Virat Kohli Becomes Second Highest International Run Scorer with 28,068 Runs

28,068 runs. That's the staggering new milestone for Virat Kohli, who has just claimed the silver medal in the history of international cricket scoring. During India's opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, 2026, Kohli's masterclass innings of 93 propelled him past a legendary figure.

Virat Kohli Second Highest International Run Scorer Behind Tendulkar

According to news agencies, the Indian icon surpassed Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, who previously held the second spot with 28,016 runs. Kohli now trails only his fellow countryman Sachin Tendulkar, who sits at the top with 34,357 runs. Kohli described his 17-year journey as "nothing short of a dream-come-true," expressing gratitude for his achievements since his 2008 debut.

Strategic Aggression: Why Kohli is Still Dominating at 37

At 37 years old, the player known as 'King Kohli' has pivoted his career to focus solely on the ODI format. By retiring from Tests and T20s, he has found a way to reinvent his batting style. He noted that he now prefers to counterattack early in his innings to put pressure on bowlers. "The only thing on my mind was getting the team into a position where we could win comfortably," Kohli said, explaining why he prioritized the chase over a personal century.