Virat Kohli Targets 28,000 International Runs, Eyes No. 2 All-Time in New Zealand ODIs

Overview

• Kohli needs 25 runs in the first ODI in Vadodara to become the fastest to 28,000 international runs, with 27,975 currently in 623 innings compared with Sachin Tendulkar’s mark reached in 644 innings.
• He is 42 runs shy of overtaking Kumar Sangakkara’s 28,016 to move into second place on the all-time international run list, behind Sachin Tendulkar.
• The chase follows consecutive ODI hundreds against South Africa and a Vijay Hazare Trophy century for Delhi, underscoring a strong run of form.
• Further ODI landmarks are possible in this three-match series, including 73 runs to reach 3,000 international runs versus New Zealand and 94 to become India’s leading ODI scorer against them.
• Longer-term markers in 2026 include 15,000 ODI runs with 443 needed, 9,000 IPL runs with 339 required, and entry to the IPL 300-sixes club from a current tally of 291.