Virat Kohli Set to Achieve Milestone in 300th ODI
On Sunday, March 2, cricket fans around the world will witness a significant milestone in the career of one of the sport’s greatest players, Virat Kohli. The Indian cricketing superstar is set to play his 300th One Day International (ODI) match during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A league game against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). This match not only marks a personal achievement for Kohli but also adds him to an elite list of Indian cricketers who have reached this remarkable milestone.
Joining the Elite Club
With this appearance, Kohli will become the seventh Indian cricketer to feature in 300 or more ODIs. The illustrious company he joins includes legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who leads the pack with 463 ODIs, followed by MS Dhoni (350), Rahul Dravid (344), Mohammad Azharuddin (334), Sourav Ganguly (311), and Yuvraj Singh (304). Overall, Kohli will be the 22nd player in the history of ODIs to reach this significant landmark, a testament to his longevity and consistency in the game.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Journey
Since making his ODI debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka, Kohli has transformed into a cricketing phenomenon. As of now, he has played 299 ODIs and amassed an astonishing 14,085 runs, making him one of the highest run-scorers in the format. His journey has been marked by numerous records, including being the fastest player to reach milestones of 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 ODI runs. Just last week, he extended his record for the most ODI centuries, scoring his 51st century against Pakistan in Dubai, further solidifying his status as a modern-day great.
Recent Performance Highlights
Kohli’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In the match against Pakistan on February 23, he not only led India to victory but also became the fastest player to cross the 14,000-run mark in ODIs. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning innings has been a hallmark of his career, and fans are eager to see how he continues to evolve as a player in the upcoming matches.
Teammate’s Praise
As Kohli approaches this milestone, his teammates have expressed their admiration for him. KL Rahul, speaking to the media on February 28, remarked, “That’s (300) a lot of ODI matches. Words fall short to express how good a player he has been and what a great servant of Indian cricket he has been.” Rahul also highlighted Kohli’s recent form, noting his match-winning century against Pakistan and expressing happiness for his teammate’s success.
The Stakes of the Match
The match against New Zealand is crucial, as it will determine the top position in Group A. Both India and New Zealand have remained unbeaten in the league phase, each securing two wins. With both teams already qualified for the Champions Trophy semifinals, the outcome of this match will set the stage for India’s next challenge. They are set to face either Australia, South Africa, or Afghanistan in the semifinals on Tuesday, March 4.
Venue and Context
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium serves as the backdrop for this historic match. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side has chosen to play all their matches in Dubai, opting not to travel to Pakistan, the host nation of this eight-team tournament. This decision adds an extra layer of significance to their campaign, as they aim to secure their place in the semifinals and continue their pursuit of the Champions Trophy title.
As Kohli steps onto the field for his 300th ODI, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be watching closely, eager to celebrate yet another chapter in the illustrious career of one of cricket’s finest.
