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Virat Kohli Nears 28,000 Runs, Eyes Sangakkara's Record in NZ ODI

Virat Kohli stands on the brink of a major career milestone, requiring just 25 runs to become the third player ever to score 28,000 international runs. He is also within 42 runs of overtaking Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer across all formats, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. Ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand, India's captain Shubman Gill emphasized the immense value of having both Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team for their experience and decision-making. Gill praised Rohit as one of ODI's greatest openers and Kohli as one of the format's finest batsmen.

Key Points: Kohli 25 Runs from 28k, Chasing Sangakkara & Tendulkar

  • Kohli 25 runs from 28,000 milestone
  • Could surpass Sangakkara with 42 more runs
  • Trails only Sachin Tendulkar in all-time list
  • Shubman Gill highlights his value to captaincy
2 min read

Virat Kohli 25 runs away from becoming third player to score 28k runs across all formats

Virat Kohli needs 25 runs to reach 28,000 international runs. He's closing in on Kumar Sangakkara's tally as Shubman Gill praises his leadership value.

"Having these two people in your team makes your life a lot easier. - Shubman Gill"

Vadodara, January 10

Ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, Indian batting legend Virat Kohli is just 25 runs away from becoming the third player to score 28,000 international runs after the great Sachin Tendulkar and former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara.

Additionally, Kohli needs 42 more runs to topple Sangakkara (28,016 runs) to become the second-highest run-getter of all time across all formats.

Currently, Kohli has amassed 27,975 runs in 556 matches and 623 innings in international cricket. The right-handed batter has a superb average of 52.58 along with 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries across all formats.

Ahead of Kohli is Sri Lankan legend Sangakkara, who notched up 28,016 runs in 594 matches and 666 innings in international cricket. The former cricketer averaged 46.77, including 63 centuries and 153 fifties.

The leading run-getter in international cricket is Indian legend Tendulkar. The great batter smashed 34,357 runs in 664 matches and 782 innings at an average of 48.25. Tendulkar scored 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries across all formats.

Ahead of the first ODI, India ODI captain Shubman Gill has highlighted the importance of Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian cricket team.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the 1st India vs New Zealand ODI of the three-match ODI series, Gill lauded Rohit as one of the greatest openers in ODIs and Kohli as one of the greatest batters in ODI cricket ever.

The India ODI captain Gill added that having Rohit and Kohli in the side makes a captain's life much easier, because whenever there is a challenging situation, you can go to them for decision-making, which is valuable for any captain.

"Among the two players you have named, one is one of the greatest openers (Rohit) of all time in ODIs, and Virat bhai is one of the greatest ODI batsmen ever. So definitely, having these two people in your team makes your life a lot easier, and whenever you are in a challenging situation, you can go to them for input. Because they have often been in those situations, you can go to them to see how they think or what they would do. That piece of information is very valuable for any captain," Gill said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
These numbers are mind-boggling. An average of 52.58 across all formats over such a long career is just phenomenal. He makes it look so easy. Truly one of the greats of the modern game.
R
Rohit P
Respect to Gill for acknowledging the seniors. Having Virat bhai and Rohit Sharma in the dressing room is like having two extra coaches. Their experience is priceless for a young captain. Good to see the team culture is strong.
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Priya S
While I'm a huge fan, I sometimes feel we focus too much on individual milestones. The team winning the series is more important than Virat crossing 28k runs. Hope the balance is maintained and it doesn't add pressure.
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Vikram M
Sachin's record of 34k runs still looks miles away, but if anyone from this generation can get close, it's Virat. His fitness and hunger are unmatched. What an inspiration for youngsters across the country!
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Nikhil C
The article shows the stats, but it's the *way* he scores these runs that matters. Under pressure, in run chases, he's a different beast altogether. That's what makes him special. Go well, Champ!

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