Tag: Virat Kohli

Batting maestro Virat Kohli achieved another milestone in international cricket during the Pakistan-India clash in the fifth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The right-hander smashed his 51st ODI century, leading the Indian team home in a 242-run chase. He top-scored with 100 off 111 balls, hitting seven fours in a comprehensive chase against the arch-rivals.

However, the stalwart also achieved multiple milestones during the highly-anticipated match between Pakistan and India.

During the crucial game, Virat Kohli surpassed the Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest scorer in international cricket.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

The talismanic batter has now amassed 27,503 runs in 614 innings at an average of 52.38. His runs tally includes 82 centuries and 142 half-centuries.

The Indian batter crossed the former Australian captain’s mark of 27,483 runs, elevating to third place in an elite list.

The only players ahead of him are now legendary India and Srilanka batter’s Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Most runs in international cricket

Sachin Tendulkar – 34,357

Kumar Sangakara – 28,016

Virat Kohli – 27,503*

Ricky Ponting – 27,483

During the match, the batter also became the fastest player ever to cross 14,000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in 287 innings.

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While coming in to bat, he required only 15 runs to break this record; Kohli achieved the milestone with his trademark cover drive in the 12th over of the match in his 287th innings.

Virat Kohli achieved the feat significantly faster than Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in his 350th innings during a match against Pakistan in Peshawar back in 2006.

The run machine also broke the record for taking the most catches for India in the format.

Before coming into the highly-anticipated clash, Virat Kohli was tied with his compatriot Mohammad Azharuddin. He took two more catches to go past the former captain.

Most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs

Virat Kohli – 158 catches

Mohammad Azharuddin – 156 catches

Sachin Tendulkar – 140 catches

READ: Hafeez wants Pakistan to move on from Shaheen, Haris, Naseem

DUBAI: India star batter Virat Kohli achieved yet another historic milestone, surpassing legendary Sachin Tendulkar in his team’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan here on Sunday.

The batting maestro became the only third player in history to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs, with Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara being the other two.

While coming in to bat, he required only 15 runs to break this record; Kohli achieved the milestone with his trademark cover drive in the 12th over of the match in his 287th innings.

Virat Kohli achieved the feat significantly faster than Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in his 350th innings during a match against Pakistan in Peshawar back in 2006.

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Earlier, he had a chance to break the record during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh. However, he fell cheaply after scoring just 22 runs off 38 balls.

Despite his dismissal, India secured a comfortable victory against Bangladesh by five wickets courtesy of Shubman Gill’s century. The Men in Blue chased 229 in 46.3 overs on the loss of four wickets.

The run machine also broke the record for taking the most catches for India in the format.

Before coming into the highly-anticipated clash, Virat Kohli was tied with his compatriot Mohammad Azharuddin. He took two more catches to go past the former captain.

Most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs

Virat Kohli – 158 catches

Mohammad Azharuddin – 156 catches

Sachin Tendulkar – 140 catches

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Playing XIs of Pakistan-India

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami

READ: Champions Trophy: Dominant India bundle Pakistan for 241

DUBAI: India star batter Virat Kohli is on the brink of yet another historic milestone, with a chance to surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in his team’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan here on Sunday.

The batting maestro needs just 15 more runs to become only the third player in history to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs, with Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara being the other two.

If Virat Kohli gets there in the match against Pakistan, he will achieve the feat in his 287th innings—significantly faster than Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in his 350th innings during a match against Pakistan in Peshawar back in 2006.

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He had a chance to break the record during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh. However, he fell cheaply after scoring just 22 runs off 38 balls.

Despite his dismissal, India secured a comfortable victory against Bangladesh by five wickets courtesy of Shubman Gill’s century. The Men in Blue chased 229 in 46.3 overs on the loss of four wickets.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Playing XIs of Pakistan-India

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami

READ: Mohammed Shami registers unwanted record in Pakistan clash

The excitement among the fans is evident as the highly anticipated match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, reigniting debates about two of modern cricket’s finest batters—Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.

Both players have been instrumental in their teams’ success over the past decade, consistently scoring runs and shouldering immense responsibility.

As the high-voltage encounter between Pakistan and India approaches, let’s compare Virat Kohli and Babar Azam’s stats after 127 ODIs, along with their performances in the Champions Trophy.

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Babar Azam came under the microscope for his scratchy 64 off 90 balls in Pakistan’s 60-run loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli had an uncharacteristic outing against Bangladesh, scoring just 22 off 38 balls.

Lately, both batters have had demons while facing spin-bowling. Kohli has been dismissed by a leg-spinner in each of his last three ODI appearances, while Babar has struggled against spin bowlers over the past two years.

ODI Stats After 127 Matches – Kohli vs. Babar

Babar Azam’s recent form has been a topic of discussion, but his overall stats reinforce why he is regarded as Pakistan’s best batter.

