The “most runs in a calendar year” throughout One Day Internationals, Twenty20 Internationals, and Tests is one of cricket’s most prized records.
Achieving this feat is a credit to the player’s stamina, adaptability, and raw talent, since it calls for them to rise to the unique challenges presented by each format.
Achieving the most runs in a calendar year is not only about skill; it’s about adapting to varied pitches, weather conditions, and opponents, all while maintaining peak physical and mental conditioning.
Consistency in ODI Cricket: A Yearly Run Feast
ODI cricket offers a unique blend of entertainment and skill. While scoring in a series is commendable, maintaining a consistent run throughout the year showcases true mastery.
A select few batsmen have showcased this consistency in ODIs year after year. Let’s dive into the top players who’ve achieved this remarkable feat.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Pinnacle of ODI Runs
In ODI cricket, Sachin Tendulkar stands tall. In 1998, he amassed an impressive 1894 runs in 34 matches, averaging 65.31.
This feat included 9 centuries, the most by any batter in a single year. Remarkably, Tendulkar topped the ODI run charts five times during his illustrious career.
Sourav Ganguly: The Southpaw’s Yearly Dominance
Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain, clinched the second spot in 1999. He gathered 1767 runs in 41 matches, averaging 46.50.
His career-best 183 off 158 balls came during the 1999 World Cup against Sri Lanka. Ganguly’s year was adorned with 4 centuries and 10 half-centuries.
Rahul Dravid: Beyond the Test Label
Rahul Dravid, primarily known for his Test prowess, secured the third spot in 1999. He scored 1761 runs in 43 matches, averaging 46.34.
Dravid shone in the 1999 World Cup, being the top run-scorer with 461 runs in 8 matches. He crossed the century mark six times that year.
Tendulkar’s Second Feat
Tendulkar makes the list again, this time for his 1996 performance. He accumulated 1611 runs in 32 matches. This tally included 6 centuries and 9 fifties. His top score, 137, came against Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup.
Matthew Hayden: The World Cup Maestro
Matthew Hayden, a two-time World Cup winner, scored 1601 runs in 32 matches in 2007. He was the top scorer in the 2007 World Cup with 659 runs in 10 innings. Interestingly, 3 of his 5 ODI centuries that year were during the World Cup.
Quick ODI Facts:
- Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most ODI runs in a year with 1894 runs in 1998.
- For India, Tendulkar also holds the record with the same 1894 runs in 1998.
- Tendulkar also boasts the most ODI centuries in a year with 9.
- In 2023, Shubman Gill leads with 587 runs in 7 matches.
The T20 International Run Machines of Recent Years
Mohammad Rizwan: The Record Holder
Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan tops the chart. In 2021, he scored a whopping 1,326 runs in 29 matches. His average? A solid 73.66 with a strike rate of 134.89.
Moreover, he notched up one century and twelve half-centuries that year. During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, he ranked third in runs.
He scored 281 runs in six matches, averaging 70.25. Additionally, he struck three fifties in this prestigious event.
His form was instrumental in taking Pakistan to the World Cup semi-finals. In 2022, he’s already scored 996 runs in 25 matches.
Suryakumar Yadav: The Rising Star
Next up, India’s Suryakumar Yadav. In 2022, he’s accumulated 1,040 runs in 29 matches. His strike rate stands at an impressive 185.71, and he averages 43.33.
Babar Azam: The Consistent Performer
Babar Azam, Rizwan’s partner, isn’t far behind. In 2021, he gathered 939 runs in 29 matches. His average was 37.56, and his strike rate? 127.58.
He scored one century and nine half-centuries. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, he led in runs, scoring 303 in six matches. His average was a commendable 60.60.
Other Notable Performers
Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, ranks fifth. In 2022, he’s made 781 runs in 20 matches, averaging 55.78. Ireland’s Paul Sterling is sixth with 748 runs in 2019.
Following him is Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza with 735 runs in 2022. Among Indians, Shikhar Dhawan holds a notable record.
In 2018, he scored 689 runs in 18 matches. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien also grace the top 10.
Quick Glance: Top Run Scorers in T20Is
- Mohammad Rizwan (2021) – 1,326 runs
- Suryakumar Yadav (2022) – 1,040 runs
- Mohammad Rizwan (2022) – 996 runs
- Babar Azam (2021) – 939 runs
- Virat Kohli (2022) – 781 runs
- Paul Sterling (2019) – 748 runs
- Sikandar Raza (2022) – 735 runs
- Babar Azam (2022) – 735 runs
- Kevin O’Brien (2019) – 729 runs
- Pathum Nissanka (2022) – 713 runs
Cricket’s Calendar Year Heroes: Test Matches
Cricket, a game of numbers, has seen many records. Yet, some stand tall, like the most Test runs in a calendar year.
Mohammad Yousuf’s Unbeaten Record
Mohammad Yousuf from Pakistan holds this record. In 2006, he scored a whopping 1788 runs in 19 innings. That’s an average of 99.33! Before him, Vivian Richards held the record with 1710 runs in 1976.
Joe Root’s Pursuit
Now, England’s captain Joe Root is chasing this record. He recently overtook legends Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Clarke.
Currently, Root has 1630 runs in 2021. He’s just 158 runs behind Yousuf. After scoring 24 in the recent Ashes Test, he has two innings left to surpass Yousuf.
Other Notable Performances
Graeme Smith, Test cricket’s most successful captain, is third. He scored 1656 runs in 2008. Michael Clarke with 1595 runs in 2012 and Sachin Tendulkar with 1562 runs in 2010 round off the top five.
Ricky Ponting deserves a special mention. He’s the only one to score over 1500 Test runs twice in a year. First, in 2003 with 1503 runs, and then in 2005 with 1544 runs.
Current Players Making Waves
Among the current players, Joe Root shines the brightest. Apart from 2021, he scored 1477 runs in 2016. That year, he surpassed Steve Smith’s 1474 runs from 2015.
Jonny Bairstow isn’t far behind. In 2016, he scored 1470 runs, making him fourth among active players.
Top Performers At A Glance
- 2006: Mohammad Yousuf – 1788 runs, 11 matches, 19 innings, 99.33 average.
- 1976: Vivian Richards – 1710 runs, 11 matches, 19 innings, 90.00 average.
- 2021: Joe Root – 1708 runs, 15 matches, 29 innings, 56.85 average.
- 2008: Graeme Smith – 1656 runs, 15 matches, 25 innings, 72.00 average.
- 2012: Michael Clarke – 1595 runs, 11 matches, 18 innings, 106.33 average.
A Year of Unrivaled Greatness: Genre-Wide Dominance
The cricketing community is in awe of a feat that has set a new standard of perfection as the clock winds down on this calendar year.
Getting the most runs in one year in one-day internationals, Twenty20 internationals, and tests is a remarkable feat that speaks to a player’s versatility, perseverance, and dedication to the game.
This record highlights the value of being a well-rounded cricketer at a time when specialization is generally seen as the norm, with players often focussing on one format to enhance their talents.
It serves as a gentle reminder that the game itself is constant despite the variations in presentation. The player in question did more than just play; they learned, grew, and ultimately triumphed.
This achievement will go down as more than simply a number in cricket lore. It will be a source of pride for cricket fans all over the world and motivation for aspiring cricket players.
As time passes, we will look back on 2018 with pride, knowing that it was the year we broke barriers and accomplished the seemingly impossible.
