Virat Kohli Breaks Sachin's Record, Fastest to 28,000 International Runs

Virat Kohli became the fastest batter to score 28,000 international runs during the first ODI against New Zealand, achieving the feat in just 624 innings to break Sachin Tendulkar's previous record. He also overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the sport's second-highest all-time run-scorer. The historic match at Kotambi Stadium featured a unique tribute where Kohli and Rohit Sharma emerged from a decorated cupboard to the delight of the crowd. The event celebrated two icons who have defined India's ODI success over the past 15 years.

Key Points: Kohli Fastest to 28,000 Runs, Breaks Tendulkar Record

  • Fastest to 28k runs in 624 innings
  • Surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record
  • Overtook Kumar Sangakkara in all-time list
  • Honored with Rohit Sharma in unique ceremony
2 min read

Virat Kohli becomes fastest batter to score 28,000 runs in international cricket

Virat Kohli becomes the fastest to 28,000 international runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. He was honored at Kotambi Stadium alongside Rohit Sharma.

"He became the fastest cricketer to reach this milestone, doing so in just 624 innings - Report"

Vadodara, Jan 11

Virat Kohli completed 28000 career international runs on Sunday, when India took on New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series here at the Kotambi International Stadium. He became the fastest cricketer to reach this milestone, doing so in just 624 innings, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record, who did it in 644 innings.

Before the ODI series opener, Kohli was only 25 runs short of reaching 28,000 international runs. The right-handed batter had scored 27,975 runs across 556 matches and 623 innings, maintaining a remarkable average of 52.58, with 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries.

Making his 309th ODI appearance for India, Kohli smashed New Zealand's Adithya Ashok for a boundary off the fifth delivery of the 13th over, and with that, went past the 28000-run mark in international cricket. He also overtook Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the sport.

During the mid-innings break, the Baroda Cricket Association honoured Kohli and Rohit Sharma with a special tribute. What made this tribute memorable was not just the gesture itself, but its unique presentation. The organisers revealed a cupboard near the boundary line, decorated with life-size images of the two cricketers.

As their names were called, the doors of the cupboard opened, and the players stepped out, eliciting laughter from the crowd and smiles from the honorees. Kohli and Rohit appeared equally amused, sharing a laugh and acknowledging the tribute.

This event was especially significant because it was the first-ever men's ODI at Kotambi Stadium, with nearly 35,000 spectators attending. Given the limited opportunities for international matches in places like Vadodara, the organisers aimed to make this moment memorable, celebrating two players who have shaped India's dominance in ODI cricket over the past decade and a half.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
What a phenomenal achievement! 28,000 runs with an average over 52 is mind-boggling. The tribute with the cupboard was hilarious and so creative 😂. Vadodara crowd was lucky to witness history.
R
Rohit P
Respect where it's due. Breaking a Sachin record is no small feat. But let's also appreciate the organisers for bringing an international match to Vadodara and making it so special for the local fans. More matches should be held in smaller cities.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's incredible to follow Kohli's career. The numbers are staggering. To be the second-highest run-scorer ever already... just wow. The game is in great hands.
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Nikhil C
A legend in his own right. But a small, respectful criticism: sometimes the media frenzy around these individual milestones overshadows the team's performance. We won the match, that's what matters most. Still, chak de Virat!
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Meera T
The cupboard tribute had me in splits! 🤣 Only in India do you get such jugaad and heartfelt celebrations. So happy for Virat and Rohit both. They've given us so many memories. Here's to many more runs!

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