The International Cricket Council (ICC) holds three major tournaments in the limited over formats- The World Cup, Champions Trophy and T20I WC. Every cricketing nation wants to get a hold of these tournaments. Every team puts everything on the line to ensure the victory of their country. But it takes grit, patience, hard work and calmness to handle the extreme stress of these tournaments. In any match, the boundaries and the classic shots of the batsmen entertain the audience more than bowling. Hence, batters are expected to perform for their nation and engage the audience. However, only a few batters have performed consistently well for their country and been on the top of the list of run scorers. A few such batsmen are listed below.
1. Chris Gayle
Nicknamed, “The Universal Boss” Christopher Henry Gayle is probably one of the most destructive players who have ever played the limited-overs format. Regarded as one of the best batters and openers of all time, Gayle has thrashed bowlers and set the tone of an aggressive innings. He is the leading run-scorer for West Indies in both the ODIs and T20Is. His massive hitting ability has proved to be a nightmare for many good bowlers. Gayle has scored 2,942 runs across all ICC tournaments.
2. Kumar Sangakkara
In all three formats, Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain of the Sri Lankan national team. Widely regarded as the greatest left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, Sangakkara scored 2,876 runs across all ICC tournaments. He is the second-most run scorer in all ICC tournaments. Batting at number three, Sangakkara has saved Sri Lanka on various occasions by setting the right tone of innings and holding on to his wicket while wickets would keep crumbling down at the other end.
3. Mahela Jayawardene
A Sri Lankan legend and the promising captain of the National team, Mahela Jayawardene was one of a kind. Sri Lanka saw their glory days in white ball cricket only under Jayawardene. He is the third-highest run-scorer across all ICC Tournaments. Famous for his picture-perfect cover drive and square cuts, Mahela holds the record for the highest run scored by any Sri Lankan in a Test Innings. Nobody forgot his fabulous century in the final of ICC WC 2011 which rescued his team.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Regarded as the “God Of Cricket” by all the Indians, Sachin was probably the best batsman ever to play the game. Being an opener, he has given the most needed start to the team on several occasions. Tendulkar has won the most Man Of The Match awards by an Indian. Scoring 2,719 runs across all ICC tournaments, he is the fourth-highest run-scorer on the list. His runs with the bat have helped India win important matches.
5. Virat Kohli
A talented, hard-working cricketer who has taken Indian Cricket to new levels, Virat Kohli, has dominated World cricket for the last ten years. Being a fitness enthusiast, the former Indian captain has raised the fitness standards of the Indian Cricket team. Scoring 2,624 runs across all ICC tournaments, Virat is set to break the record of Chris Gayle as the all-time highest run-getter in the ICC Tournament. His aggression and energy enhance the field’s environment and motivate the players to play better. The greatest chase master, Virat’s stats while batting second in ODIs is unparallel.
6. Ricky Ponting
Two-time World Cup-winning captain from Australia, Ricky Ponting is the leading run scorer for his team of all time. Whether tearing into bowlers or showing his brilliance on the field, Ponting has built the most decorated Australian team of all time. A prolific batter and a nightmare for bowlers, Ponting scored always led from the front scoring 2,422 runs across all ICC tournaments. He became one of the best batters of his generation and the second most successful run-getter after Sir Don Bradman.
7. Rohit Sharma
Widely acknowledged as “Hitman”, Rohit Sharma has emerged as one of India's most successful openers in the limited-overs format. His elegant cricketing shots, perfect timing and six-hitting abilities make him a great fan entertainer and an agony to the bowlers. He is the only batsman to score three double hundred in ODIs. He has scored 2,380 runs for his team across all ICC Tournaments.
8. Tillakaratne Dilshan
Rated as the best Sri Lankan batter in run chases in ODIs, Dilshan was one of the few players in cricket who could bat, bowl and keep wicket. He invented the famous “Dilscoop” shot which proved to be a nightmare for bowlers. His aggression with the bat and energy on the field has proved to be the point of difference in many games. Opening the innings for Sri Lanka, Dilshan scored 2,372 runs across all ICC Tournaments, helping build the team’s momentum.
9. AB de Villiers
Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is the best batsman cricket world will ever witness. Famous for his most innovative, unorthodox shots, especially over the Wicket keepers’ heads, de Villiers was the troublemaker for the bowlers. His capability to hit the ball at any part of the stadium earned him the title “Mr 360”. Batting in the middle order, he has scored 2,322 runs across all ICC Tournaments for South Africa. He holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket in just 31 balls. Being a dynamic player, AB has entertained the fans with his batting, amazing fielding skills and impeccable catches.
10. Jacques Kallis
Hailed as the greatest all-rounder ever, Jacques Kallis was a perfect fusion of a batsman and a bowler. He is the only cricketer in the history of cricket to score 10,000 runs and take 250-plus wickets in his career. Scoring 2,234 runs across all major ICC Tournaments, he has always been the backbone of the South African middle order. Kallis remained a permanent member of the South African Squad for his consistent performances through the most difficult times for the cricketing team, when they were accused of match-fixing and poor display at home in the World Cup.
