VADODARA - In the twilight of a career that has redefined modern batsmanship, Virat Kohli continues to rewrite the record books. On January 11, 2026, the Indian maestro crossed yet another historic threshold, surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket history.

The momentous achievement came during a typically Kohli-esque innings of 93 runs off 91 balls, a knock that proved decisive as India chased down New Zealand's challenging total of 300 for 8 to claim a four-wicket victory in the opening ODI of the series. For his match-winning contribution, Kohli was rightfully named Player of the Match.

Sangakkara, one of the most elegant left-handers to have graced the game, had accumulated 28,016 runs across all formats during his illustrious career that spanned from 2000 to 2015. That Kohli has now eclipsed this mark speaks volumes about his extraordinary consistency and longevity at the highest level.

The chase at the Moti Bagh Stadium was no straightforward affair. New Zealand, having been asked to bat first, posted a formidable total built on the back of three substantial contributions. Daryl Mitchell led the way with a fluent 84, while Henry Nicholls contributed 62 and opener Devon Conway added 56 to give the Black Caps a competitive platform.

India's response required a steady hand, and Kohli provided exactly that. His innings, decorated with eight boundaries and a solitary six, was a masterclass in chase dynamics. The 37-year-old demonstrated the same hunger and precision that has defined his career, pacing his knock to perfection and accelerating when the situation demanded.

What makes this record particularly remarkable is the context in which it has been achieved. Kohli has performed across an era of intense scrutiny, evolving cricket formats, and relentless scheduling. His ability to maintain elite-level performance for nearly two decades places him in a category occupied by only the rarest of talents.

Ahead of him on the all-time run-scoring list sits only Sachin Tendulkar, whose 34,357 runs remain the ultimate benchmark in international cricket. Whether Kohli will eventually challenge that seemingly insurmountable tally remains to be seen, but his trajectory suggests the chase is far from over.

For New Zealand, the defeat will sting despite their batting effort. Mitchell continued his excellent form with the bat, and the contributions from Nicholls and Conway suggested their batting unit is capable of competing with the best. However, containing Kohli when he is in such imperious form remains one of cricket's most difficult assignments.

As the cricketing world digests this latest milestone, it serves as a reminder of what we are witnessing. Kohli is not merely accumulating runs; he is constructing a legacy that will be discussed for generations. Each innings now carries historical weight, each run adding to a monument of achievement that grows ever more imposing.

The remaining matches of this series will offer further opportunities for Kohli to extend his lead over Sangakkara and inch closer to the Master Blaster's record. For fans in Vadodara and around the world, Saturday offered a glimpse of cricketing immortality being forged in real time.

India will carry significant momentum into the second ODI, buoyed by a victory that was as historic as it was hard-fought. And at the center of it all stands Virat Kohli, still hungry, still brilliant, still breaking records.