Former India skipper Virat Kohli's spectacular century against Pakistan powered India to a six-wicket victory in Dubai on Sunday, bringing them closer to a semi-final berth in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
India will play their third and final league stage match in Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (March 2) against New Zealand. Now, as India gears up for their next match against New Zealand, Kohli is on the brink of surpassing legendary milestones.
Virat Kohli on verge of overtaking Ganguly and Gayle
Legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli is closing in on becoming the highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. Currently, Chris Gayle holds the record with 791 runs in 17 matches, followed by Mahela Jayawardene (742 runs) and Shikhar Dhawan (701 runs in 10 matches).
Kohli, with 651 runs in 14 innings, is just 50 runs away from overtaking Shikhar Dhawan and only 15 runs behind Sourav Ganguly. A solid knock against New Zealand could see him moving up the all-time run charts, with Chris Gayle's record within reach if he continues his red-hot form.
Virat Kohli's ODI legacy reaches new heights
In the match against Pakistan, Kohli remained unbeaten on 100, smashing seven fours*, ensuring a comfortable chase for India. In doing so, he also:
Became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs
Became only the third cricketer ever to achieve this feat
Joined Sachin Tendulkar as the only Indian to do so
With Kohli in sublime form, all eyes will be on him as he aims to rewrite history against New Zealand.
Top run-scorers in ICC Champions Trophy history:
Chris Gayle (West Indies): 791 runs in 17 matches
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 742 runs in 22 matches
Shikhar Dhawan (India): 701 runs in 10 matches
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 683 runs in 22 matches
Sourav Ganguly (India): 665 runs in 13 matches
Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 653 runs in 17 matches
Virat Kohli (India): 651 runs in 15 matches
Rahul Dravid (India): 627 runs in 19 matches
Ricky Ponting (Australia): 593 runs in 18 matches