Stat watch: Records, milestones Virat Kohli could achieve during five NZ ODIs
Virat Kohli is on the verge of several historic records, including surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, as India takes on New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series.
The stage is set for 'King' Virat Kohli to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game. As India prepares to face New Zealand in a high-profile five-match ODI series starting November 4 in Auckland, the 37-year-old batting maestro is not just playing for wins, but chasing a series of historic milestones that could see him surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in multiple categories.
The Battle for List A Supremacy
One of the most anticipated clashes is the race for the most centuries in List A cricket. Currently, Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar are locked in a dead heat with 60 centuries each. Kohli needs just one more hundred to officially become the batter with the most centuries in the List A format, moving past the 'God of Cricket'.
Conquering the SENA Frontier
Virat Kohli has long been feared in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions. While he has already dominated three of these nations, New Zealand remains the final piece of the puzzle for a specific accolade.
The Quest for the Final POTS Award
Kohli has already secured 'Player of the Series' (POTS) awards in Australia, England, and South Africa. New Zealand is the only SENA country where he has yet to win this honor. If he delivers a series-defining performance in Auckland and beyond, he will become the first-ever Indian cricketer to win a POTS award across all SENA nations.
Averaging 50+ Across the Board
His consistency overseas is staggering. Kohli boasts an average of 76.38 in South Africa, 51.48 in England, and 50.03 in Australia. In New Zealand, he is tantalizingly close to the 50-mark, currently averaging 49.66 with 596 runs from 13 innings, including one century and four fifties.
Surpassing Sachin in SENA Scores
The rivalry with Tendulkar's records continues in the SENA statistics. Both players are currently tied at 133 fifty-plus scores against these four nations. A single score of 50 or more in this series will see Kohli move ahead of Sachin in this elite category. To date, Kohli has 45 centuries and 88 fifties in 320 matches against SENA teams.
The Master of the Chase
Known as the ultimate finisher and chaser, Kohli is closing in on the all-time record for runs scored during successful ODI run-chases. He currently sits at 8,667 runs (with 30 centuries and 45 fifties), just 54 runs behind Sachin Tendulkar's record of 8,720 runs.
Defining the Number Three Spot
For years, the number three position in the Indian batting order has been synonymous with Virat Kohli. He is now on the verge of a feat never before achieved in ODI history. With 12,988 runs at an average of 61.55 from the number three spot, he needs only 12 more runs to become the first cricketer to reach 13,000 ODI runs at that specific position.
Winning Causes and Current Form
Kohli is also eyeing the record for the most ODI fifty-plus scores in winning causes. He currently has 93 such scores, trailing Australian legend Ricky Ponting, who holds the record with 94. Just two more fifty-plus knocks in victories will put Kohli at the top of this list.
Coming into this series, Kohli's form has been blistering. This year alone, he has amassed 552 runs in nine innings at an average of 69.00. His recent outings against the West Indies were particularly dominant, featuring a stunning 139 not out off just 88 balls. With a career total of 15,109 runs and 55 centuries, the 'King' is ready to add more chapters to his record-breaking story in New Zealand.