Virat Kohli created another landmark moment in his illustrious ODI career by becoming only the second batter in men’s international cricket to reach 15,000 runs in the format. The former India captain achieved the milestone during the first ODI against West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
Kohli came into the innings needing 59 runs to reach the landmark after beginning the chase with 14,941 ODI runs. He reached the figure in just 46 deliveries, scoring freely from the outset. Once he completed the milestone, Kohli raised both hands towards the stands in a gesture of respect for his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, before acknowledging a standing ovation from the Thiruvananthapuram crowd.
India had already made a strong start to the chase before Kohli arrived at the crease. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put together a solid opening partnership, although both batters had moments of fortune. Gill was dropped by Keemo Paul, while Rohit survived an early opportunity before Alzarri Joseph eventually dismissed him for 32, leaving India at 74/1 after 12 overs.
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Kohli immediately increased the tempo after walking in. He attacked Alzarri Joseph and punished loose deliveries, taking advantage of the pace on offer. With Gill already settled at the other end, Kohli was able to play the more aggressive role and maintain India’s scoring rate.
🚨 HISTORY CREATE BY VIRAT KOHLI 🚨
In ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has set the record for being the fastest to reach every milestone from 1,000 to 15,000 runs. 🔥🤯
– Just look the reaction of Ruturaj Gaikwad ♥️😂 pic.twitter.com/zOAgTsSHU6
— lndian Sports Network (@IS_Netwrk29) September 27, 2026
The 15,000-run milestone seemed within reach, but Kohli showed little sign of caution. He completed his half-century in 40 balls and needed only nine more runs to reach the historic mark. Two consecutive boundaries took him to 59, completing the landmark before his emotional tribute to Tendulkar.
Tendulkar reached 15,000 ODI runs in his 377th innings in 2007. Kohli has now achieved the same milestone in just 303 innings, reaching the figure 74 innings quicker than his childhood idol. Kohli had previously surpassed Tendulkar as the fastest batter to 13,000 ODI runs. He reached that milestone in 267 innings in 2023, compared with Tendulkar’s 321.
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West Indies have also been one of Kohli’s most productive ODI opponents. Before this innings, he had scored 2,261 runs against them in 43 matches and 41 innings, including nine centuries and 11 fifties. Kohli’s latest achievement further strengthens his place among ODI cricket’s greatest run-scorers. He is now the second men’s batter to cross 15,000 ODI runs, while Tendulkar remains the leading run-scorer with 18,426 runs.