In 127 ODI matches so far, he has amassed 6,083 runs at a remarkable average of 55.8, with a strike rate of 87.9. His tally includes 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

In comparison, at the 127-match mark, Virat Kohli had accumulated 5,355 runs at an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 89.6, with 18 centuries and 29 fifties.

Babar Azam has maintained an even higher batting average at the same stage of his career, edging Kohli in centuries and overall runs. However, Kohli had a slightly better strike rate during this phase.

Kohli vs Babar: A Champions Trophy Comparison

Virat Kohli’s journey across four editions of the ICC Champions Trophy, from 2009 to 2025, has been remarkable.

Over 14 matches, he has amassed 551 runs at an outstanding average of 78.71, including five half-centuries. His highest score remains an unbeaten 96, and he has maintained an impressive strike rate of 90.18.

However, despite his consistency, the prolific batter is yet to register a century in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam is competing in his second Champions Trophy. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s 2017 triumph and has since scored 197 runs in six matches at an average of 49.25.

His highest score is 64, with one half-century to his name. However, his strike rate of 73.50 is notably lower than Kohli’s.

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While Virat Kohli and Babar Azam both stand as modern-day greats, their careers have followed different trajectories. Kohli’s longevity and consistency across all formats have made him one of cricket’s finest, while Babar continues to carve out his legacy with remarkable performances.

As they prepare for yet another high-stakes battle, all eyes will be on how these two maestros handle the pressure and deliver on the grand stage.

READ: Pakistan likely to make one change for Champions Trophy clash against India: sources

DUBAI: India star batter Virat Kohli is on the brink of yet another historic milestone, with a chance to surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in his team’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh here on Thursday.

The star batter needs just 37 more runs to become only the third player in history to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs, with Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara being the other two.

If Virat Kohli gets there in the match against Bangladesh, he will achieve the feat in his 286th innings—significantly faster than Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in his 350th innings during a match against Pakistan in Peshawar back in 2006.

But that’s not the only record within Kohli’s reach as he is just 90 runs away from becoming the first Indian to score 1,000 ODI runs against Bangladesh.

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So far, he has hammered 910 runs in just 16 matches against the Tigers, with five centuries and three fifties to his name.

With India set to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign at the Dubai International Stadium, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli as he looks to rewrite the record books once again.

It’s worth noting that after today’s match against Bangladesh, Team India will face arch-rivals and hosts Pakistan in the much-awaited Champions Trophy clash on 23 February.

Meanwhile, their final group stage match is scheduled against New Zealand on 2 March.

India Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Rohit Sharma on the verge of major ODI milestone in Champions Trophy

Indian batter maestro Virat Kohli has shared his thoughts on the elevation of Rajat Patidar as captain of Royal Challenger’s Bengaluru ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Virat Kohli led RCB in 143 matches from 2013 to 2021 before stepping down from the position.

However, it was widely speculated that Virat Kohli would again take over the captaincy, as RCB decided not to retain skipper Faf du Plessis for the upcoming season in the mega auction.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain during a press conference on Thursday ahead of the IPL 2025.

After his appointment, Virat Kohli assured that the newly appointed captain would enjoy the complete support of the entire team.

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In a video posted by RCB on X, the former India captain wished Patidar continued growth and success in the position.

“Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you. I wish you all the very best. Thank you for the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed,” said Virat Kohli

He further said that Patidar truly deserves this, and we will fully support his growth into this role.

“You have made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB all over India. And they get excited to watch you play. So, this is very well deserved,” said Kohli.

“I want to tell you that myself and the other team members, will be right behind you. And you will have all our support to grow into this role,” he said.

For the unversed, Rajit Patidar has represented the Indian team in three Test matches along with one One-Day International.

The right-hander made his Test debut against England last year, While his only appearance in the ODI format was against South Africa in 2023.

READ: Santner ready to embrace Pakistan’s challenge as New Zealand eye tri-series title

New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson etched his name in the record books as he left India’s Virat Kohli behind to become the second-fastest men’s cricketer to reach 7,000 ODI runs.

Williamson’s record-breaking moment came during the tri-nation series clash against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore yesterday, where he delivered a match-winning masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 133.

His knock not only guided New Zealand to a convincing six-wicket victory but also secured their place in the final.

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The former Kiwi skipper completed his 7,000 runs in just 159 innings, two fewer than Kohli, who took 161 innings to achieve the feat.

It’s worth noting that the record for the fastest to 7,000 ODI runs still belongs to South Africa’s legendary Hashim Amla, who got there in just 150 innings.

