6 players reached 7,000 ODI runs in record time, showcasing a variety of playing styles, from calm consistency to aggressive strokeplay. Their achievements highlight significant contributions to ODI cricket, setting benchmarks for future generations and demonstrating diverse approaches to accumulating runs and dominating in the format.
1. Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla, the South African maestro, holds the record for reaching 7,000 runs in the fewest innings—150—since his 2008 debut. His blend of classical strokeplay and calm composure under pressure made him a cornerstone of South Africa’s batting lineup. Amla’s 2017 milestone set a new benchmark for consistency and efficient run accumulation in ODIs.
2. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, the graceful New Zealand captain, reached the 7,000-run milestone in 159 innings, following his 2010 debut. Achieved in 2025, this feat highlights his adaptability in an era dominated by aggressive batting. Known for impeccable timing and versatility, Williamson has been central to New Zealand’s ODI success, combining traditional virtues with modern pragmatism. His achievement also reflects his longevity and commitment to excellence.
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI batsmen, reached 7,000 runs in 161 innings in 2016, eight years after debuting in 2008. Despite his exceptional consistency and dominance in run-chases, Kohli ranks third behind Amla and Williamson. His journey reflects relentless pursuit of perfection, unmatched fitness, and mental fortitude. While his milestone came slightly later, it underscores the extraordinary pace set by the top two. Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket remains monumental, with this achievement marking just one of many milestones in his illustrious career.
4. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, the South African maestro known as ‘Mr. 360,’ reached 7,000 runs in 166 innings in 2014, nine years after debuting in 2005. His journey was marked by audacity and innovation, with unorthodox shots and a 360-degree scoring range that made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket. De Villiers wasn’t just a run-scorer; he was a game-changer, capable of turning matches with his brilliance. His milestone celebrates flair, adaptability, and the fusion of power, precision, and creativity that left a lasting legacy in ODI cricket.
5. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain, reached 7,000 runs in 174 innings, achieving the feat in 2001 after debuting in 1992. His career blended elegance, aggression, and leadership, with majestic cover drives and lofted shots that dominated bowlers. Ganguly’s milestone came at a pivotal time in Indian cricket, as his leadership and contributions as a run-scorer helped transform the team’s future. His 7,000 runs stand as both a personal achievement and a symbol of his broader impact on the game.
6. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the Indian opener celebrated for his breathtaking strokeplay, reached 7,000 runs in 181 innings, achieving the milestone in 2018 after debuting in 2007. His journey reflects his evolution from a middle-order batsman to one of the most destructive openers in ODI history, known for his multiple double centuries. Sharma’s ability to combine timing, power, and a sharp cricketing mind has made him a modern-day legend. By 2018, his 7,000 runs had cemented his role as a key pillar of India’s batting lineup, showcasing both consistency and flair.
The stories of these six cricketers—Hashim Amla, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sourav Ganguly, and Rohit Sharma—offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse paths to cricketing greatness. While Kohli’s brilliance is undeniable, his third-place ranking behind Amla and Williamson highlights the extraordinary feats of the South African and New Zealand stars.