Virat Kohli has made another landmark in his already extraordinary cricketing career. He became the first player in ODI cricket history to score 13,000 runs batting at No. 3. He did it during the first ODI against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4, 2026.
Kohli’s latest record only cements his status as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time. Consistency at the No. 3 position has made him a defining figure in modern limited-overs cricket.
Kohli Reaches the Landmark Against New Zealand
Kohli came into the first ODI against New Zealand with 12,988 runs at No. 3 and needed just 12 more runs to become the first batter to reach 13000 runs at that position.
The milestone came in India’s chase of New Zealand’s 186. Kohli reached it with a single off the 13th delivery he faced — another memorable moment in his international career.
Rohit was out for a duck and India needed early wickets. Kohli played sensibly and eventually made 74 off 51 balls as India won by five wickets (DLS method).
Remarkable Numbers at No. 3
Kohli’s record is all the more impressive because of the consistency behind it — at No. 3 he has scored 13,000 ODI runs in 251 innings (61.61 average according to figures given in match reports).
At this position he has 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries. Those numbers show that he can deliver big innings as well as dependable contributions in different match situations.
The No. 3 position is a batter’s worst nightmare because sometimes he has to face the new ball after an early wicket and other times it is his responsibility to build a partnership and accelerate later in the innings. Kohli has done both extremely well throughout his career.
Ricky Ponting Remains Second on the List
Ricky Ponting was the second highest ODI run-scorer in history (No.3). He scored 12,662 runs in 330 innings at an average of 42.48 with 29 centuries and 74 half-centuries.
Kohli had already passed Ponting’s tally earlier this year but with the latest milestone he has extended his lead and become only batter to cross 13000 ODI runs at No.3.
Next on the list is Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara with 9,747 runs at No. 3.
Another Milestone in Kohli's ODI Legacy
Kohli’s achievement takes his list of records in international cricket to a long one already. He had crossed 15,000 ODI runs overall against the West Indies in September 2026 as well.
His latest feat isn’t just another number. It’s years of consistency, adaptability and match-winning performances at one of cricket’s most difficult positions.
India are still playing their ODI campaign against New Zealand but fans will be waiting to see what the star batter can do next. At 37 Kohli is writing more chapters in his extraordinary cricketing story.
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