Top 10 Batsmen with most ODI runs in the 21st century

Top 10 Batsmen with most ODI runs in the 21st century: ODI cricket has witnessed many great batsmen stamp their class and authority. The new millennium also witnessed the rise of a new version of cricket – ‘Twenty20’, however, ODI cricket has managed to remain popular and even seen hugely successful World Cups. Some great names feature in the list of the top run getters in ODI cricket in the 21st Century. These fabulous batsmen have played some memorable knocks scoring big runs in their distinguished careers. Here are the Top 10 Batsmen with most ODI runs in the 21st century: 10. Yuvraj Singh – 8069: Yuvraj Singh. (© Getty Images) Yuvi made a grand entry into international cricket scoring a match-winning 84 against the mighty Aussies in the 2000 ICC Knockout tournament. Yuvi has had his share of ups and downs, however, went on to become India’s best match-winner and more importantly a player with a big match temperament. The Player-of-the-Series performance in the winning campaign during the World Cup 2011 including another great knock against the Aussies under extreme pressure proved his class and calibre. Having fully recovered from cancer he is still trying to fight his way back into the ODI side. Yuvi has scored 8069 runs in this millennium with a top score of 139 against Australia at the SCG in 2004. Also Read – Top 10 Current batsmen with most ODI runs 9. Virender Sehwag – 8253: Virender Sehwag. (© Getty Images) The iconic batsman recently retired from all forms of international cricket. A powerful hitter of the ball, Viru batted fearlessly and entertained fans around the world. With minimum footwork but great hand-eye co-ordination, he scored runs at a rollicking pace. Sehwag is the only Indian batsman to score a triple-century in Tests and the amazing part is that he did this twice. He also scored a double hundred in an ODI against the West Indies. He scored 8253 runs with the top score being the double hundred- 219 at Indore in 2011. 8. AB de Villiers – 8403: AB de Villiers. (© PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images) AB de Villiers is a nightmare for the bowlers being the kind of batsman who can single-handedly win a match for his team. His temperament and ability to pace the innings are secondary to none. Currently, the top-ranked batsman in ODI cricket, his dazzling footwork, great hands and amazing hand-eye coordination make him a treat to watch. ‘ABD’, as he is fondly called by his fans, has scored 8403 runs with a career-best of 162 off just 66 balls against the Windies in the World Cup 2015. He is the record holder for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODI cricket. 7. Sachin Tendulkar – 8527: Sachin Tendulkar. (© MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images) One of the game’s all-time greatest icons, Tendulkar scored runs against the best bowlers in all conditions. A complete batsman, he holds just about every batting record worth owning in the game, including those for most runs and hundreds in Tests and ODIs, and most international runs. The great batsman took 79 ODIs to score his first century; the rest, as they say, is history. The first man to score an ODI double hundred, the master is the most talked about cricketer after Sir Donald Bradman. In the new millennium, he scored 8527 runs with a career-best of 200* against South Africa at Gwalior in 2010. 6. MS Dhoni – 8832: MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: BCCI) One of the great finishers in ODI cricket, the Indian ODI skipper has had a remarkable career. An astute captain in the shorter formats of the game, he is a street-smart cricketer known for his calm demeanor. His ability to handle pressure and deliver in the most challenging times has enabled India to win many important matches, the biggest of all being the World Cup 2011 final when he played arguably the best knock of his career. MS has played 270 matches scoring 8832 runs with a career-best of 183* against Sri Lanka at Jaipur in 2005. 5. Chris Gayle – 8890: Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images) Arguably the hardest hitter of the cricket ball in modern day cricket, Gayle is an entertainer and a magnetic crowd-puller. Gayle had a slow start to his international career, but in 2002 he scored three centuries against India in November thus becoming the third West Indian to score over 1,000 runs in a calendar year, along with Vivian Richards and Brian Lara. Since then he hasn’t looked back and had a remarkably successful career in all forms of the game. He has played 249 matches in the new millennium scoring 8890 runs with a career-best of 215 against Zimbabwe at Canberra in the World Cup 2015. 4. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 9877: Tillakaratne Dilshan. (© Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images) With his relentless aggression, strong wrists and natural timing, Dilshan is one of the most exciting modern day batsmen. Having retired from Test cricket he continues to entertain the fans playing the shorter formats of the game. He loves to make room and thrash the ball through the off side, but the stroke that bears his signature is the “Dilscoop,” a shot over his head. At 39 he is still one of the fittest cricketers in the game. His 309 matches in the 21st century have yielded 9877 runs with a career-best of 161* against Bangladesh at MCG during the 2015 WC. 3. Ricky Ponting – 9986: Ricky Ponting. (© Getty Images) The former Australian skipper led his country in its ‘golden era’; between 2004 and 2011 in Test cricket and 2002 and 2011 in One Day International cricket. One of the all-time greats, Ponting won 2 World Cups as a skipper (2003, 2007) and 1 playing under Steve Waugh (1999). Having made his debut in 1995, he went on to become Australia’s highest run-scorer in ODIs and Test cricket. Ricky Ponting played 270 matches in this millennium and scored 9986 runs with a career-best of 164 at Johannesburg in 2006 against the Proteas in one of the most talked about ODI matches ever. 2. Mahela Jayawardene – 11254: Mahela Jayawardene. (Photo Source: BCCI) The top 2 spots are occupied two classy Sri Lankans who have retired from all forms of international cricket this year. Mahela had a wonderfully distinguished career for his country and was its loyal servant for many years. Watching the elegant right-hander bat was a pretty sight and he mesmerized everyone with his timing and grace. He was also a respected and shrewd captain. He played 388 matching scoring 11254 runs in the 21st Century with a career best of 144 against England at Leeds in 2011. A brilliant batsman in the longest format as well, he became the first player in the history of Sri Lankan cricket to score over 10,000 Test runs. 1. Kumar Sangakkara – 13852: Kumar Sangakkara. (© Getty Images) The highest run scorer of the millennium, Kumar Sangakkara is one of the legends of the game. Possessing the elegance often associated with left-handed batsmen, Sanga was a joy to watch. He scored runs in all conditions and was often the biggest wicket for the opposition. He stamped his class and authority delivering some memorable performances throughout his amazing career. He was also an athletic and sound wicket-keeper. He played 390 matches scoring 13852 runs after the turn of the millennium. His career best is 169 against South Africa at Colombo in 2013. He is the only batsman in ODI history to score 4 consecutive hundreds achieving this during the World Cup 2015. Also Read – Top 10 batsmen with most runs in ODI career (All Stats Updated Till 28th November, 2015)