Vadodara, Jan 11: Virat Kohli etched another historic chapter into his glittering career on Sunday, becoming the fastest player to breach 28,000 international runs and simultaneously overtaking Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara to rise to No. 2 on the list of all-time run-scorers.
The 35-year-old achieved the twin milestones during India’s opening ODI against New Zealand at the BCA International Stadium in Kotambi, turning the Ahmedabad-Baroda region into the epicentre of cricketing celebration.
Kohli walked in at No. 3 after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in the ninth over and, with a flick, a punch and finally a thumping boundary off Adithya Ashok in the 13th over, crossed the 28,000-run mark. The stroke made him the quickest to the landmark, reaching it in only 624 innings — a staggering 20 innings fewer than Sachin Tendulkar, who held the previous record. The crowd had barely absorbed that achievement when, with his 42nd run — pushed neatly through the off-side in the 20th over — Kohli leapfrogged Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs to take sole ownership of second place on the all-time run-scoring charts. Only Tendulkar — whose near-mythical record of 34,357 international runs sits atop cricket’s Everest — now stands ahead.
Before this series opener, Kohli required just 25 runs to reach the milestone. He entered the game with 27,975 runs across formats, averaging more than 52 with 84 hundreds and 145 fifties to his name — figures unmatched by any contemporary batter. Sunday also marked his 309th ODI appearance, underlining the longevity and fitness that have accompanied his relentless consistency.
Sangakkara, who retired after amassing 28,016 runs in 594 matches at an average of 46.77, now slips to third place, despite his formidable catalogue of 63 centuries and 153 fifties. Tendulkar remains alone at the summit — the only batter with 100 international tons.
But the numbers told only half the story.Kotambi’s international debut as an ODI venue was wrapped in fanfare, with nearly 35,000 spectators turning up to witness cricketing theatre. And the Baroda Cricket Association added a quirky tribute that will live long in memory.
During the mid-innings break, giant cupboard-style doors were wheeled to the boundary edge — emblazoned with life-sized portraits of Rohit and Kohli. As their names echoed around the stadium, the doors swung open and the duo stepped out like actors taking centre stage. Laughter rippled around the stands as both men grinned, exchanged light-hearted glances and acknowledged the applause.
The gesture, equal parts heartfelt and humorous, symbolised a day that belonged to India’s modern-day giants. For a city that rarely hosts international fixtures, the moment — and the records that accompanied it — ensured its first men’s ODI will not be forgotten.Kohli’s ascent from brash young talent to statistical titan has been relentless. With form, fitness and hunger still intact, the climb may not end at No. 2 — and the chase toward cricket’s greatest record now begins in earnest. (Agencies)
