The 2020s have been a decade of exceptional batting in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The modern game has evolved with more aggressive stroke play, innovative shot-making, and better fitness standards, enabling batters to produce consistent and high-quality performances. Players have combined classical techniques with modern aggression to dominate bowling attacks worldwide. The Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s list is dominated by cricketers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the West Indies. These players have redefined the art of one-day batting with their ability to score big runs consistently, chase totals efficiently, and play under pressure in high-stakes games.
List of 10 Players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s
10. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell has quietly emerged as one of New Zealand’s most dependable ODI batters and is firmly among the players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. He combines technical skill with mental resilience, often rescuing his team in pressure situations. Mitchell is not an overly flamboyant player but relies on timing, placement, and intelligent running between the wickets. He is particularly effective in building innings during middle overs, where his calm approach stabilizes the innings.
Mitchell’s ability to rotate strike while punishing loose deliveries has made him a cornerstone in New Zealand’s middle order. He often guides the innings with controlled aggression, ensuring that the team remains in contention even during difficult chases. Beyond stats, Mitchell’s impact lies in his ability to play long innings without losing composure, a crucial trait for someone among the top Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 55 |
| Innings | 50 |
| Not Outs | 7 |
| Runs | 2219 |
| Highest Score | 134 |
| Average | 51.60 |
| Balls Faced | 2373 |
| Strike Rate | 93.51 |
| 100s | 6 |
| 50s | 11 |
9. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the renowned “Hitman” of Indian cricket, has been a dominant force among players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. As an opener, he provides India with explosive starts and has the rare ability to convert centuries into massive scores. Rohit’s effortless elegance and timing make him one of the most destructive players in the modern ODI era.
Throughout the 2020s, Sharma has maintained a remarkable strike rate above 109, blending aggressive shot-making with situational awareness. His big-hitting ability allows him to accelerate innings whenever necessary, while his calm temperament ensures consistency. Rohit’s multiple centuries, combined with vital partnerships, have often set up wins for India in high-pressure matches. He has also used his experience to mentor young Indian batters, helping them adapt to ODI demands in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 55 |
| Innings | 54 |
| Not Outs | 5 |
| Runs | 2426 |
| Highest Score | 131 |
| Average | 49.51 |
| Balls Faced | 2207 |
| Strike Rate | 109.92 |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 16 |
READ MORE: Top 10 WODI Bowlers with the Most Runs Conceded in One Innings
8. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has emerged as one of the most consistent middle-order players for India and is among the leaders in the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. Iyer’s ability to accelerate the innings while maintaining composure has made him a valuable asset. He is known for his elegant strokes combined with an attacking mindset that allows him to dominate bowlers in crucial phases of the game.
Iyer’s performances in high-pressure games, especially against strong opponents, highlight his maturity. His skill in handling both spinners and pacers under varying conditions has helped India stabilize innings when early wickets fall. In addition, his strike rotation and strategic shot selection have ensured that he remains one of the most productive batters in the ODI format. Shreyas Iyer’s presence in the lineup offers balance, and his consistency has contributed to him being recognized among players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 61 |
| Innings | 57 |
| Not Outs | 6 |
| Runs | 2441 |
| Highest Score | 128* |
| Average | 47.86 |
| Balls Faced | 2492 |
| Strike Rate | 97.95 |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 17 |
7. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli remains a central figure when discussing the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. His hunger for runs, ability to chase totals, and perfect technique have made him one of the most iconic batters of the modern era. Kohli’s approach combines precision, fitness, and mental toughness, allowing him to dominate bowlers consistently.
