On September 27, 2026, India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram thanks to an undefeated 139 off 88 balls from Virat Kohli. In just 74 balls, he reached his record-breaking 55th ODI century during the innings. With this accomplishment, Virat Kohli became the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to surpass the milestone of 15,000 ODI runs.
Virat Kohli became the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to surpass the milestone of 15,000 ODI runs
Tendulkar needed 377 innings to get 15,000 runs, while Kohli needed 303 innings—a difference of 74 innings. With the accomplishment, Kohli also equalled Tendulkar’s record of 42 international hundreds at home and surpassed him for the most ODI runs scored at home. In the post-match time, Kohli responded to the ongoing comparisons between himself and Tendulkar despite these record-breaking achievements. Sachin Paaji will always be Sachin Paaji in my eyes.
As far as my first captain goes, MS Dhoni will always be MS Dhoni. I am unable to modify these things. I’ve never considered myself to be a man who has succeeded. You never quite reach a point where you can say that’s all. “I’ve succeeded,” Kohli told Star Sports.
Kohli clarified that his strategy for the game was not influenced by records. Rather than pursuing personal goals, he continued to focus on comprehending the circumstances and meeting team needs. He said that the emphasis on individual achievements would divert attention from what really counts in cricket: playing for the team when it means most.
For many years, cricket fans have been comparing Kohli to Tendulkar, and the argument has grown more heated with each new record. Even though he has more ODI hundreds than Tendulkar, Kohli still has a lot of regard for the former Indian captain. He agreed that Tendulkar’s influence on the game goes beyond figures and statistical analyses.
You can be happy, but from an ego standpoint, you can never reach a place where you say, “I’m better than everyone else,” if you put your head down and are modest enough to prepare, perform, and simply do the proper things in sport. Because it’s the end of it. In his era, he transformed the game. And that goes far beyond comparisons and numbers for me. People will always remember the influence he had on them,” Kohli continued.
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Additionally, Virat Kohli explained how he views himself in connection to how the public sees him. He emphasised his humility in spite of all the praise and attention, explaining that he does not view himself like other people do. People are familiar with him from a distance because of his performances, but his perception of himself is based on his background and the person he has always been.
It’s a lot like when someone who truly enjoys the game thinks highly of me and what I’ve accomplished while representing the nation. They greet me in a particular way when they enter. I am unable to comprehend their viewpoint. They know me from a distance, thus in my opinion, I am not the person they have made me out to be. They are aware of my cricket matches and performances. Fundamentally, I know where I came from. Furthermore, you never truly cease being who you are. “I don’t view myself in the same way that other people do,” Virat Kohli said.
