In a historic feat that left cricket enthusiasts in awe, India’s cricket maestro Virat Kohli shattered records on Monday as he surged past his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, to claim the title of the fastest cricketer to amass an astounding 13,000 runs in the One Day International (ODI) format. This remarkable achievement unfolded during the high-stakes Asia Cup Super 4 showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a moment that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history.
Kohli, aged 34, etched his name in the record books by reaching this monumental milestone in just his 267th ODI innings. It was a nail-biting encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats. When the rain interrupted play on the previous day, India was cruising at 147/2 in 24.1 overs, having been asked to bat by Pakistan. Kohli, then at 8 not out, resumed his innings alongside KL Rahul, who stood unbeaten at 17 off 28 balls. It was a gripping narrative that had the cricketing world abuzz with anticipation.
This achievement not only crowns Virat Kohli as the fastest to reach 13,000 runs in ODIs but also places him in a league of his own among cricketing legends. The iconic Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” had previously held this record, achieving the milestone in 321 ODI innings. Following Tendulkar, luminaries like former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (341 innings) and the Sri Lankan duo of Kumar Sangakkara (363 innings) and Sanath Jayasuriya (416 innings) followed suit.
When you zoom out to view the bigger picture, Kohli’s legacy in the world of ODI cricket is undeniable. He currently stands at fifth place in the all-time leading run-scorers in the ODI format, with only Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs), Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs), Ricky Ponting (13,704 runs), and Sanath Jayasuriya (13,430 runs) ahead of him. This achievement is a testament to Kohli’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of cricketing milestones.
Moreover, the Delhi-born cricket icon has etched his name in the echelons of the game’s history across all formats. He is currently ranked fifth on the illustrious list of players with the most international runs. His astonishing tally of 25,600 runs across formats is a testament to his consistency and dominance on the international stage. Only Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs), Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs), Ricky Ponting (27,483 runs), and former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene (25,957 runs) stand above him on this elite list.
In a career that has been defined by class, consistency, and an insatiable hunger for success, Virat Kohli’s latest achievement cements his status as one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. As the cricketing fraternity celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that Kohli’s journey is far from over, and more records are bound to fall before the sun sets on his illustrious career. Cricket fans across the globe eagerly await the next chapter in the Virat Kohli saga, as he continues to etch his name in the annals of cricketing history.