Fastest to 7,000 Runs in Men’s ODI Cricket

• Hashim Amla – 150 innings
• Kane Williamson – 159 innings
• Virat Kohli – 161 innings

New Zealand’s successful chase of 305 was the third-highest in Lahore, finishing the job with eight balls to spare. Williamson, alongside Devon Conway (97 off 107), stitched together a record 187-run stand for the second wicket—the highest-ever between New Zealand and South Africa in ODIs.

This was Williamson’s first century in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup and his second-fastest, coming off just 72 balls.

READ: Former Pakistan captain demands Shaheen Afridi’s removal from squad

DELHI: India’s star batter Virat Kohli return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years was short-lived as he was clean-bowled on just 6 runs on Day 2 of Delhi’s clash against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi

The right-hand batter return to India’s Premier domestic tournament Ranji Trophy after 13 years, drew crowds in huge numbers at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

After Kohli’s early dismissal by Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan, a large number of fans left the stadium.

Delhi’s score was 78-2 when Kohli arrived at the crease. He was supposed to anchor the innings but his stay at the crease was brief, lasting only 15 balls.

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After stamping his authority with a glorious boundary down the ground off Sangwan, he was undone by an in-swinging delivery on the very next ball, which sent his stumps cartwheeling.

A month earlier, one of India’s greatest batters had a forgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia where he averaged 23.75 in nine innings.

Kohli made himself available for his domestic team Delhi to participate in the Ranji Trophy earlier this month in a bid to regain form and abide by the new Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rules, which made playing domestic cricket mandatory for all players.

The right-hander missed Delhi’s match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain, however, he arrived in Delhi on Monday night ahead of the match against Railways.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli played his last game in the Ranji Trophy during the 2012-13 season against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.

Kohli joins other top players including Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to play in the ongoing edition of the Ranji Trophy.

READ: Virat Kohli’s return to Ranji Trophy triggers chaos at Delhi Stadium

Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting has left Virat Kohli out of the ‘Fab Four,’ which includes the best players of modern cricket, including Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.

Kohli has been under fire recently due to his disappointing performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

While he did score a century in the first Test, which India won in Perth, he posted a series of low scores and managed a total of 190 runs in the five-match series.

Steve Smith is currently in great form, having scored 141 runs in the first Test against Sri Lanka. This was his third century in the last four matches.

During the 141-run knock against Sri Lanka, Smith also completed his 10,000 runs in Test cricket, becoming the fourth Australian cricketer to do so.

Ricky Ponting heaped high praise on his compatriot, rating him as the “best player of his generation.”

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“Is he [Steve Smith] the best player of his generation? It’s hard to argue against it,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting as saying.

“Joe Root is the other one now, and [Kane] Williamson’s record is outstanding as well. Joe’s last couple of years have elevated him right back up there, I think.”

Ponting mentioned that Kohli was at his peak five years ago; his records were unmatched. However, in recent years, he has been outperformed by the other three batters in the ‘Fab Four.’

“Five or six years ago, when this big four emerged, with [Virat] Kohli being one of those as well, Joe was probably down near the bottom part of that because he hadn’t made the hundreds the other guys had made, but he’s made 19 hundreds in the past four years,” he added.

“If you asked an Englishman they’d say Joe Root, if you asked an Aussie they’d say Steve Smith, and if you asked a Kiwi they’d say Kane Williamson.

“So it’s a tough one, but on the numbers themselves it’s pretty hard to argue against what he’s done.”

READ: PCB finalizes schedule for Champions Trophy opening ceremony: sources

DELHI: India batting maestro Virat Kohli returned to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years, drawing crowds in huge numbers at Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Thursday.

One of India’s greatest batters had a forgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia where he averaged 23.75 in nine innings.

Kohli made himself available for his domestic team Delhi to participate in the Ranji Trophy earlier this month in a bid to regain form and abide by the new Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rules, which made playing domestic cricket mandatory for all players.

His return saw a huge number of fans flocking to Delhi’s stadium to watch the run-machine play in India’s premier domestic tournament after more than a decade.

The right-hander missed Delhi’s match against Saurashtra due to a neck sprain, however, he arrived in Delhi on Monday night ahead of the match against Railways.

Earlier, Virat Kohli’s return to the tournament resulted in a stampede-like situation as fans turned up in dozens to watch the star player play in front of them.

According to Indian media outlets, chaos erupted at the gates of the stadium when eager fans began pushing each other.

Some of the fans fell on the ground, resulting in the injuries to three fans. In the stampede-like situation, a police bike was damaged while dozens of fans left behind their shoes.

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Reports said that a security official also sustained injuries as he was attempting to control the situation.

Video footage from outside the stadium showed fans with kids raising them on their shoulders to avoid suffocation in the crowded conditions.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli played his last game in the Ranji Trophy during the 2012-13 season against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad.

Kohli joins other top players including Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to play in the ongoing edition of the Ranji Trophy.

READ: Virat Kohli’s return to Ranji Trophy triggers chaos at Delhi Stadium