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MS Dhoni is a name synonymous with finishing games, lightning-fast stumpings, and unparalleled leadership. In his illustrious career spanning from 2004 to 2019, "Captain Cool" amassed a staggering 10,773 runs in 350 ODIs at an average of 50.57.

While Dhoni is one of only six Indians to cross the 10,000-run milestone in One Day Internationals, five legendary batsmen managed to stack up even higher numbers. Here is a look at the elite list of Indian cricketers who have scored more ODI runs than MS Dhoni.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 Runs)

The "God of Cricket" sits comfortably at the top, not just for India but for the world. Sachin’s career spanned over two decades (1989–2012), during which he redefined every batting record in the book. With 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries in the format, his tally of 18,426 runs remains the gold standard for consistency and longevity.

2. Virat Kohli (14,000+ Runs)

The modern-day legend and "King" of the chase, Virat Kohli, surpassed Dhoni’s tally years ago. Reddy Anna Book Kohli has been the fastest to reach almost every thousand-run milestone in the game. Known for his sheer hunger for centuries, Kohli’s average (hovering around 58) is a testament to his dominance. As of 2025/26, he continues to add to his massive total, having long passed the 13,000 and 14,000-run marks.

3. Rohit Sharma (11,500+ Runs)

The current Indian captain and the man who holds the record for the highest individual ODI score (264), Rohit Sharma, is third on this list. Since being promoted to open the innings by MS Dhoni himself in 2013, Rohit’s career took a vertical trajectory. He has surpassed the tallies of both Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid to become one of India’s most prolific run-getters.

4. Sourav Ganguly (11,363 Runs)

"Dada," the man who taught India how to win overseas, was a force of nature in ODI cricket. Forming one of the most iconic opening partnerships in history with Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly finished his career with 11,363 runs. His ability to step out to spinners and clear the ropes made him a nightmare for bowlers throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.

5. Rahul Dravid (10,889 Runs)

Often celebrated for his defensive masterclasses in Test cricket, "The Wall" was equally dependable in the 50-over format. Rahul Dravid played 344 ODIs, scoring 10,889 runs. Despite often playing second fiddle to more aggressive stroke-makers, Dravid’s adaptability—even keeping wickets for a significant period—made him the backbone of the Indian middle order.

Summary Table: The Elite Club

Why Dhoni’s Record is Unique

While these five players have more runs, it is important to note that most of them (Sachin, Virat, Rohit, Ganguly) batted primarily in the top three. MS Dhoni achieved his 10,000+ runs batting mostly at numbers 5 and 6, where the opportunities to build long innings are far fewer. This makes his entry into the 10,000-run club perhaps the most remarkable feat of all.