Scoring 9000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket is an extraordinary achievement, a testament to a player’s skill, consistency, and dedication to the game. In this blog, we take a closer look at the remarkable records and stories of cricketers who raced to 9000 ODI runs, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
1. Virat Kohli (IND)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Kanpur
- Match Date: 29 Oct 2017
- Debut: 18 Aug 2008
- Time Taken: 9 years and 72 days
- Matches: 202
- Innings: 194
- ODI Number: 3932
Virat Kohli, the maestro of modern-day batting, reached the milestone of 9000 ODI runs in just over nine years. Debuting on 18th August 2008, Kohli achieved this monumental feat on 29th October 2017, during a match against New Zealand in Kanpur (ODI # 3932). His incredible consistency and ability to chase down targets make him one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
2. AB de Villiers (Afr/SA)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Wellington
- Match Date: 25 Feb 2017
- Debut: 2 Feb 2005
- Time Taken: 12 years and 23 days
- Matches: 214
- Innings: 205
- ODI Number: 3841
AB de Villiers, the South African superman known for his 360-degree batting, reached 9000 ODI runs in just over twelve years. Debuting on 2nd February 2005, de Villiers achieved this remarkable feat on 25th February 2017, during a match against New Zealand in Wellington (ODI # 3841). His innovation and adaptability in the limited-overs format are legendary.
3. Rohit Sharma (IND)
- Opposition: Australia
- Ground: Bengaluru
- Match Date: 19 Jan 2020
- Debut: 23 Jun 2007
- Time Taken: 12 years and 210 days
- Matches: 224
- Innings: 217
- ODI Number: 4233
Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’ of Indian cricket, reached 9000 ODI runs in just under thirteen years. Debuting on 23rd June 2007, Sharma accomplished this significant milestone on 19th January 2020, during a match against Australia in Bengaluru (ODI # 4233). His ability to accelerate and play match-winning innings has made him an ODI batting sensation.
4. Sourav Ganguly (IND)
- Opposition: Australia
- Ground: Melbourne
- Match Date: 9 Jan 2004
- Debut: 11 Jan 1992
- Time Taken: 11 years and 363 days
- Matches: 236
- Innings: 228
- ODI Number: 2077
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and aggressive left-handed batsman, reached 9000 ODI runs in just under twelve years. Debuting on 11th January 1992, Ganguly accomplished this significant milestone on 9th January 2004, during a match against Australia in Melbourne (ODI # 2077). His fearless leadership and stylish batting have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
5. Sachin Tendulkar (IND)
- Opposition: South Africa
- Ground: Nagpur
- Match Date: 19 Mar 2000
- Debut: 18 Dec 1989
- Time Taken: 10 years and 92 days
- Matches: 242
- Innings: 235
- ODI Number: 1576
Sachin Tendulkar, the ‘Little Master’ of Indian cricket, reached 9000 ODI runs in just over ten years. Debuting on 18th December 1989, Tendulkar achieved this monumental feat on 19th March 2000, during a match against South Africa in Nagpur (ODI # 1576). His impeccable technique and unmatched cricketing IQ set him apart.
6. Brian Lara (WI)
- Opposition: Australia
- Ground: Melbourne
- Match Date: 14 Jan 2005
- Debut: 9 Nov 1990
- Time Taken: 14 years and 66 days
- Matches: 246
- Innings: 239
- ODI Number: 2204
Brian Charles Lara, the West Indian batting genius, reached 9000 ODI runs in just over fourteen years. Debuting on 9th November 1990, Lara accomplished this historic milestone on 14th January 2005, during a match against Australia in Melbourne (ODI # 2204). His ability to dominate world-class bowlers is the stuff of legends.
7. Ricky Ponting (AUS/ICC)
- Opposition: South Africa
- Ground: Gqeberha
- Match Date: 5 Mar 2006
- Debut: 15 Feb 1995
- Time Taken: 11 years and 18 days
- Matches: 248
- Innings: 242
- ODI Number: 2347
Ricky Ponting, the Australian cricketing great and former captain, reached 9000 ODI runs in just over eleven years. Debuting on 15th February 1995, Ponting achieved this remarkable feat on 5th March 2006, during a match against South Africa in Gqeberha (ODI # 2347). His aggressive batting and astute captaincy made him one of the most successful ODI players in history.
8. Jacques Kallis (SA)
- Opposition: England
- Ground: Bridgetown
- Match Date: 17 Apr 2007
- Debut: 9 Jan 1996
- Time Taken: 11 years and 98 days
- Matches: 256
- Innings: 242
- ODI Number: 2574
Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, reached 9000 ODI runs in just over eleven years. Debuting on 9th January 1996, Kallis achieved this significant milestone on 17th April 2007, during a match against England in Bridgetown (ODI # 2574). His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a true cricketing icon.
9. MS Dhoni (Asia/IND)
- Opposition: New Zealand
- Ground: Mohali
- Match Date: 23 Oct 2016
- Debut: 23 Dec 2004
- Time Taken: 11 years and 305 days
- Matches: 281
- Innings: 244
- ODI Number: 3798
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the iconic former captain of India, reached 9000 ODI runs in just under twelve years. Debuting on 23rd December 2004, Dhoni accomplished this monumental milestone on 23rd October 2016, during a match against New Zealand in Mohali (ODI # 3798). His calm captaincy and finishing abilities made him a legend of the game.
10. Mohammad Yousuf (Asia/PAK)
- Opposition: Bangladesh
- Ground: Faisalabad
- Match Date: 11 Apr 2008
- Debut: 28 Mar 1998
- Time Taken: 10 years and 14 days
- Matches: 258
- Innings: 245
- ODI Number: 2698
Mohammad Yousuf, the elegant Pakistani batsman, reached 9000 ODI runs in just over ten years. Debuting on 28th March 1998, Yousuf accomplished this remarkable feat on 11th April 2008, during a match against Bangladesh in Faisalabad (ODI # 2698). His classical style and ability to build innings made him a standout performer for Pakistan.
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 9000 runs are a testament to their unwavering dedication, skill, and love for the game, inspiring generations of cricketers around the world.
