Virat Kohli has overtaken Kumar Sangakkara to claim the spot as the second highest run scorer in international cricket, achieving the milestone with a match-winning 93 in India’s ODI victory over New Zealand.
Virat Kohli became the second highest run scorer in international cricket on Sunday, 11 January 2026, during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. The 37-year-old scored 93 runs off 91 balls, surpassing Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs to reach 28,068. India chased 301 to win by four wickets.
This achievement underscores Kohli’s enduring dominance in cricket, a sport that unites South Asia. As an Indian icon, his records fuel regional pride and rivalries, inspiring millions across borders where cricket is more than a game.
Kohli Surpasses Sangakkara in Historic Innings
Virat Kohli second highest run scorer status came in his 624th international innings, faster than any other player. He entered the match needing 42 runs to pass Sangakkara and did so with a boundary in the 19th over. His knock included boundaries and a focus on counterattacking early, refusing to play defensively despite coming in after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal for 26.
Kohli’s approach has evolved. He now aims to maximise the first 20 deliveries, putting bowlers under pressure. This tactic helped India recover and secure the win with six balls remaining. New Zealand posted 300 for 8, but India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj with 3 wickets, kept them in check.
Player of the Match Kohli reflected on the moment. “If I look back at my whole journey, it’s nothing short of a dream come true,” he said in a post-match interview. He added gratitude for his career, noting hard work and blessings. Kohli emphasised not focusing on milestones amid his current form.
Highest Run Scorers International Cricket: Where Kohli Stands
In the list of highest run scorers international cricket, Kohli now trails only Sachin Tendulkar’s 34,357 runs. The top three are:
- Sachin Tendulkar (India): 34,357 runs in 782 innings
- Virat Kohli (India): 28,068 runs in 624 innings
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 28,016 runs in 666 innings
Kohli achieved this in 557 matches across formats since his 2008 debut. His average stands at 52.66, with 84 centuries and 146 fifties. This Virat Kohli second highest run scorer feat also marks him as the fastest to 28,000 runs, beating Tendulkar’s record by 20 innings.
The milestone highlights Kohli’s consistency. He has scored five 50-plus scores in his last five ODI innings, including two centuries. This form continues from 2025, where he amassed runs in series against South Africa and Australia.
Kohli ODI Records: A Legacy of Excellence
Kohli ODI records are unparalleled among active players. In 309 ODIs, he has 14,703 runs at an average of 57.66, with 53 centuries and 77 fifties. His 77th ODI fifty came in this match, reinforcing his chase mastery. India has won most games where Kohli scores heavily.
In ODIs, Kohli ranks second in runs behind Tendulkar’s 18,426. He holds the record for most ODI centuries and was Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup with 765 runs. Kohli surpasses Sangakkara in overall international runs, but in ODIs alone, Sangakkara’s 14,234 places him third.
Kohli’s records extend beyond numbers. His aggression and fitness have redefined batting in South Asia, where players from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka often compete fiercely. This Virat Kohli second highest run scorer achievement cements his status as a regional legend.
Background
Kohli debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka in August 2008 at age 19. He rose quickly, captaining India to victories including the 2011 World Cup as a player. By 2025, he retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing on ODIs with Rohit Sharma. His Test tally: 9,230 runs in 123 matches. T20Is: 4,135 runs in 125 matches.
Challenges marked his career, including form slumps in 2020-2022. But resurgences, like in the 2023 World Cup, showed resilience. Now at 37, Kohli plays selectively, targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup.
This milestone against New Zealand adds to his rivalry narratives. Sangakkara, a Sri Lankan great, retired in 2015 with World Cup wins. Kohli’s surpassing him bridges generations in South Asian cricket.
India’s series opener saw Shubman Gill score 52 as captain, Shreyas Iyer 49, and KL Rahul finish unbeaten. New Zealand’s Devon Conway made 89, but Kyle Jamieson’s 4 for 41 could not prevent defeat.
What’s Next
The series continues with the second ODI in Raipur on 14 January 2026, and the third in Indore on 17 January. Kohli eyes more runs, potentially closing on Tendulkar. With the 2027 World Cup looming, his form boosts India’s prospects.
India leads 1-0. New Zealand seeks a comeback, but Kohli’s momentum could prove decisive.
Virat Kohli second highest run scorer position signals more records ahead as he chases ultimate glory.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 13th, 2026
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