28,000 Runs in 624 Innings: Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar | On Sunday, during the first ODI against New Zealand at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA) in Vadodara, Virat Kohli achieved 28,000 international runs. He became the quickest player to reach the milestone, doing so in 624 innings. The former record was set by Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the milestone in 644 innings.

Kohli stepped into the first match requiring 25 runs to achieve the milestone. Prior to the match, he had accumulated 27,975 runs in international cricket across 556 matches and 623 innings, boasting an average of 52.58. His total comprised 84 hundreds and 145 fifties.

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Virat Kohli Surpasses Sangakkara, Rewrites International Run-Scoring History

In his 309th ODI for India, Kohli surpassed the 28,000-run threshold by striking a boundary off New Zealand bowler Adithya Ashok on the fifth ball of the 13th over. As a result, he surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to rank as the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket.

In the mid-innings interval, the Baroda Cricket Association honored Kohli and Rohit Sharma with a unique presentation. A cabinet positioned close to the boundary line, adorned with life-size portraits of the two athletes, was unveiled to the audience. Once their names were called, the doors swung open and the players emerged, eliciting laughter and applause.

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Kohli and Rohit grinned and recognized the gesture.

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The event was significant because it was the inaugural men’s ODI held at the Kotambi Stadium. Around 35,000 attendees were in attendance. Due to the few international matches hosted in Vadodara, the organisers intended to commemorate the event by acknowledging two players who have significantly contributed to India’s ODI achievements in recent years

India began the three-match ODI series with a four-wicket victory against New Zealand in Vadodara, although the pursuit became nerve-wracking following a late collapse. Virat Kohli spearheaded the chase with 93 runs from 91 balls, while skipper Shubman Gill added 56 as India finished at 306 for six in 49 overs to successfully achieve the target of 301 against the Black Caps.

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Previously, New Zealand recorded 300 for 8 in their 50 overs, where Daryl Mitchell was key. Mitchell registered 84 runs from 71 balls, including five fours and three sixes, as New Zealand lost steam after a good beginning.

Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls contributed 117 runs for the opening wicket. Conway hit 56 runs from 67 balls, including six fours and one six, while Nicholls scored 62 off 69 balls with eight fours. Following their performance, India retaliated with Harshit Rana, whose second spell recorded 2 overs, no maidens, 13 runs, and two wickets.

New Zealand fell from 117 without losing a wicket in the 22nd over to 198 for five by the 38th. Mitchell subsequently formed important partnerships to stabilize the innings. Rookie Kristian Clarke scored 24 not out from 17 deliveries, striking three fours towards the end of the innings.