A Historic Feat in Dubai
Virat Kohli has rewritten the record books once again. The Indian batting maestro became the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs), breaking the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. He achieved this milestone during India’s Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan in Dubai, reaching the mark in just 287 innings—63 innings fewer than Tendulkar.
Kohli needed just 15 runs before the match to hit the milestone and did so in style, guiding India to a successful chase of 242. He capped off the momentous occasion with a match-winning century, his 51st in ODIs, finishing the game with a signature cover drive for four off part-time spinner Khushdil Shah.
A Record-Breaking Chase
The stage was set for something special. Kohli walked in with intent, looking composed from the outset. The pressure of a high-profile game against Pakistan didn’t faze him. Instead, it seemed to fuel his brilliance.
Former India captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble observed a stark contrast in Kohli’s approach compared to his previous innings against Bangladesh. “The difference that I saw was his mindset. Against Bangladesh, he was shadowing his shots after dot balls, but today he was back to his natural self. The crowd, the occasion, playing against Pakistan—it all seemed to lift his game,” Kumble noted on ESPNcricinfo MatchDay.
Kohli’s innings not only secured a victory for India but also cemented his place in history. While both Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara took over 350 innings to reach 14,000 runs, Kohli raced past the landmark in less than 300, making him the fastest to achieve this feat.
Numbers Speak Volumes
The statistical difference between Kohli and his predecessors further highlights his dominance in the format. His batting average remains significantly higher than those who reached the 14,000 mark before him.
| Batter | Innings to 14,000 Runs | Batting Average at 14,000 | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 287 | 57+ | 14,984 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 350 | 44.19 | 16,292 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 378 | 41.73 | 17,789 |
Not only did Kohli reach the milestone in fewer innings, but he also did it in significantly fewer balls. His strike rate and consistency set him apart in an era where bowlers have more variations and teams have evolved their approach to ODI cricket.
Fastest to Every 1000-Run Mark Since 8000
Kohli’s name is now attached to every major run-scoring milestone. Since surpassing 8000 ODI runs in June 2017, he has been the quickest to every 1000-run increment, never once relinquishing that record to another batter.
- 8000 runs in 175 innings
- 9000 runs in 194 innings
- 10,000 runs in 205 innings
- 11,000 runs in 222 innings
- 12,000 runs in 242 innings
- 13,000 runs in 267 innings
- 14,000 runs in 287 innings
This consistency is staggering. The ability to maintain such dominance for nearly a decade is a testament to Kohli’s work ethic, fitness, and hunger for runs.
Poised to Overtake Sangakkara
Kohli is now on the brink of another milestone—surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s 14,234 runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Given his current form, it’s only a matter of time before he moves up the list.
The ultimate benchmark remains Tendulkar’s colossal tally of 18,426 runs, a record that once seemed untouchable. While Kohli still has a long way to go, if he maintains his fitness and hunger for runs, surpassing the “Little Master” may not be out of reach.
With records tumbling every time he steps onto the field, one thing is certain—Virat Kohli isn’t done yet.
