Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record as India’s top ODI run-scorer against New Zealand and regains No.1 ICC ODI batting ranking in 2026.
Kohli’s remarkable form has been matched by his consistency, energy, and hunger to chase records even at the age of 37, proving to cricket fans worldwide that he remains at the pinnacle of modern batting. (Photo: X/BCCI)
India’s batting icon Virat Kohli added another monumental achievement to his legendary career on Wednesday, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s highest run‑scorer against New Zealand in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The record‑breaking moment came in the second match of the India vs New Zealand ODI series in January 2026 when Kohli edged past Tendulkar’s tally with a boundary on the very first ball he faced, cementing his status as India’s most prolific run‑maker against the Black Caps in the 50‑over format.
Kohli’s remarkable form has been matched by his consistency, energy, and hunger to chase records even at the age of 37, proving to cricket fans worldwide that he remains at the pinnacle of modern batting.
Before the second match, Kohli was level with Tendulkar’s long‑standing India vs New Zealand record after scoring 93 runs in the opening ODI. By surpassing it with an early boundary in the second game, he created a new milestone that will be remembered in Indian cricket folklore.
Here are the top run‑scorers in ODIs against New Zealand:
While Kohli now leads India’s list, Ponting’s prolific tally overall remains ahead, underlining the Australian legend’s incredible career.
Kohli’s record‑breaking week didn’t stop with the New Zealand milestone. In the first ODI at Vadodara on 11 January, he became the fastest player in cricket history to cross 28,000 international runs. He accomplished this feat in just 624 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long‑held mark of 644 innings and overtaking Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara’s total of 28,016 runs to become the second‑highest scorer in international cricket overall.
This extraordinary achievement reflects not just volume but speed and consistency. Kohli now trails only Tendulkar in total international runs scored — a testament to his longevity and impact across all formats of the game.
On 14 January 2026, the ICC officially confirmed that Virat Kohli had returned to the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings following his consistent run of high scores, including the vital 93 in the opening match of the New Zealand series. This marks Kohli’s return to the top position for the first time since July 2021, and his 11th distinct spell as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter.
The achievement highlights how he continues to dominate the ODI format even in the later stages of his career. Kohli’s recent form includes an astonishing streak of five consecutive 50+ scores in ODIs, showcasing his exceptional ability to pace innings and steer India through crucial run chases.
In the first ODI, Kohli’s 93 off 91 balls was a masterclass in timing and temperament. He struck eight fours and a six, guiding India to a four‑wicket victory in the run chase. His performance was pivotal as India secured an early advantage in the series.
This innings added to a rich vein of form spanning from late 2025 into early 2026, where Kohli rattled off consecutive half‑centuries and centuries across formats, underscoring his ability to switch gears and anchor his team under pressure.
Kohli’s ascension past Sachin Tendulkar on the India vs New Zealand ODI list is symbolic. It underscores his consistency, resilience, and hunger for big runs in key situations. More than just numbers, these milestones highlight his role as a clutch performer in run chases and major series.
As cricket fans watch his journey continue, Kohli’s blend of classical technique and modern aggression keeps him at the forefront of the sport’s elite — a legacy that combines statistical brilliance with exciting, competitive cricket.
