Virat Kohli created another landmark in his remarkable ODI career on Sunday, becoming only the second batter in history to score 15,000 runs in the format. The India star reached the milestone during the ongoing ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kohli came into the innings with 14,941 ODI runs and needed 59 more to reach the historic mark. He completed it in just 46 balls, bringing up the milestone significantly faster than Sachin Tendulkar.
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The 15,000-run mark came in Kohli’s 303rd ODI innings. Tendulkar had needed 377 innings to reach the same figure, meaning Kohli achieved the feat 74 innings earlier than his idol and former India teammate.
After reaching the landmark, Kohli raised both hands towards the crowd before acknowledging the standing ovation. The moment carried additional significance given Tendulkar’s influence on Kohli’s career.
Kohli entered the chase after India had made a steady start. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had put on a positive opening phase, although both batters had early moments of fortune.
Gill survived after being dropped by Keemo Paul, while Rohit also escaped a chance before West Indies eventually found a breakthrough. Alzarri Joseph dismissed Rohit for 32, leaving India at 74/1 after 12 overs.
Kohli then took charge of the innings and moved steadily towards the record. With his latest achievement, he further strengthened his position among the most prolific ODI batters in international cricket.
The milestone also adds another chapter to Kohli’s long-running statistical battle with Tendulkar. While Tendulkar remains one of the most accomplished ODI batters in history, Kohli has repeatedly rewritten several records associated with his predecessor.
Kohli’s consistency in the 50-over format has made him one of India’s most dependable run-scorers across generations. His ability to maintain a high scoring rate while accumulating runs over a long career has helped him reach several major landmarks.
The 15,000-run milestone is particularly significant because only Tendulkar had previously crossed the mark in men’s ODI cricket. Kohli’s achievement therefore places him alongside his childhood idol in another elite statistical category.
The record was reached during India’s chase against West Indies, with Kohli continuing his innings after completing the landmark. His achievement came on a day when India were looking to build on their strong start and secure another positive result in the ODI series.
For Kohli, the occasion was also a reminder of the remarkable longevity of his international career. From his early years as one of India’s most promising young batters to becoming one of the format’s leading run-scorers, his ODI career has been defined by consistency and record-breaking performances.
Reaching 15,000 runs 74 innings faster than Tendulkar gives the landmark an additional statistical dimension. Kohli now has another major ODI record to his name, while his pursuit of further milestones continues.
