Not chasing milestones! Kohli speaks his mind

• Kohli fastest to 28,000 international runs in 624 innings versus New Zealand.
• Kohli's 93 helped India chase 301, winning by four wickets.
• Kohli named Player of the Match; downplays milestones, expresses gratitude.

Virat Kohli added yet another historic milestone to his illustrious career on Sunday, January 11, becoming the fastest ever to complete 28000 runs in international

cricket. The 37-year-old achieved the landmark in India’s first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, Kotambi.

Kohli became only the third player to reach the landmark after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakara. The right-hander’s milestone came during his 93-run knock off 91 balls, which helped the hosts chase down 301 to secure a four-wicket against the Kiwis. The milestone was reached in his 624th international innings, 20 fewer than Tendulakr, who had crossed the 28,000 run mark in 644 innings. Whereas, the Lankan great Sangakkara had reached there in 666 innings. 

While reflecting upon the achievement, Kohli was candid about it, stating that even though he is proud and grateful for his achievements, reaching milestones is not what he is looking for. 

“If I'm being brutally honest, the way I'm playing right now, I'm not thinking about the milestones at all. Honestly, if I look back at my whole journey, it's nothing short of a dream come true. I've always known my abilities, when I came in and I had to work for a lot more to get to the place I am today,” said Kohli at the post-match press conference.

“God has blessed me with way too much for me to complain about anything. So I feel nothing but gratitude. I always look back at my whole journey with a lot of grace and and a lot of gratitude in my heart and I feel I feel proud about it," he concluded. 

Watch Virat Kohli's reaction here

🗣️ If I look back at my whole journey, it's nothing short of a dream come true. ✨

🎥 Virat Kohli reflects on his incredible career after becoming the 2⃣nd highest run-getter in men's international cricket🙌👏#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @imVkohli | @idfcfirstbank pic.twitter.com/87BgcZlx4b

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026

India defeated New Zealand by four wickets, thanks to the 37-year-old’s crucial knock, with great support from captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Harshit Rana. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his record-breaking performance.