As India gears up for the three-match ODI series against England, starting today, February 6, in Nagpur, all eyes will once again be on Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain, known for his dominance in One Day Internationals (ODIs), is on the verge of breaking yet another world record set by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Virat Kohli, who has amassed 13,906 runs in 295 ODIs (283 innings) at an astonishing average of 58.2, needs just 94 more runs to reach the 14,000-run milestone. If he achieves this feat today, Kohli will become:
- Only the third batsman in history to score 14,000 runs in ODIs.
- The fastest to reach this milestone, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Comparing Kohli with the Legends
So far, only two players have breached the 14,000-run mark in ODIs:
- Sachin Tendulkar (14,000 runs in 350 innings)
- Kumar Sangakkara (14,000 runs in 378 innings)
Virat Kohli, currently at 13,906 runs in just 283 innings, has the opportunity to achieve this milestone in less than 300 innings, making him the fastest player in cricket history to do so. With 17 innings in hand, Kohli is in prime position to cement his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
Kohli Returns to ODIs After Seven Months
This ODI series against England holds special significance for Virat Kohli, as he returns to the format after a seven-month break. The last time he played an ODI was during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in August 2023.
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2024 scheduled to begin on February 19, this series serves as a crucial opportunity for Kohli to regain his form and momentum in his favorite format. Despite a dip in form in recent months, Kohli remains one of the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket, and a strong performance against England will be a huge boost for him ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Will Kohli Create History Today?
With just 94 runs required, cricket fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see if Virat Kohli can etch his name in the record books once again. If he achieves this milestone, it will further solidify his reputation as one of the greatest ODI batsmen in history.
