The veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli has achieved the milestone of his career in international cricket. Becoming the second-highest scorer of runs across all forms that the sport plays. The feat occurred during the very first One Day International (ODI) of India’s current series against New Zealand in Vadodara on the 11th of January, 2026 further proving his standing among the greats of the game.
Kohli’s match-winning 93 runs in 91 deliveries played an important part in India’s success in chasing of 300 runs in the match against New Zealand, guiding the team to a victory of four wickets and a 1-0 advantage in this three-match series. This was also the 77th half-century he has scored in ODIs. It was also the latest in a long-running run of form for the 37-year old batter.
In the midst of a match that required 42 runs to beat the previous Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara Kohli made the milestone during the 19th Over of India’s pursuit increasing his total to 28,068 across Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals (T20Is). The feat put Kohli ahead of Sangakkara’s record of 28,016 runs. And put the second-highest spot behind Indian famous Sachin Tendulkar, who racked up 34,357 international run during his entire career.
Kohli’s rise to the second position on the list of all-time runs is a testament to his long-standing and his remarkable consistency at the top standard. He surpassed the 28,000-run mark in only 624 innings, making him the fastest player ever to reach this mark and beating the prior record which stood at 644 innings. This feat demonstrates Kohli’s consistent performance across all formats for nearly two decades since his debut in the year 2008.
The context of this moment is significant. Kohli has slowly shifted his focus on ODIs over the last few times, after having quit the Test as well as T20 international cricket. While limiting his involvement to one specific format however, he still delivers impressive performances, and is constantly adapting his game to accommodate the ever-changing requirements of international cricket.
In the Vadodara ODI, India initially bowled first after winning the toss and New Zealand posting a competitive number of 300/8 over the allotted 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell top-scored for the tourists with 84 runs and the contributions of middle order players helped push the total up to a formidable number.
As a result, India’s openers offered a solid start prior to when Kohli was in control of the game. Shubman Gill aided with an impressive contribution. Kohli’s eminent approach was the anchor of the game by keeping India on track with the necessary run rate all through the pursuit. Kohli’s performances demonstrated his ability to mix moderate aggression and strategic batsmanship, while navigating a pressure-filled goal in difficult conditions.
Kohli’s remark upon achieving Sangakkara showed both the humility and gratitude. Recognizing his accomplishments to international cricket and describing the accomplishment as the result of a “dream-come-true,” emphasizing the commitment and effort that have shaped his professional career. While he has earned many awards as well as records Kohli remains with a focus on the team’s performance as well as personal growth in the game.
The record books place Kohli in the top tier along with Tendulkar and Sangakkara and only the record of Tendulkar’s colossal feats over him. Tendulkar’s record of an extensive career that included Tests, ODIs, as well as T20Is is the reference for the next generation.
The fact that Kohli is at his top spot has generated debate about his role in the history of cricket. Both fans and analysts agree that his mix of quantity and speed at which he accumulates runs is what distinguishes his career, especially because of the challenges involved in adapting to various formats and changing styles of playing over the course of the course of. With an average score that is comparable favorably to many of the greats of the game Kohli’s stats demonstrate his technical expertise and mental stamina.
The current ODI series with New Zealand represents another chapter in India’s international calendar Kohli’s achievement adding additional narrative to the match. As India is looking to strengthen their position within the series Kohli’s style and knowledge remain a key element in the team’s strategy.
The rise of Kohli to the second-highest run-scoring player in international cricket shows not just his personal achievements but also the broader trends of contemporary cricket, in which players have to contend with limited schedules, a variety of conditions and a tense competition across different formats. The ability of Kohli to maintain his the pace for a long time while adjusting to the changing environment of international cricket highlights his legacy that reaches beyond just numbers.
Statistics of the top run scorers in history show Kohli second. Tendulkar maintaining the highest position, followed closely by Sangakkara and other greats from the past. This list of top run scorers gives a statistical view of the achievements of the players who have created a new era and thrilled fans across the globe.
As the sport develops the sport progresses, such milestones help to emphasize both the individual’s excellence as well as the changing character of competitions internationally. Kohli’s achievements will be reflected in the history books of cricket as a testimony to his endurance, skill and commitment to perform at the highest levels.
The game in Vadodara as well as Kohli’s defining innings are expected to be prominently in future discussions within the cricket community as experts and commentators analyze what the impact of this will be on India’s upcoming campaigns as well as the general trends in the longevity of players.
The cricketing community of India and their supporters across the globe will likely reflect on this feat as part of a larger commemoration of India’s extensive tradition and the outstanding people who helped shape it.