Fastest to 8,000 runs in ODIs – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli already on the list, Joe Root getting close
The quest for 8,000 ODI runs has been tight with some legends of the game fighting it out to become the fastest to amass the milestone.
A select few have reached the total in record time, but who has taken the fewest innings to smash 8,000 ODI runs?
There are some notable absentees on the list such as Joe Root who will be one of the fastest if he achieves the accolade.
Read more to find the dominant players on the fastest to 8,000 list.
9. MS Dhoni – 214 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
MS Dhoni is one of India’s greatest captains and was renowned for his ability to get his nation over the line in ODI cricket.
His cool temperament and skill when under pressure made him one of India’s best-ever leaders with his invaluable runs having a massive impact in major tournaments.
He played a crucial role in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup victory and anchored innings with a stunning combination of calmness and expansive shot-making.
8. Brian Lara – 211 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
It took Lara just 216 matches to reach the 8000 ODI runs career milestone in which he dominated bowling attacks through elegant and composed batting.
While people talk about his red-ball pedigree, the West Indian thrived in the ODI format and was a match-winner for several years for his nation.
An attacking yet controlled batting style of stroke-making made Lara one of the best batters in the history of ODI cricket.
7. Sachin Tendulkar – 210 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
Frequently dubbed the ‘God of Cricket’, for his incredible exploits as the highest-ever Test cricket run scorer – Tendulkar was equally as effective for India in white ball cricket.
His career which spanned over two decades was defined by his constant desire to score runs, shown through his becoming the first player to score an ODI double-century.
Tendulkar also played a leading role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory and smashed a staggering 49 ODI centuries in his career.
Also read: Top 10 highest scores on ODI debut – Matthew Breetzke beats Desmond Haynes’ world record
6. Ross Taylor – 203 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
One of New Zealand’s most dependable middle-order batters, Taylor played a crucial role in getting his side over the line in many close contests.
He played the game with a calm and measured demeanour and often succeeded in conditions where his Black Caps teammates faltered.
A chase was never over when Taylor was at the crease with his ability to score against pace and spin making him one of his nation’s ODI greats.
=4. Rohit Sharma – 200 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
The only player to have three ODI double-centuries, Rohit has been a staple at the top of the order for India for several years.
His class is in his ability to control innings, knowing when to go big and when to be cautious and then convert his starts into big scores.
He shone in ICC tournaments and is widely considered an ODI great for India.
=4. Sourav Ganguly – 200 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
Ganguly was a respected leader for India who was instrumental in transforming their fortunes in the 90s and early 2000s.
His greatness often falls in the shadows of his long-time opening partner Tendulkar but his stylish off-side play made him a crucial cog in the destructive partnership.
3. AB de Villiers – 182 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
AB de Villiers was a pioneer for short-form cricket with his ability to score 360 in all parts of the ground helping him build innings rapidly.
His team may have been on the back foot when he arrived at the crease but within a few overs, the South African could swing the course of the match.
From elegant straight drives to innovative ramp strokes, AB de Villiers had it all.
2. Hashim Amla – 176 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
At the time of his 8000 ODI run milestone, he had been the fastest to do so reaching the total in just 179 matches for South Africa.
He was a traditional cricketer who boasted an incredible technique based on timing and concentration as opposed to raw power.
Amla consistently contributed at the top of the order and was one of South Africa’s ODI greats.
1. Virat Kohli – 175 innings for 8,000 ODI runs
Kohli’s exploits have gained him royalty status in India with his ability to churn out runs at will and turn games on their head making him elite.
Pressure has never fazed him and a willingness to chase targets in a measured fashion highlights his quality.
His performances and leadership mean he is now one of the all-time greats of Indian cricket.
Read next: Will Mohammed Shami become the second- or third-fastest to 200 wickets in ODIs?
