Virat Kohli Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in International Cricket

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has once again etched his name into the record books. During a match winning innings against New Zealand, Kohli crossed a major milestone in international cricket. The achievement highlights his consistency, longevity, and dominance across formats, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest batters in the history of the game.

Why in the News?

Virat Kohli has become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara. He achieved the milestone during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara.

Record Breaking Moment

• Virat Kohli went past Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 international runs during his fluent 93-run knock.
• With this, Kohli now has 28,068 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals.
• He now stands second only to Sachin Tendulkar, who leads the list with 34,357 runs.

Match-Winning Performance

• Kohli’s 91-ball 93 guided India to successfully chase a target of 301 runs, securing victory with four wickets and six balls to spare.
• His calm and composed innings earned him the Player of the Match award and helped India take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

List of Top % International Runs Scorer

Player	Span	Matches	Innings	Runs
SR Tendulkar (INDIA)	1989–2013	664	782	34,357
V Kohli (INDIA)	2008–2026	557	624	28,068
KC Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)	2000–2015	594	666	28,016
RT Ponting (Australia)	1995–2012	560	668	27,483`
Mahela Jayawardene (SL)	1997–2015	652	725	25,957

Career Journey and Format Focus (Static Part)

Virat Kohli made his international debut in 2008 in an ODI against Sri Lanka. Known as “King Kohli”, he has been one of the most consistent batters across eras. At present, Kohli plays only the ODI format, having retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, and is expected to target the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Kohli becomes 2nd-highest run-scorer
Player	Virat Kohli
Record Surpassed	Kumar Sangakkara
Total Runs	28,068 international runs
Format	Tests, ODIs, T20Is
Top of List	Sachin Tendulkar

Question

Q. Virat Kohli surpassed which cricketer to become the second-highest international run-scorer?

A. Ricky Ponting
B. Jacques Kallis
C. Kumar Sangakkara
D. Brian Lara