Virat Kohli began the new year by further cementing his place in cricket history as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi. The 37-year-old batting stalwart became the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, reaching the milestone faster than any player before him.

Kohli crossed the 28,000-run mark in just 624 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 644 innings. Tendulkar remains the all-time leading run-scorer with 34,357 international runs, while Kumar Sangakkara now sits third with 28,016 runs.

Record-Breaking Moment During the Chase

Starting the match on 27,848 international runs, Kohli needed 25 more to reach the historic milestone. He achieved the feat with a boundary off Adithya Ashok in the 13th over. Later, a single off Michael Bracewell in the 19th over saw him move past Sangakkara to claim second place on the all-time list.

Match-Winning Knock Anchors India’s Chase

Kohli played a crucial role in India’s successful chase of 301, scoring 93 off 91 balls, including eight fours and a six. He stitched together vital partnerships with captain Shubman Gill (56) and Shreyas Iyer (49), steadying the innings after early wickets.

Despite late breakthroughs by New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, India crossed the finish line comfortably, thanks to an unbeaten 29 by KL Rahul, who sealed the win with six balls to spare.

India Take Early Lead in Three-Match Series

The victory gave India a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Rahul’s calm finish ensured there were no late hiccups, as India capitalised on the solid platform laid by the top order.

Kohli’s Consistent Form Continues

The innings marked Kohli’s seventh score of 50 or more in List A cricket in recent times, underlining his consistency across formats. The knock follows strong performances against South Africa and in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, indicating sustained form at the highest level.

All-Time International Run-Scorers (Top 6)

• Sachin Tendulkar (India): 34,357

• Virat Kohli (India): 28,017*

• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 28,016

• Ricky Ponting (Australia): 27,483

• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 25,957

• Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 25,534

Fastest to 28,000 International Runs

• Virat Kohli: 624 innings

• Sachin Tendulkar: 644 innings

• Kumar Sangakkara: 666 innings

Eyes on a Historic Milestone

With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Kohli’s pursuit of Tendulkar’s all-time run record continues to inspire fans worldwide, as the former India captain adds yet another chapter to an extraordinary career.

The post New Year, New Heights: Kohli Races Past Legends to 28,000 Runs in India’s ODI Triumph appeared first on Odisha Connect.