Fastest to 28,000: Here’s the breakdown of Virat Kohli’s international runs

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Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli added yet another historic chapter to his legendary career by becoming the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs during India’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday. The landmark came in Kohli’s 624th international innings, when he pierced the off-side with a crisp boundary off spinner Adithya Ashok, triggering loud celebrations from the packed crowd.

In doing so, Kohli eclipsed the long-standing benchmark held by Sachin Tendulkar, who had reached the same mark in 644 innings. The achievement also saw Kohli move past Kumar Sangakkara, further cementing his place among the greatest run-scorers the game has ever produced.

Kohli’s journey to 28,000 runs stands out not just for its volume, but for the speed and consistency with which it has been achieved. By reaching the milestone 20 innings quicker than Tendulkar, the former India captain underlined how modern fitness, technique, and adaptability have shaped his run-making machine.

Only three batters in international cricket history have crossed the 28,000-run mark – Tendulkar, Sangakkara, and now Kohli. Sangakkara took 666 innings to reach the figure, while Ricky Ponting narrowly missed out, finishing his career with 27,483 runs. Kohli’s acceleration across formats highlights a rare blend of longevity and sustained excellence that sets him apart even among legends.

The milestone came during a high-pressure run chase, a scenario where Kohli has repeatedly thrived. India were tasked with chasing New Zealand’s competitive 300 for 8, and Kohli anchored the innings with a sublime 93 off 91 balls. His knock included eight fours and one sixes, balancing control with timely aggression against a probing Black Caps bowling attack.

Key partnerships with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer ensured India crossed the line with an over to spare, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. Kohli was later named Player of the Match, a recognition he characteristically brushed aside with humor, asking officials to send the trophy to his mother in Gurgaon.

Kohli’s 28,000 international runs are spread seamlessly across all three formats, underlining his adaptability in an era of constant evolution. In Tests, he has amassed 9,230 runs across 210 innings at an average nearing 47, marked by 30 centuries and a reputation for delivering overseas under pressure.

ODIs form the backbone of his run tally, with 14,650 runs in 309 innings at an exceptional average of 58.60. His record 53 ODI centuries and unmatched success in run chases define this phase of his career. In T20Is, Kohli clubbed 4,188 runs in 117 innings, combining powerplay aggression with unmatched consistency, even registering one century in the format.

Overall, his 28,000 runs in 624 innings at an average above 52, with 84 international hundreds, make him the fastest across all major batting milestones.

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What makes Kohli’s feat even more striking is the pace at which he has climbed recent milestones. He became the fastest to 25,000 international runs in just 549 innings and continued that surge by reaching 26,000 and 27,000 at record speed, the latter achieved in 594 innings against Bangladesh in 2024.

His Vadodara innings reflected the same hunger, even at the age of 37, as he continues to lead India’s batting resurgence in white-ball cricket. With fitness levels rivaling players a decade younger, Kohli shows little sign of slowing down.

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