Kohli Overtakes Sangakkara in Elite List
With this innings, Kohli moved past former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who finished his career with 28,016 international runs. Kohli now has 28,068 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20 internationals.
Only Indian great Sachin Tendulkar, who leads the chart with 34,357 runs, remains ahead of Kohli in international cricket’s all-time scoring list.
A Journey Built on Hard Work and Belief
Speaking after being named Player of the Match in Vadodara, Kohli reflected on his long journey since making his international debut in 2008.
He credited discipline, self-belief, and relentless effort for his sustained success, describing his career as something he views with pride and gratitude.
Consistency Over Centuries
Although Kohli narrowly missed his 54th ODI century, the innings marked his fifth straight 50-plus score in the format, including two hundreds, underlining his exceptional consistency.
The former captain stated that milestones no longer occupy his thoughts, with his primary focus now firmly on match situations and team success.
Evolution of a Modern Great
In his 17th year at the international level, Kohli continues to adapt his approach. He now places special emphasis on maximising his early deliveries, choosing controlled aggression rather than passive survival.
After Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal, Kohli took responsibility and applied pressure on the New Zealand bowlers, ensuring India remained ahead of the required run rate without unnecessary risk.
Eyes on the Road Ahead
Popularly known as “King Kohli”, the 37-year-old currently plays only ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20 internationals alongside Rohit Sharma. Both veterans are widely expected to set their sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
As Kohli continues to redefine excellence and longevity in cricket, his latest achievement further cements his legacy among the greatest players the game has ever seen.
