Indian cricket stands on the cusp of another landmark moment as Virat Kohli prepares to return in India colours for the home series against New Zealand.
The series not only marks Kohli’s continuation in a format he has recently dominated, but could also see him eclipse yet another iconic record held by Sachin Tendulkar.
Fresh from representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli looked as assured and commanding as ever.
Appearing in the tournament for the first time in over a decade, the former India captain seamlessly carried forward the sublime form he displayed in the recent ODI series against South Africa, underlining that his hunger for runs remains undiminished.
Now 36, Kohli occupies a unique space in world cricket—one where milestones are no longer chased but seem to arrive inevitably whenever he strings together a meaningful innings.
Heading into the New Zealand series, Kohli has amassed 27,975 runs in international cricket, placing him just 25 runs short of the 28,000-run mark.
Should he cross that threshold either in this series or in the upcoming tour of England in July, he will become the fastest player in history to reach the milestone.
Kohli has achieved his tally in 623 international innings, significantly quicker than Tendulkar, who reached 28,000 runs in 644 innings. It would be another symbolic passing of the baton—from one generational giant to another.
Breaking Tendulkar’s records is no longer unfamiliar territory for Kohli, especially in the one-day format.
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Kohli famously surpassed Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 ODI centuries. He now stands at 53 ODI hundreds, heading into the New Zealand assignment, further cementing his status as one of the most prolific batters the game has ever seen.
While his Test form tapered off in recent years—culminating in his decision to step away from the longest format—Kohli appears to have rediscovered a renewed sense of purpose in ODIs.
Since 2023, he has enjoyed what many describe as a “second wind,” batting with clarity, patience, and authority. In 2025, Kohli finished with 651 runs in 13 ODI matches, averaging an impressive 65.10, including three centuries and four half-centuries.
Those numbers reflect not just form, but intent. With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 firmly on the horizon, Kohli seems determined to shape his remaining international career around one final global prize.
The New Zealand series, therefore, is less about records alone and more about sustaining rhythm, leadership through performance, and setting the tone for what lies ahead.
After the ODI season, Kohli is expected to return to the shortest format at the franchise level, turning out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2026—a competition where his fan following and influence remain unmatched.
As Kohli walks out in Indian colours once again, the numbers may grab headlines, but the larger story is about longevity, reinvention, and an unrelenting desire to compete at the highest level.
Records may fall quietly with a single flick or drive—but the legacy continues to grow, stroke by stroke.
#ViratKohli #TeamIndia #INDvsNZ #CricketRecords #SachinTendulkar #ODICricket #IndianCricket #RunMachine #RoadTo2027 #KingKohli
