Virat Kohli etched another golden chapter in his illustrious career on October 25, 2025, surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history. The milestone came during India’s convincing nine-wicket victory over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Kohli’s unbeaten 74 helped India avoid a series whitewash after consecutive ducks in the opening two matches.
Historic Milestone Achieved in Sydney
The 36-year-old achieved this remarkable feat when he took a single off Cooper Connolly in the 32nd over, crossing the threshold to claim sole ownership of second place on ODI cricket’s all-time run-scoring list. Kohli surpassed Sangakkara by scoring his 54th run in his 293rd innings (305th ODI), needing 87 fewer innings than the Sri Lankan legend to reach this massive landmark.
Kohli’s tally now stands at 14,255 ODI runs from 305 matches at an outstanding average of 57.69, while Sangakkara scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs at an average of 41.98. The efficiency with which Kohli has accumulated runs achieving this milestone in significantly fewer matches and innings—underscores his extraordinary consistency and class in the 50-over format.
Only Tendulkar Remains Ahead
Only one man now stands between Kohli and the top spot: his compatriot and idol, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed a seemingly unreachable 18,426 runs in 463 ODI matches across a 23-year career. Kohli now needs 4,172 more runs to surpass Tendulkar’s record, a pursuit that may be complicated by his advancing age and India’s reported plans to rebuild around a younger core ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The chase for Tendulkar’s record provides compelling narrative for Kohli’s remaining ODI career, though the mathematics suggest reaching it would require sustained excellence over the next few years and continued selection for India’s 50-over team.
Return to Form After Twin Ducks
Kohli’s record-breaking knock was particularly significant given the context of his previous two innings. After two consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide that sparked retirement speculation among critics, the modern great silenced doubters with a composed 74 not out off 81 balls, featuring seven boundaries at a strike rate of 91.35.
The moment he entered the ground at Sydney, Kohli had already flicked the chasing mode on. Known as the chase master, he knew exactly what to do as India needed just 237 runs to win. His innings demonstrated the class and temperament that has defined his ODI career, rotating strike expertly and punishing loose deliveries while building an unbeaten 168-run partnership with Rohit Sharma.
Additional Records Tumble
During the Sydney knock, Kohli also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in successful ODI chases, reaching his 70th such score compared to Tendulkar’s 69. This was Kohli’s 42nd fifty in chases and his 75th ODI half-century overall, further cementing his reputation as cricket’s greatest chaser.
The innings also saw Kohli equal Tendulkar’s record for most 50-plus scores against Australia in ODIs, registering his 24th such knock against the Baggy Greens. These additional milestones accumulated during a single innings highlight the multiple dimensions of Kohli’s batting excellence.
Unmatched Consistency and Average
Kohli’s average of 57.69 remains the highest among the top ten ODI run-scorers in cricket history, underscoring his extraordinary consistency over more than 17 years of international one-day cricket. Among batters with 10,000-plus ODI runs, Kohli stands alone with an average exceeding 50, demonstrating sustained excellence that separates him from contemporaries and legends alike.
His 51 centuries in the format also place him second only to Tendulkar’s 49 ODI hundreds, highlighting his ability to convert starts into substantial match-winning innings. This combination of average, consistency, and conversion rate establishes statistical credentials that may never be matched.
Historic Partnership with Rohit Sharma
Kohli’s innings formed the foundation of an unbeaten 168-run partnership with captain Rohit Sharma, who scored his 33rd ODI century (103 off 101 balls). The partnership represented a return to the golden era when Rohit and Kohli routinely demolished bowling attacks through complementary styles Rohit’s power combined with Kohli’s supreme wrist work and strike rotation.
The duo equaled their own record alongside Sourav Ganguly’s partnership with Tendulkar for joint-most partnerships of 150-plus runs in ODIs. This was their first century partnership in five years, dating back to January 2020, making it a nostalgic moment for Indian cricket fans.
Context of Australia Tour and Future Outlook
The unbeaten 74 in Sydney could very well have come during Kohli’s final tour to Australia, adding poignancy to the record-breaking achievement. At 36 years old with India reportedly planning a generational transition ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Kohli’s international future remains uncertain despite his continued excellence.
With Team India considering a new core for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli’s quest for Tendulkar’s all-time record may be shortened. However, that does not diminish from his remarkable career in which he has already surpassed Tendulkar’s records multiple times and established himself as arguably the greatest ODI batsman of the modern era.
Comparison with Sangakkara’s Career
Kumar Sangakkara, the player Kohli surpassed, remains one of cricket’s finest batsmen across all formats. The Sri Lankan legend’s 14,234 ODI runs came across 404 matches spanning 15 years, during which he established himself as one of the most elegant and technically correct batsmen of his generation.
That Kohli reached this milestone 99 matches sooner than Sangakkara speaks volumes about his scoring rate and consistency. Both players share remarkable longevity and the ability to dominate across different conditions, but Kohli’s superior average and faster accumulation set him apart statistically.
Reception at Sydney Cricket Ground
As Kohli reached his half-century, the Sydney Cricket Ground crowd erupted with a standing ovation, acknowledging not just the milestone but also the resilience shown after two disappointing innings. While Kohli did not celebrate in the traditional sense, a smile of relief crossed his face, suggesting the personal significance of silencing critics and returning to form.
The reception reflected Kohli’s global appeal and the respect Australian cricket fans hold for his abilities, despite the fierce India-Australia rivalry. His consistent excellence in Australian conditions has earned him admiration from opposition supporters.
Statistical Dominance in Modern Era
Among active cricketers, Rohit Sharma ranks closest to Kohli on the all-time ODI run-scoring list, sitting at 10th position with 11,370 runs. This 3,000-run gap between first and second among current players emphasizes Kohli’s dominance in contemporary ODI cricket and the challenge facing anyone attempting to match his achievements.
The efficiency metrics are equally impressive: Kohli has scored his runs at a strike rate of 93.26, demonstrating that his high average hasn’t come at the expense of scoring rate—a balance few batsmen in cricket history have mastered.
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Legacy and Place Among Cricket’s Immortals
Virat Kohli’s latest milestone not only cements his place among cricket’s all-time greats but also reflects his enduring dominance in the 50-over format, a journey defined by skill, determination, and sheer class. His career represents the evolution of ODI batting, combining traditional technique with modern aggression and fitness standards that allow sustained excellence into the mid-30s.
As the crowd at Sydney erupted in applause, Kohli not only silenced critics but also cemented his place among cricket’s immortals. Whether he ultimately surpasses Tendulkar’s record or not, Kohli’s ODI legacy as one of the format’s greatest practitioners is already secure, defined by records, consistency, and match-winning performances that have shaped Indian cricket for nearly two decades.
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