Thiruvananthapuram: Virat Kohli added another historic chapter to his ODI career on Sunday, September 27, by becoming the fastest batter to reach 15,000 runs in the format and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for ODI runs scored in India. Kohli achieved both milestones during India’s eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium.

Kohli entered the match needing 59 runs to reach 15,000 ODI runs. He completed the landmark in his 303rd innings, overtaking Tendulkar’s previous benchmark of 377 innings. He also became only the second batter in men’s ODI history to cross 15,000 runs, with Tendulkar remaining the all-time leading run-scorer in the format.

Kohli reaches 15,000 ODI runs

The milestone came during India’s chase of 296 against the West Indies. Kohli reached 15,000 ODI runs with a boundary off Alzarri Joseph and received a standing ovation from the Thiruvananthapuram crowd.

According to the International Cricket Council, Kohli reached the landmark in 303 innings. He had already been the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 ODI runs.

Tendulkar continues to hold the overall ODI run-scoring record with 18,426 runs. Kohli moved to 15,080 runs after his unbeaten 139 against the West Indies, leaving him second on the all-time list.

Kohli’s achievement also highlighted the difference in the number of innings required by the two Indian batting greats. Tendulkar needed 377 innings to reach 15,000 ODI runs, while Kohli reached the mark in 303 innings — 74 innings fewer.

Kohli surpasses Tendulkar’s home ODI record

Kohli’s century also saw him overtake another record previously held by Tendulkar.

Before the match, Tendulkar had scored 6,976 runs in 164 ODIs played in India. Kohli needed 110 runs during the innings to move past that tally. His unbeaten 139 took his home ODI run tally beyond Tendulkar’s mark.

The achievement came during a dominant chase in which Kohli and Shubman Gill took control after India’s opening partnership was broken. Gill scored 110 from 107 balls, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 139 from only 88 deliveries.

Kohli’s innings included 10 fours and nine sixes, allowing India to chase down West Indies’ total of 295 for seven in 41.4 overs. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Kohli records 55th ODI century

The 139 not out was also Kohli’s 55th ODI century. That extended his record for the most centuries in men’s ODI cricket.

The knock was his first ODI century against the West Indies since 2019 and his latest contribution to a format in which he continues to be one of India’s leading run-scorers.

Kohli’s century also took his total number of international hundreds to 86. He moved level with Tendulkar at 59 List A centuries, according to reports following the match.

The India batter’s ODI numbers have remained notable even after his retirement from Test and T20I cricket. He has retained his focus on the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup remaining an important target in the latter part of his international career. The ICC has reported that Kohli has confirmed the 2027 World Cup will be his final World Cup for India.

India complete comfortable chase

The record-breaking innings came in a match where India also produced a strong all-round performance.

West Indies posted 295 for seven after Justin Greaves scored 101, his maiden ODI century. John Campbell contributed 62, while Amir Jangoo remained unbeaten on 58.

Kuldeep Yadav was India’s leading bowler, taking four wickets as the hosts kept the West Indies total within reach.

India’s chase initially featured a 75-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. After Rohit was dismissed for 32, Kohli joined Gill and the pair put together a 150-run second-wicket partnership.

Gill eventually departed for 110, but Kohli stayed until the end alongside Shreyas Iyer to guide India to victory.

India reached 300 for two in 41.4 overs, winning by eight wickets. Kohli’s unbeaten 139 ensured that the match was remembered not only for India’s series-opening victory but also for another set of milestones in his ODI career.

A new chapter in Kohli’s ODI record book

Kohli’s latest achievement does not displace Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in ODI history. Instead, it adds two significant records to their long-running statistical comparison: Kohli is now the fastest batter to 15,000 ODI runs, while he has also moved ahead of Tendulkar for the most ODI runs scored in India.

With 15,000-plus ODI runs and 55 centuries, Kohli’s latest performance has further expanded an already extensive list of milestones in the 50-over format.

For India, the immediate focus will now shift to the remaining matches of the three-game series against the West Indies. For Kohli, the first ODI has provided another landmark innings as he continues his ODI career towards the 2027 World Cup.