IND vs NZ: History created by Virat Kohli; becomes second-highest run-getter in international cricket
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Virat Kohli surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run getter in the history of international cricket.
In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has etched his name further into the annals of the sport by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. This remarkable achievement came during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026, at the Kotambi International Stadium in Vadodara.
Virat Kohli, who entered the match needing just a few runs to reach the 28,000-run milestone, achieved it in style with a boundary off leg-spinner Adithya Ashok in the 13th over. This not only made him the fastest batter to amass 28,000 runs, doing so in just 624 innings and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 644 innings, but also propelled him past Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara to claim the second spot on the all-time list.
Virat Kohli went past Sangakkara’s tally of 28016 and now is the second leading run-getter in the international cricket. This milestone adds to Kohli’s already illustrious career, where he holds records across formats. In ODIs alone, he now stands as the second-highest scorer with over 14,557* runs, trailing only Tendulkar. His Test tally of 9,230 runs and T20I contributions of 4,188 further underline his versatility.
While Tendulkar’s overall record of 34,357 runs remains unchallenged, Kohli’s pursuit of 100 international centuries (he has 84) keeps fans hopeful. At 37, his hunger for runs suggests more records could fall.
His performance in the match was pivotal, as he steadied India’s chase of 301 after captain Rohit Sharma’s early departure. Kohli’s fluent half-century featured multiple boundaries, showcasing his sublime form, which has been evident since his return from a brief hiatus.
In recent outings, including the Australia tour and the ODI series against South Africa, he notched multiple centuries, reaffirming his status as one of the modern greats in the fifty over format.
Top five run-scorers in international cricket history
- Sachin Tendulkar – 34357
- Virat Kohli – 28017*
- Kumar Sangakkara – 28016
- Ricky Ponting – 27483
- Mahela Jayawardene – 25957
What is Virat Kohli’s record for reaching 28,000 international runs?
He achieved it in 624 innings, faster than Tendulkar (644) and Sangakkara (666), making him the quickest to the landmark.
What was the match situation when Virat Kohli hit the milestone?
India were chasing 301; after Rohit’s early wicket, Kohli’s aggressive half-century with Gill helped build a strong platform.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.