Virat Kohli etched his name in cricket history by scoring an unbeaten century against Pakistan, bringing him to a remarkable 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) as India successfully chased down a target of 242 runs. Kohli’s milestone came during a pivotal moment in the match where he hit a cover-driven boundary off part-time spinner Khushdil Shah to secure his fifty-first ODI hundred.
Kohli is now one of only three players to reach the 14,000-run mark in ODIs, joining the ranks of legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Notably, Kohli achieved this remarkable feat in just 341 innings, significantly faster than Tendulkar, who accomplished it in 350, and Sangakkara in 378. His current batting average in ODIs is over 57, a stark contrast to Tendulkar and Sangakkara’s averages in the early 40s at their respective milestones, indicating Kohli’s dominance in the format.
His journey to 14,000 runs has been nothing short of historic, as he has been the quickest to reach each 1,000-run milestone since surpassing 8,000 runs in June 2017. Kohli is not only the third-highest run-scorer in ODIs but is also on the verge of overtaking Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234 runs, with Tendulkar’s record of 18,426 runs still in sight. Additionally, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, having surpassed Tendulkar’s previous landmark of 49 during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Anil Kumble, former Indian cricketer, noted the difference in Kohli’s innings compared to his previous performance against Bangladesh, praising his improved mindset. Kumble noted that the intensity of playing against Pakistan and the crowd’s energy likely fueled Kohli’s performance. He remarked, “Today we saw him in sublime form,” emphasizing how Kohli’s focus and execution were on point.
As Kohli continues to break records and reshape the landscape of ODI cricket, his influence and talent remain undeniable. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, showcasing dedication, resilience, and an unyielding drive to excel on the world stage. With each inning, he not only entertains fans but also adds to the legacy of Indian cricket with every remarkable achievement.