In a moment of digital bewilderment, the ICC rankings were a mirror reflecting a truth both profound and unsettling: Virat Kohli’s name was gone. It could be a technical glitch, a phantom presence in the system, but for a brief, breathless moment, it felt like the final, unceremonious chapter of a story that has long been etched in greatness.
Virat Kohli’s legacy in the ODI cricket
Yet, the disappearance of his name from a mere list of active players was the ultimate paradox. While the algorithm stumbled, the legend of Kohli’s ODI career remained steadfast and unassailable. He is not defined by a fluctuating ranking point, but by the immovable monuments of his achievements: the 51 centuries, the unmatched dominance in run-chases, and a mind-boggling average that stands tall over the rest.
Even if he were to announce his retirement tomorrow, he would not be leaving a void; he would simply be transitioning from the master of the game to its ultimate standard-bearer. His reign is not over; it is simply entering its final, timeless phase, a glorious career that will forever be the benchmark against which all future ODI greats are measured, proving that a king’s crown is not bestowed by a computer, but earned through a legacy of tireless brilliance that will never, ever fade.
India batting superstar Virat Kohli’s top 7 unbreakable records in ODI cricket
Building on the previous answer, here are seven of Kohli’s ODI records that are widely considered to be among the most difficult, and perhaps impossible, to break. These records are a testament to his sustained excellence, mental toughness, and unparalleled consistency.
1. Most centuries in ODI cricket
Kohli has a staggering 51 centuries in ODIs, a record that surpassed his idol Sachin Tendulkar‘s mark of 49. This record is virtually unbreakable because of the sheer volume. The next active player, Rohit Sharma, is well behind, and given the ever-increasing dominance of T20 cricket, the opportunities for batters to play and score centuries in ODIs are diminishing.
2. Most hundreds in successful run-chases
Dubbed the ‘Chase Master,’ Kohli has 24 centuries in successful run-chases. This record is not just about quantity but about quality under immense pressure. No other player has come close to this number, and it speaks to his ability to anchor an innings and see his team through to victory, a skill that requires a unique blend of technique, temperament and game awareness.
3. Fastest to every major run milestone
Kohli is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000 and 13,000 ODI runs in terms of innings. His most notable feat is reaching the 10,000-run mark in just 205 innings, which is 54 innings faster than the previous record-holder, Tendulkar. The gap is so wide that it’s highly improbable for any current or future player to come close.
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4. Most runs in a single world cup edition
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli broke Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament by scoring 765 runs. He was a pillar of consistency throughout the campaign. With only a maximum of 11 matches in a World Cup, this record requires an extraordinary level of performance and longevity in a single tournament, which is a rare feat.
5. Highest career batting average (10,000+ runs)
Among all players with more than 10,000 ODI runs, Kohli has the highest batting average. His average of 57.88 is simply phenomenal. It is not just about scoring big, but about doing so consistently over a 17-year career. The ability to maintain such a high average over a long period with nearly 300 matches is a testament to his dominance and consistency.
6. Most centuries against one opponent
Kohli’s dominance over certain teams is a statistical marvel. He has scored 10 centuries against Sri Lanka alone, which is the most by any player against a single opponent in ODIs. He also has a high number of centuries against other top teams like Australia and the West Indies. This shows his ability to sustain form against specific opposition, a record that is difficult to match.
7. Fastest to 15,000 international runs
Not just in ODIs, but across all three formats, Kohli is the fastest to reach the 15,000-run milestone in international cricket in just 333 innings. This speaks to his all-format brilliance and his ability to score runs at an incredible pace, regardless of the format.
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