'God help you': Shastri as Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record

NewsSports NewsCricket News'When he stays in fourth gear, then God help you': Ravi Shastri as Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar 'When he stays in fourth gear, then God help you': Ravi Shastri as Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar Edited by Amit Kumar / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Nov 05, 2026, 11:49 IST NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli made batting look easy in India's first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.

The star batter scored 74 runs off 51 balls to help India win the match by five wickets (DLS) and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.India had to chase a revised target of 143 runs in 32 overs. Kohli made sure there was no late drama as India reached the target in just 22.4 overs.Kohli hit 13 fours and a six during his innings.

His shots through the covers and pulls were among the highlights of his knock. Watch Virat Kohli steals the show in Auckland! Anshul Kamboj shines as India go 1-0 up vs NZ According to him, Kohli's ability to take quick singles kept the New Zealand bowlers under pressure."He also took a lot of pressure off Shubman Gill at the other end.

He gets off strike so quickly that the pressure is on the bowler at all times. I've seen him for all those years and I can't tell you if he has batted better."Kohli leaves Sachin behind in ODI chases Kohli's innings also helped him break another major record.

He went past Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in ODI run chases. Sachin had scored 8,720 runs in 242 innings while batting second in ODIs. His record included 17 centuries and 52 half-centuries at an average of 42.33.Kohli has now scored 8,741 runs in 169 innings in ODI chases.

He has done so at an average of 66.21 and a strike rate of 95.03. His tally includes 30 centuries and 46 half-centuries.His record is even better when India win while chasing. Kohli has scored 6,477 runs in 108 innings in successful ODI chases.

His average is 89.95 and his strike rate is over 98. He has scored 25 centuries and 30 half-centuries, with 183 being his highest score.Kohli matches Ponting's record against New Zealand There was another record for Kohli in the first ODI.

He equalled former Australia captain Ricky Ponting's record for the most runs against New Zealand in ODI cricket.Join conversation Both Kohli and Ponting have scored 1,971 runs against New Zealand.Kohli has reached this total in 37 innings at an average of 57.97 and a strike rate of 97.86.

He has seven centuries and 11 half-centuries against the Black Caps.Ponting scored the same number of runs in 50 innings across 51 matches. His average was 45.83, with six centuries and 12 half-centuries.Kohli's latest performance added two more major records to his name and helped India start the ODI series with a win.Poll What aspect of Kohli's performance impressed you the most?

His ability to hit boundariesHis quick singlesHis composure under pressure Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. From cricket to Olympic sports, Amit Kumar covers it all for The Times of India.

He began his journalism career with CricketNext and CNN-News18 Sports before moving to NDTV. He now writes on a wide range of sports for Times of India, with a focus on stories, interviews and the people behind the headlines.

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