Climbing Mount Tendulkar in Total Runs
The ultimate record in batting, Sachin Tendulkar's 34,357 international runs, has long been considered cricket's Mount Everest. For years, it seemed an unassailable peak. However, Kohli has been steadily climbing. As of early 2026, Kohli has surpassed
the 28,000-run mark in international cricket, firmly establishing himself as the second-highest run-scorer of all time after moving past Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs). While the gap to Tendulkar is still significant, every match brings him a step closer. The next time he faces the West Indies, against whom he has a phenomenal ODI average of over 66, he will look to chip away at that massive target. Each century and half-century is not just a contribution to the team's total but another step in a historic chase that has the entire cricketing world captivated. Surpassing Sangakkara was a huge milestone, but for Kohli, the final summit remains the goal.
The Chase for 15,000 ODI Runs
While Kohli has already conquered the record for the most centuries in One-Day Internationals with 54 tons, another monumental milestone awaits him in the 50-over format. He is on the verge of becoming only the second batsman in history to score 15,000 ODI runs. The only other player to have achieved this feat is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who finished his career with an astonishing 18,426 runs. According to reports from early 2026, Kohli had amassed 14,941 runs, leaving him just a handful of runs away from the prestigious 15,000-run club. Given his prolific scoring ability, especially against a team like the West Indies, this is a record that seems destined to fall sooner rather than later. Achieving this would further cement his legacy as arguably the greatest ODI batsman of all time, adding another chapter to his already record-laden career.
The Unthinkable: 100 International Centuries
For a generation of cricket fans, Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries was a feat that felt final and unbreakable. It stood as a testament to unparalleled longevity and consistency. Yet, Virat Kohli has made the impossible seem plausible. With a total of 85 international centuries to his name (54 in ODIs, 30 in Tests, and 1 in T20Is) as of early 2026, Kohli is the only active player within striking distance of this landmark. While he has retired from Test and T20I formats to focus on ODIs, his hunger for hundreds remains undiminished. To reach 100 tons, he would need 15 more. It's a tall order, but Kohli has built a career on defying expectations. Fans will be eagerly watching every time he takes guard, knowing that each century is not just a personal milestone but a tick closer to what could be the most celebrated record in modern cricket.
