ODI Batting Records Explained: The Highest Scores and Career Records
The key ODI batting records — highest individual score (Rohit Sharma 264), most ODI runs (Sachin Tendulkar 18,426), most ODI centuries (Kohli 54 — surpassed Tendulkar's 49 in November 2023), and the record for fastest ODI century.
ODI cricket has been played since 1971 and has accumulated 50+ years of batting records that reflect the format's evolution from low-scoring 60-over matches to explosive 300-350 run first innings in modern 50-over matches. The format's records are dominated by the era of flat pitches, small boundaries, and aggressive batting (2007–present); several records set before 2007 have been surpassed by the improved scoring environment and batting techniques of the modern era.
Highest Individual Score
Rohit Sharma's 264 for India against Sri Lanka at Kolkata in 2014 is the highest individual score in any ODI match. Before Rohit's era of multiple doubles (2013–2017), the record was 194 by Charles Coventry (Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, 2009). The ODI double century barrier was first broken by Sachin Tendulkar (200 not out vs South Africa, 2010); Rohit subsequently scored 264 (2014), 209 (2013), and 208 not out (2017) — three of the four highest ODI scores in history. Martin Guptill's 237 not out vs West Indies (2015 World Cup) is fourth on the all-time list.
Most ODI Runs
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most ODI runs: 18,426 across 463 matches and 452 innings. Virat Kohli is second (though Kohli has retired from ODIs, his final total exceeded 13,000). Rohit Sharma, Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Kumar Sangakkara are among the all-time leading run-scorers. Tendulkar's record is considered unlikely to be broken in the near future given the heavy workload required (463 matches over 22 years) and modern player management reducing match volume.
Most ODI Centuries
Virat Kohli's 50 ODI centuries is the world record — surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's 49 during the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final (vs New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium). Rohit Sharma's 30+ ODI centuries and Ross Taylor's 22 are among the next-highest career totals. Kohli reached 50 centuries in fewer innings than Tendulkar's 452, representing a higher per-innings conversion rate — approximately one century every eight innings vs Tendulkar's one-in-nine.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the most ODI runs?
Sachin Tendulkar — 18,426 runs from 463 matches and 452 innings at average 44.83 across a 22-year career. Virat Kohli is second (13,000+, retired from ODIs). Kohli holds the ODI century record (50 centuries, surpassing Tendulkar's 49 during the 2023 WC). Tendulkar's run-scoring records are considered unlikely to be broken within 10–15 years given the volume required.
What is the fastest ODI century?
31 balls — scored by AB de Villiers for South Africa vs West Indies at Johannesburg in January 2015. He also hit the fastest 50 in ODIs (16 balls) and the fastest 150 (64 balls) in the same innings. His 149 not out from 44 balls in that innings set all three records simultaneously — one of cricket's most extraordinary individual batting performances.
Who has scored the most ODI centuries?
Virat Kohli — 50 ODI centuries (retired from ODIs; his 50th came vs New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, surpassing Tendulkar's 49). Sachin Tendulkar is second with 49 from 452 innings. The 100-century mark in ODIs has not been reached by any player; Kohli's 50 is the closest any individual has come to it.