Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan praised India’s star batter Virat Kohli for becoming the highest run-scorer in white-ball cricket (ODI + T20). Virat achieved this milestone during the third and
final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. After underperforming in the first two ODIs, Virat scored 74 runs off 81 balls, including seven fours.
In a post on X, Shikhar Dhawan wrote,”Congratulations @imVkohli on reaching another massive milestone. The highest run-getter in white-ball cricket! Your discipline and consistency are second to none. Keep inspiring everyone with that fire.”
The partnership between Virat and former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, which resulted in an unbeaten 168-run stand, helped India to a victory over Australia in the third ODI in Sydney, preventing a series whitewash.
In 305 ODIs, Virat has amassed 14,250 runs in 293 innings at an average of 57.69, including 51 centuries and 75 fifties. He also has 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is to add to his ODI runs.
Kohli Overtakes Tendulkar
Virat surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the top run-scorer in all limited-overs international cricket (ODIs and T20Is), now holding a total of 18,438 runs compared to Sachin’s 18,436 runs. The Master Blaster had played just one T20I, scoring 10 runs.
Virat also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar (69 fifty-plus scores) to achieve the most fifty-plus scores during ODI run-chases (70). This is Virat’s 24th fifty-plus score (eight centuries and 16 fifties) in 51 innings against Australia, matching Sachin’s record of 24 such scores in 70 innings.
Against Australia in ODIs, he has scored 2,525 runs in 51 innings and 53 matches at an average of 53.72, with eight centuries and 16 fifties, and a best score of 123.
When Shubman Gill was asked if he has had a discussion with Kohli regarding the gap of a month between now and the next series against South Africa and another seven weeks before New Zealand come calling, the Indian replied in negative.
“We haven’t talked about it yet. But I think once South Africa (ODI) series is over (on December 6), there will be a gap in international cricket before the New Zealand ODI series (January 11, 2026). So I think then we will see how to keep the players in touch. Then I think a decision will be taken,” Gill was quoted as saying at the post-match press conference.
(With inputs from Agencies)
