Virat Kohli enjoyed a remarkable 2025, and he’s set to make 2026 even more memorable. After playing a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in March 2025, Kohli went on to top the run charts for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, helping the franchise end its title drought and claim their maiden championship. He capped off the year with a century and a half-century for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. As 2026 unfolds, Kohli is back in domestic cricket, aiming for more records. Let’s take a look at the three milestones he could achieve this year.

First player to accumulate 9000 IPL runs

Virat Kohli stands on the brink of an IPL milestone, needing just 339 more runs to become the first batter to reach 9000 runs in IPL history. With 8661 runs to his name, Kohli already holds the record for most runs in the tournament. Across 259 innings and 261 matches, he has been a dominant force. He’ll have the chance to break the record during IPL 2026, where RCB, now led by Rajat Patidar, will defend their crown after claiming their first-ever title by defeating Punjab Kings in the 2025 final.

Second player to reach 15,000 ODI runs

Virat Kohli is poised to achieve another landmark in 2026, as he eyes the historic feat of becoming only the second cricketer, after Sachin Tendulkar, to score 15,000 runs in ODIs. Currently, Kohli has accumulated 14,557 runs from 296 innings across 308 ODIs, ranking second in the all-time ODI run charts. Tendulkar, with 18,426 runs, is the all-time leader. Kohli’s remarkable ODI career, which started in 2008, includes 53 centuries and 76 half-centuries, with the record for the most hundreds in ODI cricket.

Second-highest run scorer in international cricket history

Virat Kohli is on the brink of surpassing Kumar Sangakkara, moving into second place for the most international runs. Sangakkara sits at 28,016 runs, while the legendary Sachin Tendulkar holds the top spot with 34,257 runs. Kohli, with 27,975 runs, needs just 25 more to reach the 28,000-run mark. He is also a mere 42 runs away from overtaking Sangakkara. If Kohli continues to play in the ODI format, he has the chance to become the first player to amass 30,000 international runs.