One Day International (ODI) cricket is the canvas where legends paint their masterpieces, and scoring 8000 runs in this format is a testament to a player’s class, consistency, and longevity. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the remarkable records and stories of cricketers who blazed their way to 8000 ODI runs, etching their names in the annals of the sport.
1. Virat Kohli (IND)
- Opposition: Bangladesh
- Ground: Birmingham
- Match Date: 15 Jun 2017
- Debut: 18 Aug 2008
- Time Taken: 8 years and 301 days
- Matches: 183
- Innings: 175
- ODI Number: 3891
Virat Kohli, the modern maestro of Indian cricket, achieved the milestone of 8000 ODI runs in just under nine years. Debuting on 18th August 2008, Kohli achieved this monumental feat on 15th June 2017, during a clash with Bangladesh in Birmingham (ODI # 3891). His insatiable hunger for runs and his ability to chase down targets with precision make him one of the finest ODI batsmen.
2. Hasim Amla (SA)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Birmingham
- Match Date: 19 Jun 2019
- Debut: 9 Mar 2008
- Time Taken: 11 years and 102 days
- Matches: 179
- Innings: 176
- ODI Number: 4165
Hashim Amla, the South African run-machine, reached the 8000-run mark in ODI cricket in just over eleven years. Debuting on 9th March 2008, Amla achieved this significant milestone on 19th June 2019, during a match against New Zealand in Birmingham (ODI # 4165). His classic strokeplay and serene demeanor at the crease have made him a cricketing icon.
3. AB de Villiers (Afr/SA)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Durban
- Match Date: 26 Aug 2015
- Debut: 2 Feb 2005
- Time Taken: 10 years and 205 days
- Matches: 190
- Innings: 182
- ODI Number: 3678
AB de Villiers, the South African maverick known for his audacious shot-making, reached 8000 ODI runs in just under ten and a half years. Debuting on 2nd February 2005, de Villiers achieved this remarkable feat on 26th August 2015, during a match against New Zealand in Durban (ODI # 3678). His ability to innovate and play unconventional shots have redefined modern ODI batting.
4. Sourav Ganguly (IND)
- Opposition: West Indies
- Ground: Nagpur
- Match Date: 9 Nov 2002
- Debut: 11 Jan 1992
- Time Taken: 10 years and 302 days
- Matches: 208
- Innings: 200
- ODI Number: 1894
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and aggressive left-handed batsman, reached 8000 ODI runs in just over ten years. Debuting on 11th January 1992, Ganguly accomplished this significant milestone on 9th November 2002, during a match against the West Indies in Nagpur (ODI # 1894). His fearless approach and exquisite cover drives were a treat to watch.
5. Rohit Sharma (IND)
- Opposition: Australia
- Ground: Delhi
- Match Date: 13 Mar 2019
- Debut: 23 Jun 2007
- Time Taken: 11 years and 263 days
- Matches: 206
- Innings: 200
- ODI Number: 4113
Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’ of Indian cricket, reached 8000 ODI runs in just under twelve years. Debuting on 23rd June 2007, Sharma achieved this monumental milestone on 13th March 2019, during a match against Australia in Delhi (ODI # 4113). His ability to convert starts into big innings has made him one of India’s most prolific ODI openers.
6. Ross Taylor (NZ)
- Opposition: Bangladesh
- Ground: Dunedin
- Match Date: 20 Feb 2019
- Debut: 1 Mar 2006
- Time Taken: 12 years and 356 days
- Matches: 218
- Innings: 203
- ODI Number: 4095
Ross Taylor, the seasoned New Zealand batsman, reached 8000 ODI runs in just under thirteen years. Debuting on 1st March 2006, Taylor achieved this remarkable feat on 20th February 2019, during a match against Bangladesh in Dunedin (ODI # 4095). His ability to anchor the innings and play calculated cricket has been vital for New Zealand.
7. Sachin Tendulkar (IND)
- Opposition: Pakistan
- Ground: Manchester
- Match Date: 8 Jun 1999
- Debut: 18 Dec 1989
- Time Taken: 9 years and 172 days
- Matches: 217
- Innings: 210
- ODI Number: 1476
Sachin Tendulkar, the ‘Little Master’ of Indian cricket, reached 8000 ODI runs in just over nine years. Debuting on 18th December 1989, Tendulkar achieved this monumental milestone on 8th June 1999, during a match against Pakistan in Manchester (ODI # 1476). His exquisite straight drives and sublime timing were a hallmark of his batting.
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8. Brian Lara (WI)
- Opposition: Australia
- Ground: St George’s
- Match Date: 1 Jun 2003
- Debut: 9 Nov 1990
- Time Taken: 12 years and 204 days
- Matches: 216
- Innings: 211
- ODI Number: 2021
Brian Charles Lara, the West Indian batting genius, reached 8000 ODI runs in just over twelve years. Debuting on 9th November 1990, Lara accomplished this significant milestone on 1st June 2003, during a match against Australia at St George’s (ODI # 2021). His ability to play marathon innings and his elegant strokeplay are legendary.
9. MS Dhoni (Asia/IND)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Wellington
- Match Date: 31 Jan 2014
- Debut: 23 Dec 2004
- Time Taken: 9 years and 39 days
- Matches: 243
- Innings: 214
- ODI Number: 3467
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the iconic former captain of India, reached 8000 ODI runs in just over nine years. Debuting on 23rd December 2004, Dhoni achieved this monumental milestone on 31st January 2014, during a match against New Zealand in Wellington (ODI # 3467). His calm captaincy and finishing abilities made him a legend of the game.
10. Saeed Anwar (PAK)
- Opposition: Sri Lanka
- Ground: Sharjah
- Match Date: 13 Apr 2001
- Debut: 1 Jan 1989
- Time Taken: 12 years and 102 days
- Matches: 221
- Innings: 218
- ODI Number: 1708
Saeed Anwar, the elegant left-handed opener from Pakistan, reached 8000 ODI runs in just over twelve years. Debuting on 1st January 1989, Anwar accomplished this significant milestone on 13th April 2001, during a match against Sri Lanka in Sharjah (ODI # 1708). His stylish cover drives and sublime timing made him a batting sensation.
Conclusion
These cricketers didn’t just accumulate runs; they crafted memorable innings, shattered records, and left an indelible mark on ODI cricket. Their journeys to 8000 runs are a testament to their unwavering dedication, skill, and love for the game, inspiring generations of cricketers around the world.