Even in the 2020s, Kohli has maintained an average close to 50, reflecting his consistency and adaptability. He has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to play under pressure, especially in chasing targets, which has become his signature skill. With eight centuries and several match-defining innings, Kohli’s contribution to India’s ODI cricket cannot be overstated. His technique, footwork, and timing remain exemplary, inspiring the next generation of players in the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 63 |
| Innings | 60 |
| Not Outs | 7 |
| Runs | 2646 |
| Highest Score | 166* |
| Average | 49.92 |
| Balls Faced | 2840 |
| Strike Rate | 93.16 |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 20 |
6. Charith Asalanka
Sri Lanka has relied heavily on Charith Asalanka in the middle order, making him one of the key players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. Asalanka has a composed style of batting that blends patience with timely aggression. His ability to anchor innings during difficult phases has allowed Sri Lanka to remain competitive in the ODI format.
Asalanka’s consistent performances under pressure, often against strong opposition, demonstrate his skill and temperament. He is adept at pacing his innings, picking gaps, and converting starts into match-defining contributions. With multiple centuries and valuable fifties, Asalanka has cemented himself as a rising star and a dependable member of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 79 |
| Innings | 71 |
| Not Outs | 10 |
| Runs | 2653 |
| Highest Score | 127 |
| Average | 43.49 |
| Balls Faced | 2918 |
| Strike Rate | 90.91 |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 17 |
5. Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis has been at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s batting resurgence and is firmly among players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. His fearless approach and adaptability across positions make him a versatile batter. Whether opening or stabilizing the middle order, Mendis has delivered crucial runs consistently.
Mendis is particularly effective against pace attacks, showing a remarkable ability to counter fast bowlers with precise timing. His strike rate above 91 and average above 41 reflect his ability to score quickly while maintaining reliability. Mendis has played numerous match-winning innings that have often rescued Sri Lanka from challenging positions, solidifying his place among top ODI performers in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 76 |
| Innings | 75 |
| Not Outs | 9 |
| Runs | 2724 |
| Highest Score | 143 |
| Average | 41.27 |
| Balls Faced | 2971 |
| Strike Rate | 91.68 |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 18 |
4. Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka has established himself as one of Sri Lanka’s leading batters and is among the elite when it comes to the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. Known for his elegant cover drives and composure, Nissanka has consistently produced big innings for Sri Lanka.
His double century (210*) was one of the most memorable ODI innings of the decade, demonstrating his ability to play long innings while maintaining a steady strike rate. Nissanka balances patience with aggression, making him a crucial player in both building innings and accelerating when needed. With seven centuries and seventeen fifties, Nissanka has already cemented his reputation among the top batters in the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 72 |
| Innings | 72 |
| Not Outs | 5 |
| Runs | 2775 |
| Highest Score | 210* |
| Average | 41.41 |
| Balls Faced | 3113 |
| Strike Rate | 89.14 |
| 100s | 7 |
| 50s | 17 |
3. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has emerged as one of India’s brightest young stars in ODI cricket, and he firmly ranks among the players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. Known for his elegance at the crease, Gill combines classic batting technique with a modern approach that allows him to play aggressively without compromising his wicket. His back-foot drives and deft flicks through the leg side are signature shots, and he often dismantles bowling attacks with poise rarely seen in players of his age.
In the 2020s, Gill has repeatedly shown the ability to convert promising starts into massive scores, including a memorable double century that solidified his reputation as one of India’s premier run-scorers. What sets him apart is not just his stroke-making ability but also his temperament. Gill is calm under pressure, rarely succumbing to challenging situations, which makes him invaluable during chases or when batting in difficult conditions. Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
Gill’s ability to adapt to different match situations has contributed significantly to his accumulation of runs in this decade. He is equally effective against pace and spin, using his footwork and timing to maximize scoring opportunities. His average of over 58 in ODIs this decade highlights his dominance and consistency, and his near-perfect strike rate of 99.78 indicates an aggressive yet calculated approach to scoring. Young fans and cricket analysts alike often point to Gill as the next big star capable of breaking multiple records in the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 56 |
| Innings | 56 |
| Not Outs | 8 |
| Runs | 2802 |
| Highest Score | 208 |
| Average | 58.37 |
| Balls Faced | 2808 |
| Strike Rate | 99.78 |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 15 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Players with the Most Runs in WPL History
2. Shai Hope
Shai Hope has been the backbone of West Indies’ ODI batting in the 2020s and is undoubtedly among the players with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s. Hope’s batting is defined by his calm temperament, technical skill, and adaptability across match situations. In an era where aggressive batting dominates, Hope stands out for his ability to combine patience with selective aggression, building innings methodically and ensuring his team remains competitive.
