The Champions Trophy is currently underway with great excitement, and many fans are hoping to see a new record for the most runs in Champions Trophy history. However, breaking this record won’t be easy, as five batting stars with incredible numbers currently dominate the top spots on the leaderboard.

Top 5 Most Runs in Champions Trophy History

The Champions Trophy, also popularly known as the “Mini World Cup,” has extracted some of the best performances the cricket world has ever seen. Some of these icons went down in the annals of the coveted ICC tournament as the top run-scorers of the event. So, without further ado, let’s take a walk down memory lane and talk about some of the batting icons with the most runs in Champions Trophy history.

1. Chris Gayle

This man here was the epitome of power-hitting, the one who terrified bowlers with his mere presence on the field. In the truest sense, he is the “Universe Boss” as he dominated the game of cricket across formats. In addition, Gayle was a world-class entertainer in cricket. No doubt, Chris Gayle is the top run-scorer and most runs in Champions Trophy history.

Gayle’s explosive efforts remain ingrained in the tournament’s history, as she amassed an incredible 791 runs in just 17 games. With a strike rate of 88.77 and an average of 52.73, he repeatedly put bowlers on their knees. However, what’s mind-boggling is that 474 from his humongous 791 came just from a single edition in 2006 when the southpaw was just getting started in his career. With numerous spectacular performances, Gayle guided the West Indies to the championship game that year. After hitting an elegant half-century in the group stage triumph over India, he went one step further and smashed a century in a crucial match against England, which the Windies ultimately won. But, he reserved his finest effort for the semifinals, though.

He hammered the South African bowlers on his way to an incredible 133 not out in the hotly contested knockout match. Towering sixes and booming fours dotted the field, and it was classic Chris Gayle. However, his contributions went beyond only spectacular shots. Additionally, the Universe Boss demonstrated his ability to lead the innings by adjusting his customary flamboyance when needed. However, despite him making the most runs in that Champions Trophy season or even achieving the highest individual score of that time, he couldn’t do much in the summit match against Australia where the Kangaroos ultimately hopped back Down Under with their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

2. Mahela Jayawardene

At a time when Sri Lanka was way more than just a subcontinent team and used to be a worthy adversary for the SENA nations, this man was one of their most feared weapons. Mahela Jayawardene was one of the greatest stroke-makers in cricket and a well-known figure in Sri Lankan history. The former captain of Sri Lanka contributed significantly to the growth of the sport with his elegance and calm demeanor.

Only true cricket fans know how artistic and skillful his batsmanship was. It was nothing like the mayhem that Chris Gayle brought with his batting, rather it was like watching poetry in motion. His poise and precision didn’t escape the Champions Trophy, where he was able to weave several match-winning innings by striking the ideal balance between aggression and subtlety. His 742 runs from games in the tournament is a testament to his ability to anchor innings in the toughest of situations. At some of Sri Lanka’s most critical points in the competition, he was a pillar of support, averaging 41.22 with a strike rate of 84.80.

In the Champions Trophy final in 2002, Mahela Jayawardene put on one of his most memorable performances. Ironically, his team finished as co-winners with India, which was a bit anticlimactic for his side. Regardless of the results, Jayawardene’s ability to perform under pressure was demonstrated by his greatest knock of 84 in the rain-shortened 2002 final against India. Even though the rain may have overshadowed the outcome, his incredible 77-run knock in the second final installment left fans speechless.

3. Shikhar Dhawan

Now, he might be called “Mr. ICC” for his exploits in the ICC events, but the Champions Trophy is somewhat special to him. The reason behind this claim is simply because the 2013 Champions Trophy was a defining moment of his career. He was so menacing during that edition and the installment after that he was awarded the Golden Bat in both championships. His legendary performance in the Champions Trophy has deservedly earned him the third spot in the list of the most runs in Champions Trophy history with 701 runs from just 10 games.

Moreover, he scored these runs at an incredible average of 77.88 and a blistering strike rate of 101.59 in just 10 Champions Trophy games. The recently retired player, who was well-known for his fluid stroke play and aggressive intent, frequently gave the Men in Blue explosive starts at the top of the order. Shikhar Dhawan established himself as a formidable force by hitting 114 against South Africa in the first game of the 2013 edition, which set the tone for both India’s campaign and his career at the highest level.

He scored another century in India’s second match against the West Indies, and in their third group match against bitter rivals Pakistan, his 48 off just 41 balls was essential for his team’s victory. More runs came, and his 68 against Sri Lanka in the semifinals guaranteed his team a place in the final against the hosts, England. In the final, his team won a first-ever outright title thanks to his fast-paced 31 in the close battle. Shikhar Dhawan concluded that season as the highest run scorer with a total of 363 runs. He again struck the Champions Trophy with his rampage in 2017 and ended up being the highest scorer in that edition as well.

4. Kumar Sangakkara

While many players would want to prolong their career for as much as they can, this man decided to hang up his boots at his prime. Sounds foolish, right? But that was the type of man he was – calm, composed, and clear – which reflected in his batting too. Kumar Sangakkara, the renowned Lankan southpaw, was among the most elegant left-handers in the history of the game. Like his fellow compatriot Mahela Jayawardene, Sangakkara was a master of timing. His lasting impact on cricket includes the Champions Trophy too, where he has amassed 683 runs in 22 matches at an average of 37.94.

His greatest innings of the tournament, and his entire career, as stated by the man himself came in 2013 against hosts, England. At a time when Sri Lanka was fighting to keep themselves alive in the tournament, his innings came as a guiding light for the team. With the help of his teammates Jayawardene and Kulasekara, he saw to it that his side reached the finishing mark. Kumar Sangakkara scored an undefeated 134 and got Sri Lanka a seven-wicket victory in the nerve-wracking match.

5. Sourav Ganguly

The man goes by many names, but regardless of what you call him, his identity will always be synonymous with a true leader. He revolutionized the way the Indian cricket team approached the away matches, instilling a killer instinct in the team. He played every game to win and that’s exactly what he did. Sourav Ganguly assembled a daring young squad and led them to victory wherever he went, and the Champions Trophy is no exception to it. The ‘Prince of Kolkata’ was fearless on the crease, exuding a menacing aura.

With 665 runs at an incredible average of 73.88 in 13 games, Ganguly ensured that he was available to help India when they needed runs. He showed a delicate combination of aggression and control as demonstrated by his strike rate of 85.92, three fifties, and the same number of hundreds. With his undefeated 141 in the semi-final match against South Africa, Sourav Ganguly displayed his classic form in the 2000 tournament. The knock left onlookers gaping in amazement and bowlers scared, making him the fifth player on the list of most runs in Champions Trophy history.

Conclusion

These are the stalwarts who dominate the list of the most runs in Champions Trophy history, each having a unique style and flair. These players have set high standards not only for the Champions Trophy but also for all the ICC events in general. However, the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy has been pointing towards the possibility of an overhaul of this list shortly. Star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Joe Root have a shot at displacing these greats from the top position. Now, what happens next only time will tell.

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