In the world of cricket, few debates spark as much passion as the comparison between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. As the Indian batting maestro continues to dominate in One Day Internationals (ODIs), fans and experts alike are asking one question Can Virat Kohli break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI runs in history?
Kohli’s Current Standing
According to the latest statistics, Virat Kohli has scored over 13,800 runs in ODIs a figure that places him second only to Sachin Tendulkar, who retired with an iconic 18,426 runs to his name.
Kohli, who already surpassed Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries in 2023, continues to display remarkable consistency and fitness even at the age of 36. His career average of over 57 in the format remains the highest among batters with more than 10,000 runs.
The Record Chase: 4,600 Runs Away
The gap between Kohli and Tendulkar currently stands at around 4,600 runs a massive number, but not entirely out of reach.
Cricket analysts suggest that if Kohli continues to play 15–20 ODIs per year and maintains his usual average, he could surpass Tendulkar’s total in the next four to five years.
With major tournaments like the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 Asia Cup, and 2027 ODI World Cup lined up, Kohli will have multiple opportunities to add to his tally.
Fitness & Longevity Kohli’s Key Advantage
Unlike many players in their mid-thirties, Virat Kohli remains one of the fittest athletes in world cricket. His commitment to strength training, diet control, and recovery has kept him nearly injury-free for most of his career.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar recently commented, “If anyone can come close to Sachin’s record, it’s Virat Kohli. His focus, fitness, and mental strength make him a once-in-a-generation player.”
Experts believe that if Kohli continues to play ODIs until 2029, he could potentially cross the 18,000-run mark, something no one else has ever achieved after Tendulkar.
Declining ODI Calendar A Real Obstacle
However, there are challenges.
With the rise of T20 leagues and workload management, the number of ODIs played each year has reduced significantly.
India now plays fewer bilateral ODI series, and senior players like Kohli are often rested to manage fatigue ahead of major ICC tournaments.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar noted, The biggest challenge for Kohli won’t be his form it’ll be the number of games he gets to play. The ODI format is slowly taking a backseat.” If India’s ODI schedule remains limited, it could slow down Kohli’s run chase.
Consistency Beyond Numbers
Despite the uncertainties, Kohli’s hunger for runs remains unmatched. His performances in recent series against England and South Africa showcased that he’s still among the most reliable ODI batters in the world. In his last 25 ODIs, Kohli has scored over 1,200 runs with five centuries, proving that his form is still elite-level. His strike rate of 93+ also shows he’s evolving with the modern pace of white-ball cricket.
What Experts and Former Players Say
Cricket legends and analysts around the world continue to weigh in on Kohli’s pursuit:
- Ricky Ponting: “Virat’s hunger for runs reminds me of Sachin’s golden years. He’s not playing for records, but records are following him.”
- Harsha Bhogle: “We should appreciate the fact that we are witnessing two of the greatest ODI batsmen in history Tendulkar created the path, and Kohli is extending it.”
- Wasim Akram: “I’ve bowled to both. Sachin was technically pure, Kohli is mentally unbreakable. That’s what makes this chase so fascinating.”
Kohli’s Motivation Legacy Over Numbers
In multiple interviews, Kohli has mentioned that records don’t drive him performance and contribution to the team do.
But even so, surpassing a milestone set by his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, would be symbolic.
Speaking in a recent media interaction, Kohli said, “For me, Sachin paaji will always be the greatest. If my performances bring joy to fans and help India win, that’s the biggest reward.” This humility, coupled with his relentless drive, makes Kohli’s journey toward the record even more inspirational.
A Realistic Projection
Let’s look at the math:
If Kohli plays 70–80 more ODIs before retirement and averages around 50 runs per match, he could add approximately 3,500–4,000 runs to his total bringing him tantalizingly close to Tendulkar’s 18,426.
Even if he falls slightly short, reaching 17,500–18,000 runs would still make him the second-highest scorer in ODI history, a record likely to stand for decades.
Era Comparison Different Challenges, Equal Greatness
While statistics are easy to compare, eras are not.
- Sachin Tendulkar faced fast, swinging deliveries on tougher pitches with fewer field restrictions.
- Virat Kohli, on the other hand, plays in an era of high-scoring games but faces relentless media scrutiny, tight schedules, and three formats of cricket.
Cricket historian Boria Majumdar summed it up best: Tendulkar was the pioneer, Kohli is the perfectionist. One built the road, the other is conquering it.
Fans’ Perspective The Debate Lives On
Social media continues to buzz whenever Kohli scores a big century.
Hashtags like #KingKohli, #ChaseMaster, and #KohliVsTendulkar often trend worldwide, showing the level of public engagement his performances still generate.
For many Indian cricket fans, Kohli chasing Sachin’s record isn’t just a statistic it’s an emotional story of a student striving to match his teacher.
As of now, Virat Kohli is around 4,600 runs away from overtaking Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI record of 18,426 runs. If he continues to play for the next four to five years, keeps his form intact, and gets enough ODI opportunities, breaking the record remains a genuine possibility.
Even if he falls short, Kohli’s name will forever be mentioned in the same breath as Tendulkar’s two icons who shaped Indian cricket with their unmatched brilliance and passion for the game.
Whether he surpasses the record or not, one thing is certain: Virat Kohli has already secured his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
