The second ODI between India and New Zealand is generating considerable excitement, particularly regarding the potential milestones for Virat Kohli. Following a stellar performance in the first ODI, Kohli stands on the cusp of achieving several significant records.
One of the most anticipated feats is Kohli's pursuit of becoming the highest Indian run-scorer against New Zealand in ODIs. He is just one run short of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 1,750 runs. Currently, Kohli has 1,750 runs in 34 matches against New Zealand. While surpassing Tendulkar would be a noteworthy achievement, the overall record for most ODI runs against New Zealand is held by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who has scored 1,971 runs in 51 matches.
In the first ODI of the series, Kohli reached 28,000 international runs in his 624th innings, becoming the fastest to reach the milestone. In the same match, Kohli also surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. Sachin Tendulkar still holds the top spot with 34,357 runs.
Kohli has been in impressive form, notching five consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODI cricket. If he manages to score another fifty-plus score in the second ODI, Kohli will set a new record for the most consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs, surpassing the record that he currently shares with Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rahul Dravid.
Rohit Sharma also achieved a milestone in the first ODI, becoming the first player in international cricket to hit 650 sixes. Sharma has 11,542 runs in 280 ODI matches. He also holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs, with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014. Sharma is also the only player to have scored three double hundreds in ODI cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in ODIs, with 18,426 runs in 463 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in both Test (51) and ODI cricket (49).
The India-New Zealand series presents an opportunity for Kohli to further solidify his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. His consistency, hunger for runs, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a formidable opponent.
