Most Runs: The year 2021 was a remarkable one in the world of cricket, with numerous players shining with the bat across various formats. Whether in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), or Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), cricketers demonstrated their skill, resilience, and consistency in accumulating runs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the players who scored the most runs in 2021 across all formats of international cricket. Their contributions helped their respective teams achieve great heights and made 2021 a memorable year for cricket fans worldwide.
The Most Runs in International Cricket in 2021: The Leading Batsmen
The table below highlights the top run-scorers in 2021 across all formats of international cricket. We’ll look at their performances in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, along with their total runs, average, and strike rate. This comprehensive breakdown will provide insights into the consistency and dominance of these batsmen.
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Format | Runs Scored | Matches Played | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | ODI | 1,235 | 19 | 61.75 | 79.23 | 129 |
| 2 | Joe Root | England | Test | 1,455 | 9 | 66.09 | 53.43 | 218 |
| 3 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | ODI & T20I | 1,522 | 38 | 47.56 | 82.31 | 122 |
| 4 | David Warner | Australia | T20I & Test | 1,089 | 32 | 41.96 | 136.45 | 89* |
| 5 | Shai Hope | West Indies | ODI | 1,056 | 23 | 46.00 | 72.90 | 115* |
| 6 | Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | ODI & T20I | 1,150 | 28 | 49.57 | 89.54 | 210* |
| 7 | Devdutt Padikkal | India | IPL (Not official) | 1,100 (approx.) | 16 | 68.75 | 147.5 | 101 |
| 8 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | Test & ODI | 1,150 | 15 | 58.0 | 45.32 | 251* |
| 9 | Virat Kohli | India | Test & T20I | 1,200 | 20 | 53.00 | 125.02 | 72* |
| 10 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | ODI | 800+ | 20 | 58.0 | 55.1 | 52* |
Key Performers of 2021
- Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa): Rassie’s consistency was a key factor in his rise to the top, with the South African batter scoring 1,235 runs in 19 ODI matches, including multiple centuries. His excellent form with the bat was crucial to South Africa’s success in the 50-over format throughout 2021.
- Joe Root (England): Root’s brilliant form in the Test format was a highlight of 2021, as he scored 1,455 runs in just 9 matches, averaging a remarkable 66.09. His 218 against India in Chennai was one of the standout innings of the year. Root was also involved in a series of match-defining knocks, helping England in critical situations.
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): Babar Azam continued to establish himself as one of the finest contemporary batsmen, accumulating 1,522 runs across both ODIs and T20Is. His runs in limited-overs formats, including several fifties and centuries, made him a key figure in Pakistan’s cricketing success during the year.
- David Warner (Australia): Known for his aggressive batting, Warner was a standout performer in 2021, scoring over 1,089 runs in both T20Is and Tests. His consistency in T20 cricket, coupled with some vital contributions in Tests, marked his year.
- Shai Hope (West Indies): Hope’s reliability in the ODI format was apparent, as he scored 1,056 runs in 23 matches. His average of 46 and his contribution to the West Indies’ middle-order were crucial for the team’s success in the 50-over format.
Batsmen With Most Runs in Tests in 2021
The Test format saw some incredible performances, especially from players with the ability to grind it out in long innings. Joe Root led the charge with his monumental run tally, while others such as Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli were also impressive. Here’s a breakdown of the most runs in Test matches in 2021:
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Root | England | 9 | 1,455 | 66.09 | 218 |
| 2 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 10 | 1,050 | 58.0 | 251* |
| 3 | Usman Khawaja | Australia | 6 | 1,005 | 53.42 | 140 |
| 4 | Marnus Labuschagne | Australia | 5 | 900 | 50.0 | 115* |
| 5 | Rahul | India | 7 | 850 | 52.5 | 150* |
Batsmen With Most Runs in ODIs in 2021
ODIs continue to be a preferred format for players who focus on finding the balance between aggression and stability. Here’s a list of the leading run-scorers in ODIs in 2021:
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | 19 | 1,235 | 61.75 | 129 |
| 2 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 16 | 1,012 | 47.56 | 122 |
| 3 | Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | 15 | 1,150 | 49.57 | 210* |
| 4 | Shai Hope | West Indies | 23 | 1,056 | 46.00 | 115* |
| 5 | Devdutt Padikkal | India | 8 | 700 | 55.00 | 100* |
Batsmen With Most Runs in T20Is in 2021
T20 cricket continues to excite fans with fast-paced, high-scoring matches. The leading run-scorers in T20Is for 2021 were a mix of established stars and rising talents:
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Warner | Australia | 16 | 600+ | 41.96 | 89* |
| 2 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 22 | 850+ | 42.5 | 122 |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | 16 | 480 | 35.0 | 72* |
| 4 | Jos Buttler | England | 10 | 460+ | 45.4 | 100* |
| 5 | Shafali Verma | India | 10 | 450 | 39.5 | 73* |
Conclusion: A Year of Unforgettable Performances
The year 2021 was full of high-quality cricket, with several top batsmen making their mark in all formats. From Rassie van der Dussen’s consistency in ODIs to Joe Root’s brilliant year in Tests, the cricketers in this list have not only accumulated a massive number of runs but also made significant contributions to their teams’ successes.
In a year where the focus was on adapting to the changing dynamics of international cricket due to COVID-19 restrictions, these players stood out for their ability to maintain consistency and perform at the highest level. Their performances have set the stage for what promises to be another exciting year in the world of cricket in 2022.
