Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI- A Legendary Journey of Records and Milestones

As the Indian cricket team faces off against New Zealand in their final league stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, an iconic moment in cricket history unfolds—Virat Kohli will be playing his 300th ODI match. This milestone cements his place among the all-time greats, making him only the seventh Indian cricketer to achieve this feat.

The match itself may hold little consequence for India, having already secured a semifinal spot, but for Kohli, it is another opportunity to showcase his masterful batting. His remarkable century in the high-pressure chase against Pakistan in this tournament has already reaffirmed his reputation as one of the finest chasers the game has ever seen. As he steps onto the field for his 300th ODI, let’s take a look at some of his awe-inspiring records and achievements.

The Making of a Cricketing Giant

Since making his ODI debut on August 18, 2008, Virat Kohli has left an indelible mark on the game. While he has excelled in Test and T20 formats, ODIs have always been his domain. With an insatiable hunger for runs, he has transformed himself into one of the most prolific run-getters in the history of the game.

In his 299 ODIs so far, Kohli has amassed an astonishing 14,085 runs at an average of 58.20 and a strike rate of 93.41. His record includes 51 centuries and 73 fifties, with a highest score of 193. These numbers place him third on the all-time run-scoring list in ODIs, trailing only Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs) and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs). His 51 centuries in the format make him the highest century-maker in ODIs, surpassing even his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, a record he claimed in the 2023 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

Kohli's reputation as the ‘Chasemaster’ is not merely a media-fueled title—it is backed by statistics that set him apart from the rest. In 105 matches where India has successfully chased a target, he has scored a staggering 5,913 runs at an average of 89.59 and a strike rate of 96.74. This includes 24 centuries and 25 half-centuries, making him the highest run-getter and century-maker in successful chases. His best knock in a run chase came against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, where he scored 183 runs, single-handedly dismantling the opposition’s bowling attack.

Dominance Against Opponents

Kohli has made a habit of tormenting bowlers across the world, but one of his most remarkable records is the most centuries against a single opponent—10 centuries in 56 innings against Sri Lanka. His consistency across different conditions and against various teams showcases his adaptability and determination to dominate world cricket. Virat Kohli has always risen to the occasion in ICC tournaments. He is the second-highest run-scorer in Cricket World Cup history, with 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83, including five centuries and 12 fifties. He also holds the record for the most runs in a single World Cup edition, scoring a mind-blowing 765 runs in the 2023 tournament at an average of 95.62 with three centuries and six fifties. This heroic performance earned him the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.

His impact in the ICC Champions Trophy is equally remarkable. With 651 runs in 14 innings at a phenomenal average of 93.00, he is among the tournament’s top scorers. Kohli’s presence in high-pressure games has always been crucial—he ranks third among Indian players with the most runs in ICC knockout matches (446 runs in 12 games), following Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar.

Record-Breaking Streak

Kohli's speed in reaching run milestones is unparalleled. He is the fastest player in ODI history to reach the following landmarks:

• 8,000 runs in 175 innings

• 9,000 runs in 194 innings

• 10,000 runs in 205 innings

• 11,000 runs in 222 innings

• 12,000 runs in 242 innings

• 13,000 runs in 287 innings

• 14,000 runs in 299 innings

No other cricketer has displayed such relentless consistency and hunger for runs over an extended period.

Apart from his batting prowess, Kohli has also made a significant impact as India's ODI captain. Leading the team in 95 ODIs, he has overseen 65 wins, 27 losses, one tie, and two no-results. His leadership saw India reach the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup and finish as runners-up in the 2017 Champions Trophy. While he may not have an ICC trophy as captain, his aggressive and fearless approach redefined the Indian cricket team's mindset.

Kohli’s contributions to the ODI format have earned him numerous accolades. He was named ICC ODI Player of the Decade (2011-20) and won the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023, making him the most decorated player in this category.

At 36, Kohli shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to push limits, break records, and consistently deliver under pressure makes him one of the most iconic cricketers of all time. As he gears up for his 300th ODI, the cricketing world watches in admiration, knowing that every time Kohli steps onto the field, history is in the making.