Top 5 Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI History

Cricket has given us some thrilling battles, and the India vs South Africa ODI contests have always been among the most exciting. Over the years, several players have shown great skill, scoring big runs and defining matches with their batting. In this article, we look at the top five run-scorers in Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI history.

List of 5 Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI History

5. AB de Villiers - 1,357 Runs

AB de Villiers, former South African captain, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and fearless middle-order batsmen in ODI cricket. Against India, he scored 1,357 runs in 32 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 48.46 and a strike rate of 111.13.

De Villiers was known for his ability to play unorthodox shots and dominate bowlers. In 2015, he scored 358 runs in a single series against India, including three centuries, proving why he is a top name in Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI records. His timing and creativity made him one of the most dangerous batsmen for Indian bowlers.

4. Gary Kirsten - 1,377 Runs

Gary Kirsten, the legendary South African opener and later India's World Cup-winning coach in 2011, was another key figure in Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI history. He scored 1,377 runs in 26 matches against India from 1995 to 2001, with an astonishing average of 62.59, well above his overall ODI career average.

Kirsten scored four centuries and nine fifties in this rivalry. One of his most memorable innings was 133 runs in Johannesburg in 2001, showing his calm and composed batting style. Kirsten often anchored South Africa's innings, allowing other batsmen to play aggressively around him.

3. Virat Kohli - 1,504 Runs

Virat Kohli, India's modern-day superstar, has been phenomenal in chasing targets, especially against South Africa. He has scored 1,504 runs in 29 innings against them, with a remarkable average of 65.39 and a strike rate of 85.74. These stats make him India's highest run-scorer in the Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI contests.

Kohli's defining performance came in the 2018 South Africa tour, where he scored 558 runs in a single series, including three centuries. In total, he has five hundreds and eight fifties against South Africa. His consistency and hunger for runs have made him a nightmare for South African bowlers over the years.

2. Jacques Kallis - 1,535 Runs

Jacques Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, was a tough opponent for India in ODIs. He scored 1,535 runs in 34 innings at an average of 61.40, with nine not-outs to his credit, often finishing innings with calm and control. Kallis remains one of the most consistent names in Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI history.

In matches against India, Kallis scored two centuries and eleven fifties, often anchoring South Africa's innings. His combination of solid technique and power-hitting made him a player who could turn any game with his bat.

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 2,001 Runs

It is fitting that Sachin Tendulkar, the "God of Cricket," tops the list in Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODI history. Tendulkar scored 2,001 runs in 57 innings at an average of 35.73. Considering the bowling-friendly pitches of his era, this is an outstanding achievement.

Tendulkar made five centuries and eight fifties against South Africa. His memorable performances include a century in the 2011 ICC World Cup match at Nagpur. Over two decades, Tendulkar consistently outperformed world-class attacks, setting the standard for Indian batsmen and holding the record for the highest runs in this fierce rivalry.