Kohli on Brink of Historic ODI Record—Set to Eclipse Sachin, Dravid & Rohit

Kohli set to surpass Sachin, Dravid, Rohit, Rahane; closes in on historic feat

Cricket history could be made in Rajkot—and all eyes are on one man: Virat Kohli. As India faces New Zealand in the third ODI of the series, Kohli stands on the precipice of a landmark achievement that would redefine his legacy among India’s batting pantheon. With five consecutive fifty-plus scores already to his name, a sixth in Rajkot would see him break a long-standing national record jointly held by none other than Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane .

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about consistency, resilience, and mastery in an era where ODI cricket demands both explosive power and classical technique. And Kohli—often called the “modern great”—is delivering exactly that.

Table of Contents

What Record Is Kohli About to Break?

The current Indian record for most consecutive ODI innings with a fifty or more stands at **five**, a mark achieved by four batting icons across different eras:

  • Sachin Tendulkar (1998)
  • Rahul Dravid (1999)
  • Rohit Sharma (2019 ICC World Cup)
  • Ajinkya Rahane (2015–16 bilateral series)

If Kohli crosses 50 runs in Rajkot, he’ll become the first Indian cricketer ever to register six back-to-back fifty-plus scores in ODIs—a testament to unparalleled consistency under pressure .

The Legendary Company He Is Leaving Behind

To surpass even one of these legends would be remarkable. To outdo all four in the same statistical category? That’s historic.

Consider the context:

  • Tendulkar’s 1998 streak came during a period of slower scoring and less aggressive field restrictions.
  • Dravid’s 1999 run was built on textbook defense against quality pace attacks.
  • Rohit’s 2019 blitz included three centuries—but was confined to a single global tournament.
  • Rahane’s 2015–16 sequence was impressive but largely on familiar home pitches.

Kohli’s streak, by contrast, spans multiple venues, conditions, and high-quality opposition—including New Zealand’s Trent Boult and Matt Henry. His ability to adapt while maintaining elite output sets this run apart.

Kohli’s Red-Hot Form: A Comeback for the Ages

After a much-discussed lull post the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli has roared back with vintage authority. His recent sequence includes:

  • 51 vs West Indies (North Sound, July 2025)
  • 67 vs West Indies (North Sound, July 2025)
  • 85* vs New Zealand (Hyderabad, January 2026)
  • 76 vs New Zealand (Pune, January 2026)

That’s four consecutive fifties—and counting. Add two more from late 2025, and you get the full five-innings streak heading into Rajkot. His average during this stretch? A staggering **69.75**, with a strike rate hovering near **91**—proof that he’s blending caution with controlled aggression .

Why This Streak Is Different in Modern ODI Cricket

Today’s ODI game prioritizes power-hitting from ball one. Openers are expected to score at 100+ strike rates, and middle-order batters often play finisher roles. In this landscape, Kohli’s role as an anchor who can also accelerate is increasingly rare—and invaluable.

According to data from the International Cricket Council (ICC), Kohli leads all active batters in “runs between overs 11–40” since 2024, highlighting his unmatched ability to build innings when the field is up and pressure is high . This isn’t nostalgia—it’s strategic necessity for India’s ODI blueprint.

Key Moments from Kohli’s Recent Innings

In Hyderabad, Kohli walked in at 42/2 and calmly rebuilt the innings with Shubman Gill, rotating strike before unleashing boundaries in the death overs. In Pune, he counterattacked after early wickets, hitting three sixes off spinners—an area once considered a weakness.

These aren’t just scores; they’re masterclasses in situational awareness. He’s no longer just chasing milestones—he’s engineering victories.

What This Means for India’s 2027 World Cup Hopes

With the next ODI World Cup just two years away, Kohli’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. His presence at No. 3 provides stability in a top order filled with explosive but inconsistent talents.

More importantly, it proves that experience still matters. At 37, Kohli is showing younger players how to handle pressure, read bowlers, and convert starts into match-winning knocks—skills no algorithm can teach.

Fan Frenzy and Expert Praise

Social media is ablaze with anticipation. Hashtags like #KingKohli and #SixthFifty are trending globally. Former cricketers have weighed in too:

“What Virat is doing at this stage of his career is unheard of. He’s not just playing—he’s setting standards.” — VVS Laxman

Even rivals acknowledge his greatness. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson admitted: “When Kohli gets set, you know you’re in for a long day.”

Conclusion

As Virat Kohli steps onto the Rajkot pitch, he carries more than just a bat—he carries the weight of history. A sixth consecutive fifty-plus score won’t just be another entry in his stat sheet; it will be a definitive statement that, even in 2026, he remains India’s most reliable and complete ODI batsman. Whether he breaks the record or not, one truth endures: we are witnessing greatness in real time.

Sources

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top