Virat Kohli broke records on February 23, 2025, becoming the fastest player to score 14,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the ICC Champions Trophy match against Pakistan. This remarkable achievement positions Kohli as the first cricketer to reach this milestone in just 287 innings, surpassing the previous record held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who accomplished it over 350 innings.
Playing at the Dubai International Stadium, Kohli's performance was pivotal as he notched up his 51st ODI century, pummeling the opposition's bowling attack and leading India to a six-wicket victory. Chasing down Pakistan’s moderate total of 241 runs, Kohli scored 100 runs off 111 balls, with seven boundaries adorning his innings. His outstanding performance not only helped India secure their place almost certainly in the semi-finals of the tournament but also highlighted his consistency and skills on the international stage.
The match against Pakistan saw India chasing 242 runs where Kohli played for the majority of the innings with graceful authority. He reached his century with a boundary, sealing his record-breaking achievement just before the team's victory, confirming his status as one of the greatest modern-day cricketing icons.
Following his century, Kohli expressed his joy, remarking, "It’s always special to break records, especially against rivals like Pakistan. Achieving 14,000 runs is personal and passionate for me." This statement, reported by NDTV, underlines not just his competitive spirit but also his commitment to the game.
To see Kohli achieve this milestone is akin to watching comets streak across the sky—rare and awe-inspiring. His previous record of notching up the most centuries is now acknowledged even more fiercely, as he edges closer to Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100 centuries across formats.
While Kohli leads with 14,000 runs, he is closely followed by Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, who achieved the feat over 378 innings. It's noteworthy to appreciate how Kohli’s aggressive style of play provides fans with exhilarating entertainment, characterized by powerful boundaries and swift running between the wickets. This exciting batting style adds layers to his already remarkable statistics. Currently, Kohli stands at approximately 27,503 international runs overall, excitedly chasing Tendulkar’s record of 34,357 runs.
The Indian cricket fraternity celebrated as Kohli brought home the win against Pakistan, marking the rivalry's intense spirit with his brilliant display. This victory marked India’s second win of the Champions Trophy, silencing any skeptics about India’s chances of advancing past the group stages. Looking forward, Kohli has his eyes set on the upcoming match against New Zealand, hoping to continue this prolific scoring spree.
Reflecting on Kohli’s career, his ascendancy through numerous records is both entertaining and inspirational. With each innings, he not only amasses runs but he also sets new benchmarks for future generations. At just 34 years old, the cricket world conducts speculative conversations around his potential to galvanize and redefine records even higher, which beckons upcoming matches with great anticipation. Could this fiery talent, with 82 centuries across international formats, be the one to finally breach the fabled centennial mark?
Kohli’s latest victory and record break against the archrivals reestablish him as the beacon of batting prowess. His path from being India’s youth sensation to the heart of the international cricket arena is not merely inspirational, but it serves as motivation for countless aspiring cricketers. For now, fans revel in the momentum Kohli generates, anxiously awaiting his next chapter, where greatness still awaits.