Virat Kohli created a new chapter in cricket history on Sunday in Vadodara, smashing his way into the elite club of players with 28,000 international runs. In the first ODI against New Zealand, Virat Kohli achieved the landmark faster than any batter before him.
Fans at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, erupted as the Indian batting great cemented his legacy alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Virat Kohli Achieved a Historic Milestone With 28,000 International Runs
Virat Kohli entered the match needing just 25 runs to reach 28,000 runs across formats, Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He got there during the ODI showdown against New Zealand, becoming the fastest batter to cross this total in the history of international cricket.
He now joins only a few elite names, such as Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara, to have ever scored more than 28,000 runs, but Virat Kohli’s speed in getting there sets him apart.
Players Who Have Achieved 28,000 International Runs
Only three batters in cricket history have crossed the 28,000-run mark in international cricket. Virat Kohli is now part of this elite list, and he is the fastest to get there.
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
The highest run-scorer in international cricket history. Tendulkar finished his career with 34,357 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, a record that still stands unmatched.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan great scored 28,016 international runs during his illustrious career. He was known for his elegance, consistency and longevity across formats.
Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli reached the milestone in Vadodara during the first ODI against New Zealand. He became the fastest batter to complete 28,000 international runs, doing so in significantly fewer innings than both Tendulkar and Sangakkara.
Virat Kohli Performance Breakdown
Across formats, Virat Kohli has been incredibly consistent. He has scored runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is with strong averages and remarkable longevity. His international journey spans more than 600 innings and hundreds of matches.
During this series opener, though India chased a competitive total from New Zealand, Kohli’s contribution went beyond the match score. Every run brought him closer to history, and when the milestone arrived in front of a packed and ecstatic Vadodara crowd, it triggered celebrations from fans and teammates alike.
Fans Greet Kohli with Passion in Vadodara
Kohli was welcomed with massive crowds and chants of “Kohli, Kohli” when he arrived in Vadodara ahead of the series. Fans thronged the airport and greeted him enthusiastically despite tight security measures.
The fervent welcome showed just how much affection Indian fans have for their cricket icon, especially as he chases records once thought untouchable.
What does This Mean for Cricket History?
Surpassing 28,000 international runs makes Virat Kohli only the third player ever to reach the mark, but he did it in fewer innings than his predecessors. That cements his status among the greatest to ever grace the game.
Cricket analysts say this milestone underlines Kohli’s longevity and consistency at the top level traits that will keep him in the record books for decades.
Virat Kohli: Records Still in Sight
While 28,000 international runs is remarkable, Kohli still has more milestones within reach in this series and beyond. Fans and pundits alike will closely watch his numbers in upcoming matches, especially against strong opponents like New Zealand.
