Not Virat Kohli or Babar Azam: Meet the top 10 highest run scorers in ICC Champions Trophy history
The ICC Champions Trophy has seen some of cricket¡¯s greatest batsmen shine, with Chris Gayle leading the top 10 highest scorers list. Surprisingly, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are absent, though Kohli is just a few runs away from making history.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to start today, February 19, 2025, with the opening match between Pakistan vs New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match will start at 2:30 PM IST. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after several years, and it will run until March 9, 2025.
The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some incredible batting performances over the years. Across its nine editions, many legendary cricketers have left their mark, while some unexpected names have also emerged among the highest scorers in Champions Trophy history.
Interestingly, Indian icons like Sachin Tendulkar (Scoring 441 runs in 15 innings)and Babar Azam (Scoring 133 runs in five innings) do not feature in the top 10 highest scorers in the ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, one of India's modern-day greats, is just seven runs away from breaking into this elite list. Kohli also holds the record for the highest batting average (88) among players who have scored more than 500 runs in the tournament. ICC Champions Trophy 2025 points table & full schedule.
No Batsman Has Reached 1,000 Runs in the ICC Champions Trophy
Unlike longer tournaments, the ICC Champions Trophy has a shorter format, with no team playing more than five matches if they reach the final. Due to this, no player has crossed the 1,000-run mark in the tournament's history.
West Indies' power-hitter Chris Gayle leads the charts with 791 runs, followed by Sri Lankan maestro Mahela Jayawardene, who has scored 742 runs. India's Shikhar Dhawan sits in third place with 701 runs. These three players are the only ones to have crossed 700 runs in the tournament's history.
Let's take a look at the top 10 highest scorers in ICC Champions Trophy history and their contributions to this prestigious event.
Top 10 Highest Scorers in ICC Champions Trophy History
1. Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 791 Runs
The destructive opener has played in five ICC Champions Trophy editions between 2002 and 2013. With 791 runs in 17 matches, he holds the record for the highest runs in tournament history. He averages 52 and has smashed three centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 133.
2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 742 Runs
A veteran of six ICC Champions Trophy tournaments, Jayawardene has amassed 742 runs at an average of 41. His highest score in the competition is an unbeaten 84.
3. Shikhar Dhawan (India) - 701 Runs
Despite playing only two editions, Shikhar Dhawan has made a significant impact, scoring 701 runs in just 10 matches. He boasts an outstanding average of 77 and a strike rate exceeding 100. Dhawan has hit three centuries, with his best knock being 125.
4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 683 Runs
Another Sri Lankan legend, Sangakkara featured in six Champions Trophy editions, scoring 683 runs at an average of 37. His highest score in the tournament is 134 not out.
5. Sourav Ganguly (India) - 665 Runs
The former Indian captain played in four ICC Champions Trophy editions from 1998 to 2004. Ganguly scored 665 runs at a remarkable average of 73, including three centuries. His best score in the tournament is 141 not out.
6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 665 Runs
One of the best all-rounders in cricket history, Jacques Kallis played in six ICC Champions Trophy tournaments. He scored 665 runs in 17 matches at an average of 46, with a highest score of 113 not out.
7. Rahul Dravid (India) - 627 Runs
The legendary Indian batsman, known for his composure and technique, scored 627 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy. He averaged 48 in the tournament, with his highest score being 76.
8. Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 593 Runs
Two-time ICC Champions Trophy-winning captain Ricky Ponting accumulated 593 runs across 18 matches. The Australian great averaged 39 and had a highest score of 111 not out.
9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) - 587 Runs
The dependable West Indian left-hander scored 587 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 53. His highest individual score in the competition was 74.
10. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) - 536 Runs
The dynamic Sri Lankan opener completes the top 10 list with 536 runs in 20 matches. Jayasuriya had an aggressive approach, with his best performance in the tournament being an unbeaten 102.
The ICC Champions Trophy has produced some iconic batting performances over the years, with several legends etching their names in the record books. While Indian superstars like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are absent from the top 10 highest scorers list, players like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Shikhar Dhawan have kept India¡¯s presence strong.
With the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, fans will be eager to see if any new names can break into this elite list. Will Virat Kohli finally make his way into the top 10? Only time will tell!
Bhupinder Singh serves as a Principal Executive in Content Management, specializing in SEO content related to trending financial news, net worth of celebrities, historic events, and art and culture. His passion for cricket shines through in his work and personal interests. In his free time, Bhupinder enjoys discussing cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, as well as following the IPL.
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