Kohli vs Sangakkara: A Historic Rivalry
In a thrilling match against New Zealand, Virat Kohli made headlines by surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-leading run-scorer in international cricket. This accomplishment adds another feather to Kohli's illustrious career, which sees him continually rewriting the record books.
Kohli's Stellar Performance
During the ODI on January 11, 2026, Kohli scored an impressive 93 runs off just 91 balls, helping India chase down 301 with four wickets in hand. With this innings, his total runs across formats reached 28,068, leaving Sangakkara's 28,016 runs in the dust.
Comparative Stats at No. 3 Position
Let’s delve into how both players stack up statistically while batting at the pivotal No. 3 position in ODIs:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|
| Virat Kohli | 245 | 12,529 | 61.41 | 94.65 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 243 | 9,747 | 44.71 | 80.50 |
Kohli has had an extraordinary career at this position, highlighted by his remarkable achievements, including 46 centuries and 67 half-centuries. Notably, his highest score of 183 was against Pakistan in March 2012.
Significant Contributions in Matches
When it comes to match outcomes, Kohli shines with 154 wins, averaging 76.96 and scoring 9,082 runs in winning causes. In contrast, Sangakkara recorded 128 wins, averaging 50.94 with 5,604 runs.
Chasing and Batting First
Both players have proved their mettle in different game situations. Kohli's prowess in chases is evident, scoring over 7,000 runs at an average of 66.36, while Sangakkara has a respectable 4,181 runs in chases.
| Player | Runs in Chases | Average | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|
| Virat Kohli | 7,035 | 66.36 | 23 | 40 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 4,181 | 44.47 | 7 | 28 |
This ongoing comparison between two cricketing greats only furthers Kohli's legacy. Both players have contributed significantly to the game, and their legacies will be remembered by cricket fans worldwide.
Final Thoughts
As Kohli continues to break records, comparisons to Sangakkara are inevitable. What remains to be seen is how far Kohli can extend his lead and what new milestones await him in his career.