Virat Kohli crosses 15,000 ODI runs in just 315 innings, becoming the fastest batter to reach the landmark in men’s ODI cricket.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 27, 2026: Virat Kohli has added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the fastest batter in men’s ODI history to reach 15,000 runs during India’s opening match against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kohli reached the landmark in emphatic fashion in the 29th over of India’s chase, pulling a delivery from Alzarri Joseph away for a boundary.
The achievement made Kohli only the second batter in men’s ODI history to surpass 15,000 runs, after India great Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli reaches 15,000 ODI runs in record time
Kohli reached the 15,000-run mark in just 315 ODI innings, further extending his record as the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 runs in the format.
At 15,002 not out when he reached the landmark, Kohli strengthened his position as the second-highest run-scorer in men’s ODI cricket.
The leading run-scorers in men’s ODIs are:
• Sachin Tendulkar (India): 18,426 runs in 463 matches
• Virat Kohli (India): 15,002* runs in 315 matches
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 14,234 runs in 404 matches
• Ricky Ponting (Australia): 13,704 runs in 375 matches
• Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 13,430 runs in 445 matches
• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 12,650 runs in 448 matches
• Rohit Sharma (India): 11,927 runs in 289 matches
• Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan): 11,739 runs in 378 matches
• Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 11,579 runs in 328 matches
• Sourav Ganguly (India): 11,363 runs in 311 matches
Kohli’s extraordinary World Cup record
The latest milestone adds to an exceptional ODI career in which Kohli has built a reputation for consistency, fitness and the ability to construct innings in a variety of conditions.
His performances during run chases have also earned him the enduring nickname “Chase Master”, reflecting his record of producing influential innings while pursuing challenging targets.
Kohli has represented India at four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and was part of the team that won the 2011 World Cup.
His 2023 World Cup campaign was particularly outstanding. He finished the tournament as its leading run-scorer with 765 runs, including three centuries and six half-centuries.
During the semi-final against New Zealand, Kohli also became the first batter to score 50 ODI centuries.
Across his World Cup career, he has accumulated 1,795 runs in 37 matches at an average of 59.83, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries.
Kohli targets final World Cup triumph
Having retired from Test and T20I cricket, Kohli is now focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup, which he has confirmed will be his final World Cup representing India.
Speaking to JioStar, Kohli said the prospect of playing in his final World Cup has provided additional motivation, with winning the tournament remaining his principal ambition.
“For me, it’s the last World Cup I’m going to play for India. And that is my motivation.”
He added that he would be prepared to do whatever was necessary to help India lift the trophy.
Kohli has also repeatedly emphasised his desire to influence matches directly, with his stated objective being to win as many games as possible for India.
He said his ideal World Cup scenario would be to produce a match-winning innings in the final, particularly while chasing a target.
“If it happens, great. If it doesn’t happen, we win the World Cup, I’ll be happy,” Kohli said.
With another major ODI milestone now secured, Kohli enters the next phase of his international career with his sights firmly set on a final World Cup campaign in 2027.