The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, which kicked off on February 19, has officially come to an end. Since the competition began in 1998, it has consistently delivered unforgettable and brilliant performances that have always kept fans on the edge of their seats. It features some of the best cricket-playing nations, attracting massive viewership from enthusiasts worldwide. The tournament also drives significant betting activity, with numerous sportsbooks offering competitive cricket rate live odds on its matches to millions of punters.

Over the years, some of the finest batsmen have graced the ICC Champions Trophy, delivering match-winning knocks and etching their names into the record books. This article takes a look at the top five run scorers in the tournament’s history, examining their performances, incredible scoring records, and achievements.

Virat Kohli (964)

Virat Kohli is a household name in Indian cricket and is globally renowned as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket. In 2013, he helped India win the title, scoring 176 runs in the tournament. In the following edition in 2017, he was even better, amassing 258 runs, although, despite his efforts, India lost to Pakistan in the final. Kohli’s experience and leadership were key in India’s 2025 campaign, where he scored 218 runs to help secure another title.

Beyond the Champions Trophy, Kohli has amassed a trophy cabinet that few can rival. He was part of India’s victories in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, and 2024 T20 World Cup. As a captain, he led India to three consecutive Test mace wins in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Individually, Kohli’s records are nothing short of legendary. He is the most decorated player in ICC history, winning 10 Awards, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (Cricketer of the Year) twice in 2017 and 2018. He is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, ranks third in international cricket runs, and holds the record for the most ODI centuries. In 2018, he became the only Indian cricketer to be ranked No. 1 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is at different points in his career. He was also the first Player to score 20,000 international runs in a decade.

Chris Gayle (791) 

Chris Gayle, famously known as “The Universe Boss,” is one of the greatest power-hitters in limited-overs cricket. The Jamaican cricketer represented the West Indies from 1999 to 2021 and built a reputation for his aggressive batting, big-hitting ability, and match-winning performances. His fearless approach and knack for clearing the boundary made him one of the most entertaining players in the game.

Chris Gayle greatly impacted the ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 791 runs across five editions (2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013). One of his best performances came in 2004 when he helped the West Indies win their first-ever Champions Trophy, scoring 138 runs in the tournament. In 2006, he also helped West Indies to the final but unfortunately lost to Australia.

Outside the Champions Trophy, Gayle’s achievements in cricket are remarkable. In addition to winning the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, he played a key role in leading the West Indies to victory in the 2012 and 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournaments. He has set numerous records across all three cricket formats. Notably, he is West Indies’ highest run-scorer in ODIs and T20Is and ranks second only to Brian Lara in Test runs.

Mahela Jayawardene (742) 

Mahela Jayawardene is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers and a former national team captain. Known for his skill, composure, and strategic thinking, he played a key role in Sri Lanka cricket for nearly 20 years. He was a regular presence at the ICC Champions Trophy, playing in six editions (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013). His most significant achievement in the tournament came in 2002 when he played a key role in Sri Lanka’s shared title win with India. 

Beyond the Champions Trophy, Jayawardene was a pillar of Sri Lanka’s golden era, guiding them to several major finals. He was part of the team that Won the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, securing Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup title. As captain, he also led Sri Lanka to victory in the 2008 Asia Cup.

In terms of personal achievements, Jayawardene is the first Sri Lankan to score 10,000+ Test runs and the second to achieve the same milestone in ODIs after Sanath Jayasuriya. He’s also the only Player to score centuries in both a World Cup final and semi-final, among many other records.

Shikhar Dhawan (701)

Shikhar Dhawan only competed in two editions (2013 and 2017) of the ICC Champions Trophy and finished as the top run-scorer in both. In 2013, he helped India win the title with 363 runs, earning the Player of the Tournament award. In 2017, he replicated his brilliant performance, scoring 338 runs. However, India finished as runners-up, losing to Pakistan by 50 overs.

Beyond the Champions Trophy, Dhawan enjoyed an illustrious career across all cricket formats. In his Test debut against Australia, he smashed 187 off 174 balls, the fastest century by a debutant. He became the first Indian to score a century in his 100th ODI and once held the second-highest individual score in a List A match (248 off 150 balls).

Dhawan was also India’s leading run-scorer in the 2015 World Cup. Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in August 2024. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially in ICC tournaments, will not be forgotten.

Kumar Sangakkara (683) 

Kumar Sangakkara is considered one of the best wicket-keeper batters in cricket history. A talented left-handed batter, he played for Sri Lanka from 2000 to 2015 and was known for his consistency and leadership. He captained the team in all formats and played a key role in Sri Lankan cricket.

Sangakkara played in six editions of the ICC Champions Trophy (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013), making him one of the most experienced players in the tournament’s history. In 2002, he helped Sri Lanka win the title against India, their only Champions Trophy win. 

Beyond the Champions Trophy, Sangakkara’s career is filled with incredible achievements. He was key in Sri Lanka’s victories at the 2001-02 Asian Test Championship and the 2014 T20 World Cup. He scored over 28,000 international runs, which makes him the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. Also, his 38 Test and 25 ODI centuries remain the most by any wicket-keeper in history.  

Conclusion

The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some of the most brilliant batting displays in cricket history. These five legendary batsmen, especially, have left an indelible mark on the tournament. Their remarkable run-scoring feats not only contributed to their respective teams’ successes but also cemented their places among cricket’s all-time greats.