Virat Kohli makes history with 13,000 ODI runs
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli etched his name deeper into the record books today, Wednesday, November 4, 2026. He became the first batter in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket to accumulate 13,000 runs while batting at the crucial number 3 position.
The monumental achievement unfolded at Eden Park in Auckland during the first ODI of India’s series against New Zealand. Kohli reached the landmark during India’s chase of 186 runs, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s modern legends.
Virat Kohli history at number three
This individual milestone underscores Kohli’s unparalleled consistency and dominance in the 50-over format. It marks another chapter in a career defined by breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for batting excellence.
Kohli’s journey to 13,000 runs at number 3 is a testament to his enduring form and adaptability. He accomplished this remarkable feat across just 251 innings, showcasing an extraordinary ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout these innings, the Indian batter has maintained an impressive average of 61.69. His prolific scoring includes 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries, demonstrating his knack for converting starts into substantial contributions.
For perspective, the nearest challenger on the all-time list is former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting amassed 12,662 runs at number 3, but did so over a significantly higher number of innings, specifically 330.
Kohli and Ponting stand alone as the only two batters to have crossed the 10,000-run mark at this pivotal batting position. This distinction highlights the rare longevity and consistent high-level performance required to achieve such totals.
Other esteemed cricketers also feature on the list, but with considerably lower aggregates. Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka scored 9,747 runs from 238 innings, followed by South Africa’s Jacques Kallis with 7,774 runs from 200 innings.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has accumulated 6,504 runs from 140 innings. Pakistan’s Babar Azam, another contemporary star, has 6,054 runs from 124 innings, while England’s Joe Root has 5,525 runs from 123 innings.
The list continues with Australia’s Dean Jones (5,100 runs from 131 innings), West Indies legend Brian Lara (4,447 runs from 106 innings), and Australia’s Steve Smith (4,369 runs from 95 innings). Sri Lanka’s Marvan Atapattu added 4,142 runs from 120 innings.
India’s own Rahul Dravid rounds out the notable names with 4,000 runs from 109 innings at number 3 in ODIs. The substantial gap between Kohli’s tally and his closest active competitors underscores his unique position in the sport.
The milestone moment in Auckland
The historic moment arrived early in India’s innings during their chase of 186 runs. Virat Kohli began his knock needing just 12 runs to reach the 13,000-run milestone at the number 3 slot.
He achieved this landmark on the 13th ball he faced, in the second delivery of the seventh over of India’s innings. The decisive single came from a short-length delivery bowled by New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson.
Early match dynamics
India had won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off as they restricted New Zealand to a total of 185 runs all out. The Indian bowlers delivered a strong performance, setting a manageable target for their batting lineup.
Pacer Arshdeep Singh was particularly effective, claiming four crucial wickets. He was well supported by Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj, both of whom scalped two wickets each. Kamboj was highly economical, conceding just 22 runs from his full quota of 10 overs.
India’s chase, however, started with a moment of concern. Opening batter and captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, putting immediate pressure on the batting order before Kohli steadied the innings.
Context of a dominant career
Kohli’s achievement today is not an isolated incident but a continuation of his exceptional form in 2026. Prior to this series, he had already amassed 552 runs in nine ODI innings this year, boasting an impressive average of 69.
His 2026 campaign also includes two centuries and three half-centuries, with a top score of 139 not out off 88 balls against the West Indies. This consistent high-level performance highlights his enduring value to the Indian team.
His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a brisk scoring rate has been a hallmark of his career. He possesses a rare blend of classical technique and modern aggression, allowing him to adapt to various match situations and pitches.
Unlike some batters known for their explosive starts, Kohli often builds his innings, accelerating as he gets set. This strategic approach has allowed him to accumulate massive scores over time, making him a reliable force at number 3.
Chasing further milestones and legacy
The 13,000-run milestone is significant, yet Kohli remains focused on other records. Heading into the Auckland ODI, he stood poised to surpass Ricky Ponting’s record for the most ODI runs against New Zealand.
Ponting had scored 1,971 runs from 51 innings against the Black Caps, while Kohli had 1,909 runs from 37 innings. He needed just 75 more runs in this ongoing series to claim that distinction, showcasing his formidable record against a specific opponent.
Additionally, Kohli was on the verge of completing 1,000 international runs against New Zealand across all formats. He required 47 runs in the first ODI to achieve this, a milestone previously reached by only three other Indian batters: Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Mohammad Azharuddin.
These pursuit of these records further illustrates Kohli’s relentless drive and ambition to leave an indelible mark on cricket. His performance consistently places him in discussions about the greatest batters of all time, irrespective of format or era.
His journey reflects a rare blend of talent, dedication, and mental fortitude that has seen him dominate the cricketing world for over a decade. Fans eagerly await to see which records he will conquer next as his illustrious career continues to unfold.
In an era where T20 cricket often grabs headlines with its rapid-fire scoring and fastest T20 fifty records, Kohli’s sustained excellence in the longer ODI format serves as a powerful reminder of traditional batting virtues. His ability to combine consistency with acceleration makes him a true all-format great.