Virat Kohli completed 28,000 career international runs on Sunday as India faced New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA).
The former India captain became the fastest cricketer to achieve the milestone, reaching it in just 624 innings and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, who had taken 644 innings to get there.
Before the ODI series opener, Kohli was only 25 runs away from the landmark. The right-handed batter had accumulated 27,975 runs across 556 matches and 623 innings, averaging an impressive 52.58, with 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries to his name.
Record-Breaking Moment And A Special Tribute
Playing his 309th ODI for India, Kohli struck New Zealand’s Adithya Ashok for a boundary off the fifth delivery of the 13th over, taking him past the 28,000-run mark in international cricket. In the process, he also overtook Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the game.
During the mid-innings break, the Baroda Cricket Association honoured Kohli and Rohit Sharma with a special tribute. The gesture stood out for its unique presentation, as the organisers unveiled a cupboard near the boundary line adorned with life-size images of the two cricketers.
As their names were announced, the cupboard doors opened, and the players stepped out, drawing laughter from the crowd and smiles from the honourees. Both Kohli and Rohit appeared visibly amused, sharing a laugh and acknowledging the tribute.
The occasion was particularly significant as it marked the first-ever men’s ODI at the Kotambi Stadium, with nearly 35,000 spectators in attendance. With limited international fixtures held in venues like Vadodara, the organisers aimed to make the event memorable by celebrating two players who have played a defining role in India’s dominance in ODI cricket over the past decade and a half.
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