Why Virat Kohli's 2026 Milestones Matter for Indian Cricket
As the new cricket season kicks off, attention is once again focused on one of India's most iconic cricketers: Virat Kohli. The right-handed batter had a remarkable year in 2025, and in 2026, he is on the verge of several milestones that could further cement his legacy in the game.
Aiming for 15,000 ODI Runs
With 14,557 runs in 308 games, Kohli is currently the second-highest run-scorer in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He needs just 443 more runs to reach the mark of 15,000 ODI runs, which would make him only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat.
Chasing 150 Half-Centuries in International Cricket
Kohli is on the verge of 150 half-centuries in international cricket. He currently has 145 half-centuries (excluding centuries) in his kitty across formats, and needs five more to reach the mark.
Racing to the Top Spot in International Runs
With 27,975 runs across 556 games across tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Kohli is currently the all-time third-highest run-scorer in international cricket. He needs just 42 more runs to overtake Kumar Sangakkara (28,016) in the list.
Approaching 9000 Runs in the IPL
Kohli is the highest run-getter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, with 8661 runs in 267 games. He requires only 339 more runs to become the first-ever batter to score 9000 runs in the IPL.
Nearing 300 Sixes in the IPL
Kohli is also on the verge of becoming the third-ever batsman to smash 300 sixes in IPL history. As of now, he has hit 291 sixes in the tournament and needs nine more sixes to capture the feat.
Implications for Northeast India and Beyond
Kohli's achievements have a significant impact on Indian cricket, inspiring a new generation of players and fans across the country, including Northeast India. His performances in the IPL, in particular, have been closely watched by cricket enthusiasts in the region, as several players from Northeast India have made their mark in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
As Kohli gears up for the 2026 season, the cricket world will be eagerly watching to see if he can achieve these milestones. Regardless of whether he reaches these records, his contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable, and his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.