Virat Kohli Nears 15,000 ODI Runs Milestone, Set to Break Tendulkar's Record

Virat Kohli is once again on the cusp of an ODI milestone that would add another remarkable chapter to his extraordinary career. The former India captain needs just 59 runs in the opening ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday to become only the second batter in men's ODI history to reach the 15,000-run mark, joining Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive club. Kohli has accumulated 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs and 302 innings at an average of 58.59, with 54 centuries and 79 fifties. Tendulkar remains the format's leading run-scorer with 18,426 runs, meaning Kohli's next landmark will place him alongside the player whose ODI records have defined Indian cricket for decades. But the 15,000-run mark is only one of several records within Kohli's reach.

Kohli set to rewrite fastest-to-15,000 record

If Kohli scores the required 59 runs against West Indies, he will reach 15,000 ODI runs in his 303rd innings. That would make him the fastest batter to the landmark by a considerable margin. Tendulkar reached 15,000 runs in his 377th ODI innings in 2007. Kohli would therefore get there 74 innings earlier than his illustrious predecessor. The landmark would also fit into a pattern that has followed Kohli throughout his ODI career. He became the fastest batter to 13,000 ODI runs when he reached the mark in 267 innings in 2023, breaking Tendulkar's previous record of 321 innings.

West Indies have been one of Kohli's favourite opponents

There is another layer to the milestone given the opposition. Kohli has enjoyed remarkable success against West Indies, scoring 2,261 runs in 43 matches and 41 innings at an average of 66.50. He has nine centuries and 11 fifties against them. Thiruvananthapuram has also been a productive venue for the right-hander. He has scored 199 runs without being dismissed in two ODIs at the venue, including his sensational unbeaten 166 against Sri Lanka in January 2023.

Tendulkar's home record also within touching distance

Kohli has another Tendulkar record in his sights, the most ODI runs scored in home conditions. Tendulkar amassed 6,976 ODI runs in India. Kohli currently has 6,867, leaving him 110 runs short of overtaking the former India opener. Kohli's home ODI numbers underline his consistency. He has scored those 6,867 runs in 130 matches and 127 innings, averaging 62.42, with 27 centuries and 36 fifties.

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Kohli's pursuit of Tendulkar's records extends beyond ODIs. The former India captain currently has 85 international centuries and remains on the path towards the 100-century landmark that Tendulkar was the first to reach. At home, Kohli has 41 international hundreds, with Tendulkar's record standing at 42. Two more centuries in India would take Kohli past his former teammate and India's batting icon in that particular category. Kohli is also closing in on Tendulkar's record for most List-A centuries. Kohli has 59 List-A hundreds, while Tendulkar finished his career with 60. Since List-A cricket includes ODIs as well as other recognised 50-over matches, Kohli needs two more hundreds to move clear of Tendulkar at the top of the Indian list.

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