Indian batting star Virat Kohli has rewritten the record books by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket.
Kohli achieved the milestone during the first One Day International (ODI) match between India and New Zealand at the BCA International Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
In India’s successful chase of New Zealand’s total, Kohli played a strong innings and scored 93 runs. His performance was crucial as India reached 306 for 6 in reply to New Zealand’s 300 for 8 in 49 overs.
With that knock, Kohli reached 28,068 international runs, overtaking legendary Sri Lankan batter Kumar Sangakkara, who finished his career with 28,016 runs across formats.
Only the iconic Sachin Tendulkar remains ahead of Kohli on the all-time list. Tendulkar, also from India, holds the top spot with 34,357 runs in international cricket, a record that has stood for decades.
Kohli’s achievement underscores his exceptional consistency and longevity at the highest level of cricket. He has been a mainstay of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade and has been a key contributor across all formats of the game.
Beyond surpassing Sangakkara, Kohli also set another significant benchmark during this match. He became the fastest player in the history of international cricket to reach 28,000 runs, needing fewer innings than any other batter before him to reach this landmark.
The milestone comes at a time when Kohli continues to add to his legacy as one of the most prolific run-scorers in cricket. He has been among the top performers for India in ODIs, Tests, and T20Is, and his name frequently appears in discussions about the greatest batters of all time.
In the match against New Zealand, Kohli’s innings included eight fours and one six, demonstrating both timing and aggression under pressure. His contribution helped India secure a four-wicket victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
The achievement has drawn attention from cricket fans and experts worldwide. Many observers note that Kohli’s run-scoring consistency across formats and conditions is rare in international cricket.
Kohli’s record now stands as a testament to his skill, dedication, and endurance in international cricket. While the top spot remains held by Tendulkar, Kohli’s continued form suggests he may further narrow that gap in the coming years.
This landmark moment highlights Kohli’s status as one of India’s most celebrated cricketers and adds a new chapter to his distinguished career.
Why This Matters Now
Kohli’s rise to the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket is a major moment in the sport. It reflects sustained excellence over many years and places him among the all-time greats. This achievement is especially significant as it occurred in a high-profile series for India against a top international side.
FAQs: Virat Kohli second-highest international run-scorer
What record did Virat Kohli achieve in January 2026?
Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara in total runs.
Who holds the record for the most international runs?
Sachin Tendulkar of India holds the record for the most international runs with 34,357 runs.
Where did Kohli achieve this milestone?
Kohli reached the milestone in the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA International Stadium in Vadodara.
Did Kohli break any other records in the match?
Yes, he became the fastest player to score 28,000 international runs in cricket history.
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