Virat Kohli achieves rare milestone in international cricket, breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record: 'Most dominant ODI batsmen I’ve ever seen'

Virat Kohli made history on Sunday by completing 28,000 runs in international cricket, becoming the fastest player to reach this incredible milestone. He achieved it in just 624 innings, beating the previous record held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar (644 innings) and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (666 innings).

With this achievement, Kohli also moved up to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. He went past Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs and now sits behind only Tendulkar, who leads the list witha whopping 34,357 runs.

🚨 Milestone Alert 🚨

Virat Kohli is now the second highest run-getter in international cricket (Men's) 🫡

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/OcIPHEpvjr#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vf3Yr8FYhG

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026

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The milestone came during the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand at Vadodara, where India chose to field first. New Zealand posted a competitive total of 300/8 in their 50 overs. India got off to a strong start with Rohit Sharma hitting a quickfire 26 before getting dismissed. Kohli then took charge of the chase along with captain Shubman Gill as the duo scored nearly 100 runs between them.

Meanwhile, Kohli completed his 77th half-century in ODI cricket, which came off just 44 balls. He forged a crucial partnership with Gill to steady India’s ship after Rohit’s early dismissal. India are cruising nicely in this chase of 301 as they close in on the 150-run mark for the loss of one wicket.

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Kohli lauded by fans and experts

Social media was abuzz after Kohli’s knock, with fans and experts showering praise on him for his consistency. Former India spinner R Ashwin was among the many who applauded Kohli, praising his batting brilliance.

Virat’s batting right now is a joy to watch. The freedom, the ease, and the happiness he is playing with shows just how much he is enjoying the game.#INDvNZ

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 11, 2026

Virat Consistent Kohli…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 11, 2026

It’s difficult to compare era because I didn’t watch Richards and Sachin faced far more difficult conditions, but Kohli’s by far the most dominant ODI batsmen I’ve ever seen.

Fact he’s still doing it is bonkers.

— Neal Gardner (@Nealbackup) January 11, 2026

Another 50 for virat kohli ..
No debate is there kohli is GOAT#INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/GM7gOcieLn

— Bhaisahab (@Bhai_saheb) January 11, 2026

Virat Kohli showing his prime form: pic.twitter.com/QJ2GuoI9MT

— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) January 11, 2026