The CHASEMASTER Virat Kohli (Pic: X)
Virat Kohli didn’t just play cricket against New Zealand – he reaffirmed destiny. As a die-hard Kohli fan, results never mattered. Even when India trailed, belief never wavered. Because when Kohli bats, the Man of the Match feels inevitable – no matter who wins. The self-proclaimed King once again lived up to the crown, proving why he remains the greatest chase master of our time. Under pressure, amid expectations, Kohli delivered with ruthless consistency, silencing doubts and rewriting history.
And as we move forward, let’s dive into the records Kohli smashed after this unforgettable series.
Virat Kohli reached the monumental 28,000 international runs mark in just 624 innings, shattering Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 644 innings. This wasn’t just another statistic falling , it was a statement. No batter in the history of the game has reached this milestone quicker, reinforcing Kohli’s unmatched hunger, longevity, and dominance across formats.
In the same breath, Kohli surged past Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs, climbing to second place on the all-time international run charts. Only Sachin Tendulkar now stands ahead of him , a reminder that Kohli isn’t chasing numbers anymore, he’s chasing immortality.
Virat Kohli went past Sachin Tendulkar’s 1,750 ODI runs against New Zealand to become India’s leading run-scorer against the Black Caps. Over the years, bowlers have changed, strategies have evolved, but the outcome remains the same- Kohli scores, New Zealand watches.
With seven ODI centuries against the Kiwis, Kohli overtook legends Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag, who had six each. Every time New Zealand appears on the schedule, a Kohli hundred feels inevitable- almost like a ritual written in stone.
Kohli went a step further by amassing 10 international centuries across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is against New Zealand – the most by any player in cricket history. Different formats, different conditions, same story: Kohli stands tall.
Virat Kohli’s astonishing performance, highlighted by his 54th ODI century in the final, saw him regain the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings on January 14, 2026. Rankings may change, debates may heat up, and social media may take sides, but a king never truly loses his throne. The crown was only waiting. The monarch has simply returned to claim what is rightfully his.
(With Inputs)
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
Always bold with her opinions, she also never misses the chance to weave in expert voices, keeping things balanced and insightful. In short, Aishwarya brings a fresh, sharp, and fact-driven voice to every story she touches.
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