Scoring 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year is quite challenging because a player only gets to play around 10-15 matches in a year. Sometimes, if the schedule is too hectic or it is a World Cup year, then the number of matches is in the range of 20-25, but even then, to perform consistently and maintain fitness is a difficult task.
Still, quite a few batters have achieved the feat of scoring 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year. Some of them have even done it more than five times. In this listicle now, we will look at the top five batters who have achieved this milestone the most number of times.
5. Kumar Sangakkara – 6 times
Former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Kumar Sangakkara achieved this feat six times during his international career. The wicketkeeper was at his peak during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
4. Mahela Jayawardene – 6 times
Another former Sri Lankan cricket team captain who achieved this record six times is Mahela Jayawardene. He even scored a hundred in the 2011 World Cup Final against India.
3. Ricky Ponting – 6 times
Ricky Ponting is the only non-Asian cricketer to feature on this list. The former Australian cricket team captain achieved this record six times during his career as an international cricketer.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year 7 times
Sachin Tendulkar was the first player to achieve the record seven times in his career. Nicknamed The God of Cricket, Tendulkar touched 1,000 ODI runs in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007.
1. Virat Kohli – 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year 8 times
Yesterday, Virat Kohli became the first batter to achieve this feat eight times in international cricket. Kohli scored more than 1,000 ODI runs in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023.