Hope’s performances in high-pressure games have been remarkable. He often plays long innings, rotates strike intelligently, and capitalizes on loose deliveries. Unlike many modern batters who rely heavily on power hitting, Hope’s timing, placement, and strategic shot selection allow him to accumulate runs consistently. His average near 47 underscores his reliability, and his strike rate of 84.57 shows that he balances patience with calculated aggression effectively.
Throughout the 2020s, Hope has repeatedly guided the West Indies through challenging situations, often holding the innings together when early wickets fall. His ability to adapt to different pitches, conditions, and bowling attacks reflects a maturity beyond his years. As captain and senior batter, Hope also contributes leadership and stability, helping younger players navigate the pressures of international cricket. His consistency has made him a pivotal figure among those with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s, and his performances remain a benchmark for West Indies cricket in this decade.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 73 |
| Innings | 73 |
| Not Outs | 11 |
| Runs | 2944 |
| Highest Score | 132 |
| Average | 47.48 |
| Balls Faced | 3481 |
| Strike Rate | 84.57 |
| 100s | 10 |
| 50s | 15 |
1. Babar Azam
At the pinnacle of the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s stands Babar Azam, Pakistan’s premier batter and one of the finest modern ODI players. Babar’s batting combines elegance, precision, and remarkable consistency, making him the standout performer of the decade. Known for his impeccable technique, footwork, and timing, Babar can play both aggressively and defensively, adapting his innings to suit match situations.
Babar’s influence in the 2020s is evident not just in his runs but in how he shapes Pakistan’s innings. He often anchors the innings during tricky chases, rotates strike intelligently, and builds partnerships that turn games in Pakistan’s favor. His ability to play long, match-defining innings sets him apart, and his centuries often come at crucial junctures, making him a reliable performer under pressure. With an average above 51 and more than 3,000 runs in the decade, Babar has consistently demonstrated his superiority and resilience in ODIs.
His leadership skills, calm demeanor, and consistent performances have also inspired the next generation of Pakistani cricketers. Babar’s contribution to Pakistan cricket in the 2020s extends beyond statistics; he represents reliability, class, and modern one-day batting. Fans and analysts recognize him as one of the top players among those with the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s, and his performances have often been the difference between victory and defeat for his team.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 64 |
| Innings | 63 |
| Not Outs | 5 |
| Runs | 3006 |
| Highest Score | 158 |
| Average | 51.82 |
| Balls Faced | 3430 |
| Strike Rate | 87.63 |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 22 |
The 2020s have been an extraordinary decade for ODI cricket, marked by players producing runs consistently and rewriting records. The batters highlighted in this article have defined the Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s through skill, temperament, and adaptability. From the young elegance of Shubman Gill to the seasoned mastery of Virat Kohli, and from the calm resilience of Shai Hope to the composed brilliance of Babar Azam, this decade has been shaped by their performances.
These players demonstrate how ODI cricket in the 2020s has evolved into a balance of technique, power, and mental strength. Their ability to score big, build partnerships, and play under pressure has made them essential to their respective teams. As the decade progresses, these records will continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts, analysts, and aspiring players, reflecting the true spirit of modern ODI cricket.
The Most Runs in ODIs in the 2020s list serves as a testament to the evolution of batting, the importance of consistency, and the influence of young talents on the international stage. It is a celebration of cricketing excellence that has made this decade memorable and has set new benchmarks for future generations.