India superstar Virat Kohli made headlines on February 23, 2025, by becoming the quickest batter to reach 14,000 One-Day International (ODI) runs, achieving this remarkable feat during the Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan. This milestone catapults Kohli to join an elite club of just three players to have crossed the 14,000 ODI run mark, alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 18,426 runs, and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who tallied 14,234 runs.
Kohli reached the milestone with flair, completing the final 15 runs needed with ease. Chasing Pakistan’s total, he hit a four through the covers off bowler Haris Rauf during the 13th over, leaving no doubt about his skill and finesse. Remarkably, he accomplished this monumental task within just 287 innings—a feat unmatched by both Tendulkar, who needed 350 innings, and Sangakkara, who took 378 innings. At 36 years old, Kohli sits at the top of numerous records, including being the fastest to reach 13,000 ODI runs, which he achieved just months before during the Asia Cup.
Not only did Kohli’s batting prowess shine, but he also etched his name in the fielding record books. Earlier during the same match, he broke Mohammad Azharuddin’s long-standing record for the most catches by an Indian fielder, taking his 157th catch. He would go on to extend this record by claiming his 158th catch later in the game, showcasing his all-around abilities on the field. Azharuddin’s previous record of 156 catches came during his career from 1985 to 2000.
Currently, Kohli is eyeing the second position on the list of players with the most ODI runs. While it's unlikely he will overtake Tendulkar, he is well within reach of Sangakkara’s total. Kohli’s exceptional form during the Champions Trophy indicates he might surpass Sangakkara’s records during this very tournament.
The all-time list of ODI run-scorers has Kohli currently standing third overall. Tendulkar leads the chart, and Sangakkara’s performance also places him above Kohli, making the race for records fiercely competitive. Kohli’s stats reveal his consistency, as he has played 299 ODIs and is accumulating runs at breathtaking rates.
With pressures mounting and expectations high, Kohli’s chance to not only solidify his position as one of the greats but also potentially lead India to yet another triumph becomes ever more palpable. If India manages to clinch the Champions Trophy title, Kohli will become the first Indian player to win four ICC events—a record aspiration for the superstar. Kohli has previously been part of India’s triumphs, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and most recently, the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
While surrounding discussions often highlight his incredible batting records, Kohli's all-round presence as a captain, during international games, and as one of the mainstays of the Indian cricket team has turned him not just a player but an invaluable asset to Indian cricket. The fusion of his batting achievements with fielding statistics paints the picture of Kohli’s significant contribution to the game, constantly raising the bar for cricketers worldwide.
Looking forward, the cricketing world watches eagerly as Kohli not only strives to add more runs and records to his name but also leads his team to possible glory on the grand stage. The next matches of the Champions Trophy could well be pivotal for Kohli, as he enjoys the spotlight of being the man to watch and the player to beat.
Starting with the upcoming match, Kohli’s batting performance will be significant to watch, as he aims to secure more historical achievements and possibly gain back-to-back records. The thrill of his pursuit for the second spot among ODI run-scorers and the chase for another ICC title paints the cricket canvas with excitement and anticipation.
Virat Kohli’s achievements, both as a batter and fielder, are constantly etched within cricket culture, as he remains one of the standout figures illuminating the sport’s history—his legacy continuing to grow, match after match.