Virat Kohli's interesting ODI records

His unrelenting pursuit for runs combined with his undeniable influence on his country during his captaincy makes him one of his nation's great and a true record-breaker.

Kohli has redefined the standards of excellence and consistenty in ODI cricket with his career an exmplae of the perfect mix of technique, temperemant and tenacity.

When looking at some of ODI cricket's record-breakers, it was inevitable that Kohli would lead and be challenging for several sporting claims.

So, what record books does he top? And where is he agonisingly close to the summit?

1. 1st in most 100s in ODI history

Kohli made history when he passed fellow Indian cult hero, Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries, a tally many thought would be unsurpassable.

With 51 centuries in 302 ODIs, he's set a new benchmark in 50-over run scoring and cemented his status as the most prolific ODI century maker.

His record combined technique and temperament, eclipsing legends that came before him and setting the standard for the future of ODI batting. Perhaps, one day, when not contracted by the BCCI, Kohli will get a go in international leagues such as the Betway SA20, BBL in Australia and others.

2. 1st in most 100s against a single team in ODIs

No one player has dominated a nation in ODI cricket quite like Kohli against Sri Lanka.

He's so far smashed 10 centuries against them and holds the record for the most runs from a batter against another country.

Averaging 60.27 against Sri Lanka has made him well and truly the country's arch-nemesis.

He just seemed to be able to read the Sri Lankan bowlers, who had no answer to his class.

3. 1st in most runs in a single Cricket World Cup

An Indian hero made his country proud in the 2023 Cricket World Cup in his home country as he scored 765 runs in just 11 matches.

He set a record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament but despite this was not able to get over the line and win the trophy in his home country.

A tournament average of 95.62 highlights how invincible and indispensable to the Indian batting lineup he was that year.

4. 3rd highest batting average in ODI history

A record that will require some serious work to top, Virat Kohli has achieved third place in the highest ODI average rankings with a career average of 57.88.

The owner of the top perch is Ryan ten Doeschate of the Netherlands who was prolific in his much shorter 33 game ODI career, scoring at an average of 67.

Maintaining his sky-high average over his 302 ODI matches speaks volumes about his ability to deliver over long periods at the top.

5. 4th in most fours in ODI history

Often praised for his elegant 360° strokeplay and ability to place the ball, Kohli's ability to find the boundary with precision is reflected in his total of fours struck to the rope.

He's guided 1325 fours to the boundary in his ODI career for India and is within touching distance of Kumar Sangakkara's 1385 fours that would move him into another top-three record in the history of the ODI format.