Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has added yet another illustrious feather to his cap, cementing his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. During the first One Day International against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, Kohli achieved a significant milestone related to his longevity and commitment to the sport.
A New Landmark in ODI Appearances
By stepping onto the field for the series opener, Kohli officially played his 309th ODI match for India. This appearance moved him past the legendary former captain Sourav Ganguly, who retired with 308 ODI caps. With this move, Kohli now stands as the fifth most-capped Indian player in the history of the 50-over format.
The elite list of Indians with more ODI appearances now features only four iconic names above him. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar leads the pack with a staggering 463 matches. He is followed by former skipper MS Dhoni (347), the dependable Rahul Dravid (340), and another former captain, Mohammad Azharuddin (334).
Climbing the Ladder and Chasing Runs
Given Kohli's renowned fitness discipline and careful management of his workload, experts and fans alike anticipate he will continue his ascent on this prestigious list. With his sights reportedly set on the 2027 ODI World Cup, the 36-year-old batter is well-positioned to overtake both Azharuddin and Dravid in the coming years, potentially securing the third spot.
However, Kohli's hunger for records extends far beyond just the number of matches played. As he entered the New Zealand series, his tally of 27,975 international runs across all formats placed him on the brink of another monumental achievement. He is now merely 42 runs away from surpassing Sri Lankan maestro Kumar Sangakkara's total of 28,016 runs.
Once he crosses that threshold, Kohli will become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history, sitting only behind the incomparable Sachin Tendulkar. This dual pursuit of appearance and run-scoring records underscores his enduring class and consistency at the highest level of the game.
What This Milestone Represents
This latest accomplishment is a testament to Kohli's incredible stamina, passion, and skill over a long and illustrious career. Moving past a figure like Sourav Ganguly, who is credited with shaping modern Indian cricket's aggressive identity, is symbolic. It highlights Kohli's own era of dominance and his role in carrying forward that winning mentality.
The match in Vadodara was not just another game on the calendar; it was a chapter in Kohli's relentless journey of rewriting record books. As the Indian team builds towards future global events, his experience and insatiable drive for milestones will be invaluable assets. The cricket world watches with anticipation as he continues to chase down the legends who came before him.
