New Delhi: Star batter Virat Kohli is on the verge of breaking another historic ODI record held by Sachin Tendulkar during the three-match series against the West Indies, which begins on Sunday, September 27. Kohli needs just 59 runs in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram to become only the second batter in men’s ODI history to complete 15,000 runs, joining Tendulkar in the elite list.
Kohli has scored 14,941 runs in 302 ODI innings at an average of 58.59, with 54 centuries and 79 fifties. While Tendulkar is the ODI’s highest run-scorer with 18,426 runs, Kohli has several other milestones within his reach in the upcoming series.
If the veteran batter scores 59 runs against West Indies, he will complete 15,000 ODI runs in his 303rd innings, making him the fastest batter to the landmark by a big margin. Tendulkar reached the landmark in his 377th ODI innings in 2007, meaning Kohli would get there 74 innings earlier than his illustrious predecessor.
Earlier, Kohli became the fastest batter to 13,000 ODI runs, reaching the feat in 267 innings in 2023, breaking Tendulkar’s previous record of 321 innings.
Tendulkar’s home record also in Kohli’s sights
Kohli will also aim to break another of Tendulkar’s records, which is the most ODI runs scored at home. Tendulkar amassed 6,976 ODI runs in India, while Kohli currently has 6,867, leaving him just 110 runs short of surpassing the former India opener.
Kohli’s record at home underlines his consistency. He has smashed those 6,867 runs in 127 innings, averaging 62.42, with 27 hundreds and 36 fifties. At home, Kohli has hit 41 international centuries, while Tendulkar’s record stands at 42. He needs two more centuries in India to overtake his former teammate and India’s batting legend in that list.
The star batter has enjoyed great success against West Indies, hitting 2,261 runs in 43 matches and 41 innings at an average of 66.50. He has scored nine centuries and 11 half-centuries against them. The first ODI between India and West Indies will start at 2 PM (IST) on September 27.
