Virat Kohli has added another major milestone to his remarkable ODI career, becoming only the second batter in men's ODI history to cross 15,000 runs, after Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli reached the landmark during India's first ODI against West Indies on September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. He went on to finish unbeaten on 139 from 88 balls, registering his 55th ODI century and helping India secure an eight-wicket victory.
The achievement has once again brought the statistical comparison between Kohli and Tendulkar into focus. While Tendulkar's ODI career is complete, Kohli remains an active international cricketer, meaning his numbers can continue to change.
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: ODI Stats
ODI Statistic | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
Matches | 315* | 463 |
Innings | 303* | 452 |
Runs | 15,080* | 18,426 |
Batting Average | 59.14* | 44.83 |
Strike Rate | ~93.6* | 86.24 |
ODI 100s | 55* | 49 |
ODI 50s | — | 96 |
Highest Score | 183 | 200* |
ODI Status | Active | Retired |
*Figures for Kohli reflect his record after India's first ODI against West Indies on September 27, 2026. His ODI career is still active. Tendulkar's figures are final. ICC lists Tendulkar at 18,426 ODI runs, 44.83 average, 86.24 strike rate, 49 centuries and 96 fifties.
Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs
Kohli's 15,000-run milestone came during India's chase against West Indies in the series opener.
He became only the second player after Tendulkar to reach 15,000 runs in men's ODIs. The milestone also extended Kohli's record as the fastest batter to reach several major ODI run landmarks.
Kohli eventually finished the innings with 139 not out from 88 deliveries, taking his ODI century tally to 55.
Kohli Has More ODI Centuries
One of the most notable differences between the two careers is their number of ODI centuries.
Virat Kohli: 55 ODI centuries
Sachin Tendulkar: 49 ODI centuries
Tendulkar finished his ODI career with 49 hundreds, while Kohli moved to 55 with his unbeaten 139 against West Indies.
However, the comparison needs to account for the fact that Tendulkar completed his ODI career in 2012, while Kohli continues to play the format.
Sachin Tendulkar Still Leads in Career ODI Runs
Despite Kohli's faster progression to 15,000 runs and his higher century tally, Tendulkar remains ahead in total ODI runs.
Sachin Tendulkar: 18,426 runs
Virat Kohli: 15,080 runs
The difference is currently 3,346 runs.
Tendulkar's 18,426 remains the highest career ODI run tally, according to ICC records.
Because Kohli remains an active ODI player, the gap can change as his career continues.
Different Eras, Different Roles
A statistical comparison between two long careers also needs some context.
Tendulkar played 463 ODIs during an international career that spanned more than two decades. He became one of the defining opening batters of his era and finished with 18,426 ODI runs.
Kohli has played his ODI career primarily as a top-order batter, particularly at No. 3. His career has unfolded in a different era, with changes in playing conditions, rules, schedules and batting strategies.
These differences do not change the statistical records, but they are important when interpreting numbers from two different generations.
Kohli's ODI Century Record Continues to Grow
Kohli's 55th ODI hundred has moved him further ahead of Tendulkar's final tally of 49.
His current ODI record includes:
15,080 runs
55 centuries
59+ batting average
Highest score of 183
15,000 ODI runs reached during his active career
Tendulkar finished his ODI career with:
18,426 runs
49 centuries
44.83 batting average
Highest score of 200*
463 ODI appearances
Tendulkar also finished his international career with 100 centuries across Tests and ODIs, including 51 Test hundreds and 49 ODI hundreds.
What the Numbers Show
The comparison highlights several distinct statistical milestones rather than producing a single overall conclusion.
Kohli currently has the higher ODI century count and has reached major run milestones at a rapid rate. Tendulkar, meanwhile, finished with a higher career ODI run aggregate after playing 463 matches and 452 innings.
The biggest difference is that Tendulkar's record is complete, while Kohli's numbers remain active.
That means this statistical comparison will continue to evolve as Kohli plays more ODIs.
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Key Numbers
Record | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
ODI Runs | 15,080* | 18,426 |
ODI Centuries | 55* | 49 |
ODI Matches | 315* | 463 |
ODI Innings | 303* | 452 |
Average | 59.14* | 44.83 |
Highest Score | 183 | 200* |
International Centuries | 86* | 100 |
*Active-career figures can change.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli's latest milestone has added another significant chapter to the long-running statistical comparison with Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli has now crossed 15,000 ODI runs and has moved to 55 ODI centuries, while Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in ODI history with 18,426 runs and finished his career with 49 ODI hundreds.
With Kohli still active in ODI cricket, his final numbers will depend on the remainder of his career. For now, the statistics provide a detailed look at two exceptional ODI careers across different eras of the game.
