Even in an uncharacteristically brief innings of just 23 runs, Virat Kohli managed to make history. On Wednesday, during the second ODI against New Zealand in Pune, the Indian batting maestro crossed a legendary threshold—surpassing none other than Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s highest run-scorer in ODIs against New Zealand. With that knock, Kohli’s tally swelled to **1,773 runs**, edging past Tendulkar’s 1,768 and etching his name deeper into cricketing immortality .
This isn’t just another stat for Kohli’s cabinet. It’s a symbolic passing of the torch in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries—and a reminder that even when he’s not at his fluent best, the ‘Run Machine’ keeps ticking, relentlessly rewriting records. Now, with this milestone secured, Kohli sets his sights on an even bigger target: Australia’s Ricky Ponting, who leads the global chart for most ODI runs against New Zealand with 1,985 .
Table of Contents
- How Kohli Broke the Tendulkar Record
- Kohli breaks Tendulkar record: A Look at the Numbers
- The Evolution of Kohli’s Dominance Over New Zealand
- What Separates Kohli from Tendulkar in This Rivalry?
- The Next Frontier: Chasing Ricky Ponting’s Global Mark
- Conclusion: More Than Runs—a Legacy in Motion
- Sources
How Kohli Broke the Tendulkar Record
The record-breaking moment came quietly—no boundary, no six, just a single off Matt Henry in the 10th over. But in that instant, Kohli moved from 1,769 to 1,770 runs, officially overtaking Tendulkar’s long-standing mark .
What makes this feat even more impressive is the context. Kohli achieved this in **34 innings**, compared to Tendulkar’s 45—a testament to his higher scoring rate and consistency against the Kiwis. While Tendulkar averaged 42.14, Kohli boasts a stellar **57.19** in the same fixture, including five centuries and nine fifties .
Kohli breaks Tendulkar record: A Look at the Numbers
Let’s break down the key stats behind this historic crossover:
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Avg | Highest Score | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 36 | 34 | 1,773* | 57.19 | 154 | 5 / 9 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 46 | 45 | 1,768 | 42.14 | 139 | 4 / 12 |
*As of January 14, 2026 (after 2nd ODI vs NZ)
Kohli’s superior average and strike rate (92.5 vs Tendulkar’s 85.3) reflect the evolution of ODI batting—but also his uncanny ability to anchor and accelerate against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
The Evolution of Kohli’s Dominance Over New Zealand
Kohli’s mastery over New Zealand didn’t happen overnight. It began with a gritty 107 in Hyderabad during the 2016 ODI series—a knock that announced his arrival as the new king of chases. Since then, he’s delivered in World Cups, bilateral series, and high-pressure finals.
Notably, his 154 in Delhi (2023) remains the highest individual score by an Indian against New Zealand in ODIs. And in ICC tournaments, Kohli averages over 65 against the Kiwis—making him their ultimate nemesis on the biggest stages .
What Separates Kohli from Tendulkar in This Rivalry?
While both are legends, their approaches differed:
- Tendulkar faced a New Zealand attack led by Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori—era-defining bowlers known for aggression and guile.
- Kohli has dominated a modern Kiwi lineup featuring Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Mitchell Santner, adapting seamlessly to swing, seam, and spin alike.
More importantly, Kohli’s mental fortitude in run chases—especially under pressure—has given him an edge in today’s result-oriented ODI format. As former NZ captain Brendon McCullum once said, “Chasing 300? You don’t want Kohli walking in at No. 3” .
The Next Frontier: Chasing Ricky Ponting’s Global Mark
With Tendulkar’s India-specific record now behind him, Kohli’s eyes turn to the global leaderboard. Australia’s Ricky Ponting sits atop with **1,985 runs** against New Zealand in 52 innings—a mark that seems well within Kohli’s reach.
At his current pace, Kohli needs just **212 more runs** to surpass Ponting. Given that India has a full ODI series and likely a Champions Trophy clash with New Zealand in 2026, the record could fall before the year ends.
[INTERNAL_LINK:greatest-odi-batsmen-of-all-time] consistently rank both Kohli and Ponting in the top 3—and this head-to-head statistical race only adds to their legacies.
Conclusion: More Than Runs—a Legacy in Motion
When we say “Kohli breaks Tendulkar record,” we’re not just talking about numbers. We’re witnessing the quiet evolution of greatness. Kohli isn’t replacing Tendulkar; he’s building upon his foundation, using modern tools, fitness, and mindset to push boundaries further. In surpassing his childhood idol against a common foe, Kohli honors the past while charging boldly into the future. And if history is any guide, Ricky Ponting’s name won’t stay at the top for long.
Sources
- Times of India. (2026, January 14). Run machine keeps ticking: Kohli breaks Tendulkar’s record.
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. Most Runs in ODIs Against New Zealand. https://stats.espncricinfo.com [[2], [3]]
- ICC Match Archives. India vs New Zealand ODI Series Records.
- Brendon McCullum Interview, Sky Sports (2024).