Kohli surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s 28,016 runs to become the second highest run scorer in men’s international cricket across all countries. He now plays international cricket only in ODIs.
3. Rahul Dravid: 24,064 International Runs
Source: mykhel
Rahul Dravid scored 24,064 international runs for India between 1996 and 2012. Known as “The Wall”, he was renowned for his solid technique, patience and ability to build partnerships in challenging conditions.
His broader international total is 24,208 runs when Asia XI and ICC World XI appearances are included. The main ranking uses his India only total to maintain a consistent counting method.
4. Rohit Sharma: 20,652 International Runs
Source: Cricinfo
Rohit Sharma has scored 20,652 international runs since his debut in 2007, including 4,301 Test runs, 12,120 ODI runs and 4,231 T20I runs. He is known for his aggressive opening batting and ability to accelerate after building an innings.
Rohit holds the highest individual score in men’s ODI cricket with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014. He is also the only batter to have scored three double centuries in men’s ODI cricket.
5. Sourav Ganguly: 18,433 International Runs
Source: CricTracker
Sourav Ganguly scored 18,433 international runs between 1992 and 2008. The left handed batter was known for his elegant stroke play, particularly through the offside, and his contributions in both Test and ODI cricket.
As India’s captain, Ganguly helped build a more competitive team, particularly in overseas matches. His leadership and support for emerging players made him an influential figure in Indian cricket.
6. MS Dhoni: 17,092 International Runs
Source: BBC
MS Dhoni scored 17,092 international runs for India between 2004 and 2019. He combined middle order batting and wicketkeeping with a calm approach to finishing matches under pressure.
Dhoni captained India to victory in the 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. His broader international total is 17,266 runs when ICC World XI appearances are included.
7. Virender Sehwag: 16,892 International Runs
Source: Cricinfo
Virender Sehwag scored 16,892 international runs for India between 1999 and 2013. His fearless batting and aggressive approach allowed him to score quickly in both Test and ODI cricket.
Sehwag was known for attacking bowlers from the start of an innings and putting opponents under pressure. His broader international total is 17,253 runs when Asia XI and ICC World XI appearances are included.
8. Mohammad Azharuddin: 15,593 International Runs
Source: Man’s World Cricket
Mohammad Azharuddin scored 15,593 international runs between 1984 and 2000. He was admired for his wrist work, precise timing and ability to find gaps in the field in both Test and ODI cricket.
Azharuddin also captained India and became known for his distinctive batting style. His contributions as a batter and leader made him one of India’s prominent cricketers during his playing career.
9. Sunil Gavaskar: 13,214 International Runs
Source: mykhel
Sunil Gavaskar scored 13,214 international runs between 1971 and 1987. He was one of the leading opening batters of his era, particularly renowned for his technique and achievements in Test cricket.
His concentration and ability to face fast bowling helped India compete against strong international teams. Gavaskar also inspired future generations of Indian opening batters through his discipline and consistency.
10. Yuvraj Singh: 11,686 International Runs
Source: Vocal Media
Yuvraj Singh scored 11,686 international runs between 2000 and 2017. The aggressive middle order batter was known for his powerful stroke play and ability to change a match quickly.
He played key roles in India’s 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup victories. His six sixes in one over during the 2007 T20 World Cup remain one of the most memorable moments in cricket history.
Most International Runs for India in Each Format
Combined international runs include a player’s scores in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Looking at each format separately shows which Indian batters have been most successful in different forms of the game.
| Format | India’s Leading Run Scorer | Runs |
| Test cricket | Sachin Tendulkar | 15,921 |
| ODI cricket | Sachin Tendulkar | 18,426 |
| T20I cricket | Rohit Sharma | 4,231 |
Sachin Tendulkar holds India’s records for the most Test runs and ODI runs. Rohit Sharma finished his T20I career as India’s leading run scorer in men’s T20 Internationals, with 4,231 runs.
These records highlight the different strengths of India’s leading batters. Tendulkar achieved remarkable longevity across Tests and ODIs, while Rohit’s T20I record reflects his impact in the shortest international format.
Who Has Scored the Most International Centuries for India?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most international centuries by an Indian batter, with 100 centuries across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. His record demonstrates his ability to convert strong starts into major innings throughout a long career.
Virat Kohli is another leading century maker and continues to add to his tally in ODI cricket. His consistency while chasing targets and ability to build long innings have made him one of the most successful batters of the modern era.
Centuries measure a player’s ability to produce major individual scores, while total runs reflect consistency over time. Both records explain Tendulkar’s lasting position at the top of India’s international batting records and Kohli’s place among the leading run scorers in world cricket.
Can Virat Kohli Break Sachin Tendulkar’s International Run Record?
Virat Kohli is the closest Indian batter to Sachin Tendulkar’s international run record. As of 23 October 2026, Tendulkar has 34,357 international runs, while Kohli has 28,527.
The difference between their career totals is 5,830 runs. Kohli would need another 5,830 international runs to equal Tendulkar’s record and more than that to surpass it.
Kohli now plays international cricket only in ODIs, having retired from Test and T20I cricket. Whether he can close the gap depends on his future career length, form, fitness and the number of ODI innings he gets to play.
For now, Tendulkar’s total of 34,357 international runs remains the highest in men’s international cricket. Kohli’s continued ODI performances will determine how much closer he can get to that mark.
FAQs
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 34,357 runs across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. He represented India from 1989 to 2013 and remains the leading run scorer in men’s international cricket.
Virat Kohli ranks second among India’s international run scorers, with 28,527 runs as of 23 October 2026. He also ranks second on the all time men’s international run scoring list across all countries, having passed Kumar Sangakkara’s 28,016 runs in January 2026.
Rahul Dravid scored 24,064 international runs while representing India. His broader international total is 24,208 when his appearances for Asia XI and ICC World XI are included.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most ODI runs for India, with 18,426 runs. His total remains the highest by any Indian batter in men’s One Day International cricket.
Rohit Sharma finished his T20I career with 4,231 runs, the highest total for India in men’s T20 Internationals. His aggressive batting at the top of the order helped him establish this record.
Conclusion
Sachin Tendulkar remains India’s leading international run scorer with 34,357 runs, followed by Virat Kohli with 28,527 and Rahul Dravid with 24,064 India only runs. Rohit Sharma occupies fourth place with 20,652 runs, while Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag and other great Indian batters have also made lasting contributions to international cricket.
These records highlight the importance of consistency, adaptability and longevity across formats. Tendulkar continues to hold the overall record, while Kohli has secured second place on the all time international run scoring list after surpassing Kumar Sangakkara in January 2026. As Kohli and Rohit continue their ODI careers, their totals may change, making their future performances worth following.
Related reading
- Highest individual score in Test cricket — where India’s biggest Test innings sit among the all-time highest scores.
- Highest ODI score by a batsman — Rohit Sharma’s 264 and the other ODI double centuries.
- Which country has won the most Cricket World Cups — the tournament record behind these careers.