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.

Trophy Tussle Adds Drama to Historic Rivalry

The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is poised for another thrilling chapter this November following a new proposal by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The announcement comes amid a lingering controversy surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup trophy, which India won but never received.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final, marking their third consecutive victory over their arch-rivals in the tournament. However, celebrations were overshadowed by a bizarre standoff — PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi allegedly refused to hand over the trophy, insisting that Indian players should personally collect it from him. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused, calling the move “unprofessional and provocative.”

The trophy, according to reports, remains with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), adding to the diplomatic chill between the two boards.

New Asia Cup Editions Announced

Undeterred by the fallout, Naqvi has unveiled two fresh Asia Cup tournaments designed to “expand the spirit of Asian cricket.” The first, titled the Asia Cup Rising Stars, will replace the Emerging Asia Cup and is scheduled to take place from November 14 to 23 in Doha, Qatar.

This revamped edition will feature eight teams, including “A” squads from Test-playing nations alongside top associate teams. The format opens the door for an India–Pakistan rematch under neutral conditions — an encounter that promises to capture the imagination of global cricket fans.

A second tournament, the Under-19 Asia Cup, is also in the pipeline for December 2025, though the final venue and dates remain undecided.

BCCI’s Stand: Trophy First, Matches Later

The BCCI has maintained a guarded stance on India’s participation in the proposed events. Sources close to the board suggest that India may demand the official return of the 2025 Asia Cup trophy before confirming its involvement in the Rising Stars tournament.

“The matter is not about one trophy; it’s about sportsmanship,” a senior BCCI official reportedly said. “Cricket thrives on respect between boards. We cannot endorse theatrics that undermine the spirit of the game.”

Trophy Saga: Symbol of a Broader Rift

The Asia Cup trophy dispute has grown symbolic of the broader strain in India–Pakistan cricketing relations, which have been frozen at the bilateral level for nearly a decade. The two nations now meet only in ICC or ACC tournaments, where encounters are highly charged both on and off the field.

Naqvi, however, appears intent on using the controversy to spotlight PCB’s assertiveness. “Any Indian player is free to come and take the trophy,” he reportedly said, a remark that has since gone viral on social media and sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts.

Fans Anticipate High-Voltage Cricket — On and Off the Field

Despite the off-field friction, fans across South Asia are already buzzing with anticipation. The potential India–Pakistan face-off in Doha this November could not only revive cricket’s most storied rivalry but also provide a chance for both sides to settle scores — both sporting and symbolic.

As the saga over the missing Asia Cup trophy continues, one thing is certain: cricket lovers around the world can once again expect fireworks when India and Pakistan step onto the field.

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