Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone by completing 28,000 career international runs during India’s first ODI against New Zealand at Kotambi International Stadium. Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record, Kohli accomplished this feat in just 624 innings, making him the fastest cricketer to reach this mark. Before the series opener, Kohli was only 25 runs away from the milestone, having scored 27,975 runs in 556 matches with an impressive average of 52.58, including 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries.
In his 309th ODI appearance for India, Kohli hit a boundary off New Zealand’s Adithya Ashok in the 13th over, crossing the 28,000-run mark in international cricket. This achievement also propelled him past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in cricket history. During the mid-innings break, the Baroda Cricket Association paid tribute to Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a unique manner. A cupboard near the boundary line, adorned with life-size images of the two cricketers, was unveiled, and as their names were announced, Kohli and Sharma emerged from the cupboard, creating a light-hearted moment for the crowd and the players.
The ODI at Kotambi Stadium was historic as it marked the first men’s match at the venue, drawing nearly 35,000 spectators. With limited international cricket opportunities in places like Vadodara, the organizers aimed to make this occasion unforgettable by honoring two players who have been instrumental in India’s ODI success over the years.
