In a historic moment during the Champions Trophy match against Pakistan, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman to complete 14,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Kohli achieved this milestone in just 287 innings, breaking the previous record held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who took 350 innings to reach the same mark. This remarkable feat cements Kohli’s place among the greatest cricketers of all time.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Virat Kohli entered the match against Pakistan needing just 15 runs to reach the 14,000-run milestone. In the 13th over of India’s innings, Kohli hit a boundary off Haris Rauf’s delivery, reaching the landmark in style. This achievement makes him the third batsman in ODI history, after Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs) and Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs), to cross the 14,000-run mark.
Kohli vs Sachin: A Comparison
- Sachin Tendulkar: Reached 14,000 runs in 350 innings.
- Virat Kohli: Achieved the milestone in 287 innings, 63 innings fewer than Sachin.
- Kumar Sangakkara: Took 378 innings to reach the same milestone.
Kohli’s consistency, aggressive batting style, and ability to perform under pressure have been key to his success. His average of over 57 in ODIs is a testament to his dominance in the format.
A Special Connection with Pakistan
Interestingly, both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli achieved the 14,000-run milestone against Pakistan. Sachin reached the mark in Peshawar in 2007, while Kohli accomplished the feat in the high-stakes Champions Trophy match. This coincidence adds a unique layer to Kohli’s achievement.
Rohit Sharma’s Milestone
While Kohli stole the spotlight, Indian opener Rohit Sharma also reached a personal milestone during the match. He became the fastest opener to score 9,000 runs in ODI cricket. However, his innings was cut short as he was bowled by Shaheen Afridi after scoring 20 runs off 15 balls.
Kohli’s Reaction
After the match, Kohli expressed his joy and humility. He said, “It’s a special moment for me. Sachin sir has always been my idol, and breaking his record is a huge honor. But my focus remains on contributing to the team’s success and winning the Champions Trophy.”
What’s Next for Kohli?
With 14,000 runs under his belt, Kohli now has his sights set on surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234 runs. Given his current form and consistency, it won’t be long before he achieves this next milestone. Fans and cricket experts alike are eagerly watching to see how far Kohli can go in rewriting the record books.