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Virat Kohli's record chase in 2026: Major milestones India's ODI legend could break

Sakshi Sharma

Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)

Virat Kohli’s journey through 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable chapters in modern cricket. At a stage when many cricketers begin to fade, Kohli once again proved why he belongs to a league of his own. 

The year saw him bid an emotional farewell to Test cricket, dominate the ODI format, shine in ICC tournaments, and finally lift his long-awaited IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. At 37, Kohli showed that age is just a number when passion remains intact.

As the cricketing world moves into 2026, the spotlight remains firmly on the legendary cricketer. With multiple historic records within touching distance, here is a detailed look at the major records Virat Kohli could break in 2026.

Fastest to 28,000 International runs

One of the most significant milestones Virat Kohli can achieve is that the star player can become the fastest cricketer to reach 28,000 international runs.

Currently, Kohli has scored 27,975 runs in international cricket across all formats in 623 innings. He needs just 25 more runs to reach the 28,000-run mark.

Sachin Tendulkar achieved 28,000 international runs in 644 innings, while Kumar Sangakkara reached the milestone in 666 innings. This means he is set to break Tendulkar's long-standing record and become the fastest player in history to reach this landmark.

Second player to score 15,000 ODI runs

Virat Kohli is also close to achieving another iconic ODI record. He is on track to become only the second cricketer in history, after Sachin Tendulkar, to score 15,000 runs in ODIs.

Kohli currently has 14,557 runs from 308 ODIs, placing him second on the all-time ODI run charts. Tendulkar remains on top with 18,426 runs. To reach the 15,000-run mark, Kohli needs 443 more runs.

India is expected to play around 16 to 18 ODIs in 2026, giving Kohli more than enough opportunities to reach this milestone. Given Kohli's consistency and ability to score runs across conditions, this record appears well within reach.

First batter to reach 9,000 IPL runs

The RCB star legend is also on the verge of creating history in the Indian Premier League. Kohli currently holds the record for most runs in IPL history, with 8,661 runs from 267 matches.

He needs only 339 more runs to become the first batter ever to score 9,000 IPL runs. This milestone could be achieved during IPL 2026, when RCB will enter the tournament as defending champions after winning their maiden title in 2025.

Kohli’s IPL journey has been a story of loyalty and consistency. Since the league began in 2008, he has represented only RCB and has been the backbone of their batting lineup for nearly two decades.

Becoming the 2nd-highest run-scorer in International cricket

Kohli is also just a few runs away from overtaking Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket.

Sangakkara finished his career with 28,016 international runs, while Kohli currently stands at 27,975. This means he needs just 42 runs to move into second place, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.

India’s top ODI run-scorer against New Zealand

Virat Kohli is also close to breaking another India-specific record. He needs fewer than 100 runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkar as India's highest ODI run-scorer against New Zealand.

Tendulkar scored 1,750 runs in 42 ODIs against the Kiwis, while Kohli has already amassed 1,657 runs in just 33 matches. The upcoming ODI series in early 2026 could see Kohli claim this record as well.