Who Has Scored the Most Runs in ICC Champions Trophy History?

After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy is back, and the upcoming showdown promises to be a thriller. The tournament gets underway at the end of February when co-hosts Pakistan host New Zealand in Karachi. Over the course of the next three weeks, eight of the planet's best 50-over teams will battle it out for a spot in the final in either Lahore or Dubai, with the latter location only being used if India goes all the way.

Online sports betting sites currently think that the final could indeed be hosted in Dubai. India almost pulled out of the competition, refusing to play in Pakistan due to tensions between the two countries. The ICC compromised by offering up the Arabian Gulf as the host for the Men in Blue's games, and now the latest sports betting odds make them a +185 favorite to lift the trophy.

But even though they are the clear frontrunners, going all the way will be no easy feat. Australia are narrowly behind them at +400, and they famously beat India on their home turf to win the Cricket World Cup 18 months ago.

This year, some batting behemoths will be turning out. England's Jos Buttler is a six-hitting machine, while Indian talisman Virat Kohli is capable of winning games on his own on his day. But which batsmen from years gone by are they hoping to emulate?

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle isn’t just a name; it’s a phenomenon. The "Universe Boss" shot to prominence in the early editions of the IPL, blasting sixes left, right, and center firstly for the Kolkata Knight Riders and then for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He tops the Champions Trophy all-time top scorers chart with a whopping 791, with a mighty 474 of them coming in the infancy of his career back in 2006.

That year, Gayle led the West Indies to the final with many blockbuster displays. He hit a composed half-century in the group stage victory against India before going one better by smashing a century in a do-or-die clash against England that the Windies went on to win. However, he saved his best for the semifinals.

In that final four contest, he pummeled the South African bowlers en route to a stunning 133 not out. It was vintage Gayle, peppering the field with towering sixes and thunderous fours. But his contributions weren’t limited to big shots alone. The Universe Boss also showcased his ability to anchor the innings, adapting his usual flamboyance as the situation demanded.

Unfortunately for him, however, that was as good as it would get. He was clean bowled for just 37 by Nathan Bracken in the showpiece as his team collapsed to 138 all out. Opponents Australia would cruise to the target required in just 35 overs, taking the trophy to the Land Down Under for the first time.

Mahela Jayawardene

Few players in cricket's history have the elegance of Mahela Jayawardene. With 741 runs, the Sri Lankan maestro stands second on this illustrious list. For him, batting wasn't a slogfest like with the aforementioned Gayle; it was a work of art. He brought poise and precision to all forms of the game, including the Champions Trophy, where he was able to craft an innings by sticking the perfect balance between aggression and finesse.

One of Jayawardene’s iconic displays came in the 2002 Champions Trophy final, a game that bizarrely ended in his side finishing as joint winners alongside India. While rain may have overshadowed the result, his sublime knock of 77 in the second installment of the final left fans in awe. The final had to be replayed twice due to poor weather in Colombo, and after the showpiece was rained off for a second time, the event organizers decided to crown both nations as joint champions.

Jayawardene wasn’t a bludgeoner like Gayle, but his exquisite timing and clever placement made him equally dangerous. His ability to read the game, rotate the strike, and build partnerships was central to Sri Lanka’s success in the tournament and how they could do with him in 2025, with their team falling by the wayside in recent years.

Shikhar Dhawan

Watching Shikhar Dhawan bat in the two most recent installments of the Champions Trophy has been nothing short of electrifying. The Indian opener's 701 runs put him third all-time, but what's remarkable is how quickly he piled on these runs. Dhawan’s displays in the 2013 and 2017 editions were the stuff of legend, as he claimed the Golden Bat in both tournaments.

Known for his fluent stroke play and aggressive intent, the recently retired star often gave the Men in Blue blazing starts at the top of the order. His knock of 114 against South Africa in the opening match of the 2013 edition set the tone for India’s campaign and his career at the elite level, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with. He piled in another century in India's second game against the West Indies, while his knock of 48 off just 41 balls was crucial in securing the victory against fierce rivals Pakistan in their third group game.

More runs followed, and his 68 in the semifinal against Sri Lanka booked his side a spot in the final against hosts England. His quickfire 31 in the showpiece helped his side to the victory and a maiden outright title.