Virat Kohli’s Top 5 Record-Breaking Achievements in International Cricket

Virat Kohli has carved out a legendary status in international cricket with his remarkable feats and consistent performances. Here, we delve into his top five record-breaking achievements that have solidified his place as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

50 ODI Hundred

Virat Kohli made history by becoming the first cricketer to score 50 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This monumental achievement came during the first semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Kohli's innings of 117 off 113 balls not only led India to a crucial victory but also saw him surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. Kohli's innings featured nine boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his trademark ability to anchor and accelerate the innings. His record extends beyond just the number of centuries, as he also holds the record for the most hundreds against Sri Lanka (10) and shares the record with Tendulkar for the most centuries against the West Indies (9).

Highest Runs Scored in a ODI World Cup

Kohli's spectacular performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup saw him set a new record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament. Accumulating 765 runs in 11 innings, Kohli surpassed the previous record of 673 runs set by Sachin Tendulkar in the 2003 World Cup. Kohli's tally included three centuries and six fifties, reflecting his consistency and dominance throughout the tournament. His performances, including a 103* against Bangladesh and 101* against South Africa, were pivotal in India’s World Cup campaign, and his average of 95.62 with a strike rate of 90.31 highlighted his exceptional form.

Most Player of the Series Awards

Virat Kohli is the undisputed Player of the Series king, with a staggering 21 titles to his name across just 533 matches—one more than Sachin Tendulkar's tally from 664 games. Kohli’s trophy cabinet is overflowing, featuring 11 in ODIs, seven in T20Is, and three in Tests, proving he's the ultimate series-saver and match-magnet.

Fastest Record 13,000 ODI Runs

Kohli reached 13,000 runs in ODIs faster than any other player in history, accomplishing this milestone in just 267 innings. This record was set during an Asia Cup match against Pakistan in September 2023, where Kohli scored an unbeaten 122 off 94 balls. This achievement showcases his remarkable consistency and ability to maintain high performance over an extended period. The previous record holder, Sachin Tendulkar, reached 13,000 runs in 321 innings, making Kohli's achievement even more impressive.

Most 50s in T20Is

Kohli also holds the record for the most half-centuries in T20 International cricket. Ending his T20I career with 38 fifties, Kohli cemented his status as the leading run-scorer in the format. His final T20I innings was a memorable 76 off 59 balls in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Kohli's ability to score consistently and his knack for performing in crucial matches have set him apart. Pakistan's Babar Azam and India's Rohit Sharma are the next in line, with 36 and 32 fifties respectively, but Kohli's record remains unmatched in the T20I format.