28,000 Runs and Counting: How Virat Kohli Is Redefining Batting Greatness

Virat Kohli’s latest ODI knock was more than another match-winning effort. It marked a rare moment in cricket history where longevity, pace, and consistency converged. By crossing 28,000 international runs, Kohli has not just climbed the charts, but redrawn them.

What exactly did Virat Kohli achieve in Vadodara?

During the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara, Virat Kohli became the fastest batter in history to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the milestone in just 624 innings. He also overtook Kumar Sangakkara to move into second place on the all-time international run-scoring list, now trailing only Sachin Tendulkar.

Q: Why is the speed to 28,000 runs such a big deal?

Because no one has reached this mark faster. Kohli broke Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 644 innings, underlining not just longevity, but relentless consistency across formats. This milestone reinforces a career defined by scoring volume at unmatched pace.

How do Kohli’s overall numbers stack up?

Kohli now has 28,068 international runs from 557 matches, averaging 52.66, with 84 centuries across formats. His format-wise tally includes 9,230 Test runs, 14,557 ODI runs, and 4,188 T20I runs, with an average superior to both Tendulkar and Sangakkara.

Is this part of a larger pattern in Kohli’s career?

Absolutely. Kohli has built a career on breaking “fastest to” records: 25,000 runs, multiple ODI run landmarks, and now 28,000. Speed, rather than just accumulation, has become his defining signature.

How strong is Kohli’s current form?

The 93 against New Zealand was Kohli’s seventh consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs. It marked the fifth time he has registered at least five successive 50+ scores in the format, an achievement no other batter has managed even once.

What stood out about the Vadodara innings?

It was a masterclass in control. Kohli attacked early, then shifted gears seamlessly—scoring briskly without unnecessary risk. His partnerships with Shubman Gill (118) and Shreyas Iyer (77) anchored the chase and reflected his tactical maturity.

How close is Kohli to extending his ODI century record?

Very close. Kohli already owns the world record with 51 ODI centuries, overtaking Tendulkar during the 2023 World Cup. With a packed ODI calendar leading to the 2027 World Cup, he has ample runway to stretch that record further.

Why are Kohli’s numbers in big chases so extraordinary?

Kohli has scored 1,091 runs in successful 300-plus ODI chases at an astonishing average of 121.22, including seven centuries. In pressure situations, he has turned chasing into an art form.

How does Kohli compare with other active players?

Among active cricketers, only Joe Root appears in the all-time top ten run-scorers, and he sits well behind Kohli. This gap highlights Kohli’s dominance in a generation rich with batting talent.

Can Kohli realistically challenge Tendulkar’s records?

Kohli trails Tendulkar by 6,289 runs and 16 centuries. While the run tally is daunting, the century milestone appears well within reach, especially given Kohli’s ability to peak in major tournaments, as seen in the 2023 World Cup.

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