Can Virat Kohli Surpass Sachin Tendulkar's ODI Run Record?
Virat Kohli, the modern-day maestro of cricket, has been a dominant force in the world of One Day Internationals (ODIs) for over a decade. Comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar are inevitable, especially concerning the coveted record for the most ODI runs. As of October 2025, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 18,426 runs, while Virat Kohli has amassed 14,255 runs, placing him second on the list after surpassing Kumar Sangakkara. This leaves Kohli needing 4,172 runs to surpass Tendulkar. The question on every cricket fan's mind is: can Kohli bridge this gap and claim the throne?
Kohli's current form and recent performances offer mixed signals. After a series of low scores, including two consecutive ducks, Kohli bounced back with a brilliant 74* against Australia in Sydney. This innings not only helped India secure a victory but also saw him break Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most 50+ scores in ODI chases, with 70 such scores.
Several factors influence Kohli's chances of breaking Tendulkar's record. Firstly, the number of matches he will play before he retires is crucial. Considering India reaching the final of the 2027 World Cup, it is estimated that Kohli might have 23 more matches left. Secondly, his form and consistency will play a significant role. Throughout his ODI career, Kohli has maintained an exceptional average and strike rate, often surpassing Tendulkar in these aspects.
Looking at Kohli's ODI stats after 300 matches, he had a better average, strike rate, and more 50+ scores compared to Tendulkar at the same stage. After 300 ODIs, Kohli had scored a fifty every 2.32 innings, maintaining a strike rate of over 93, while Tendulkar had a fifty every 3.26 innings with a strike rate of 86.55. This highlights Kohli's consistency and impact in ODIs.
However, age and the evolving nature of the game could pose challenges. Kohli, at 36, is not the same player he was in his early twenties. While he remains a formidable force, maintaining peak fitness and form becomes increasingly difficult with age. The intensity of modern cricket, with its packed schedules and high demands, can also take a toll on players.
Predicting the future is always challenging, but several models have attempted to forecast Kohli's potential run tally. Considering his remaining matches and potential form, even under optimistic scenarios, Kohli might add around 1,500 runs to his total. This would bring his final tally to around 16,000 ODI runs, short of Tendulkar's record.
While surpassing Tendulkar's ODI run record appears difficult, Kohli has a chance to break Sachin's world record of 51 centuries in a single format. Kohli is currently tied with Tendulkar with 51 centuries in ODIs. If Kohli manages to score one century during the ongoing ODI series against Australia, he will become the player with the most centuries in a single format.
Even if Kohli falls short of Tendulkar's run record, his impact on the game is undeniable. He has consistently broken records and redefined batting excellence. He already holds the record for most centuries in ODIs. He has also surpassed Sachin to become the top-run-getter across all limited-overs international cricket (ODIs and T20Is), with 18,438 runs compared to Tendulkar's 18,436 runs. Moreover, Kohli has surpassed Tendulkar to have the most fifty-plus scores during ODI run-chases, with 70 such scores.
Ultimately, whether Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record remains to be seen. While the numbers suggest it will be a difficult task, Kohli's hunger for runs, combined with his undeniable talent, means that anything is possible. Even if he doesn't reach the summit, Kohli has already cemented his place as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
