Virat Kohli Overtakes Sourav Ganguly in Vadodara: Now the 5th Most Capped Indian in ODI History!

Virat Kohli Becomes 5th Most Capped Indian in ODIs: The first match against New Zealand at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium wasn’t just about victory; it was a grand celebration of Kohli’s longevity, fitness, and legendary status in Indian cricket.

Vadodara (Kotambi): The Sunday clash at the newly built Kotambi Stadium was more than just a game; it was a historic chapter in Indian cricket. Before the first ball was even bowled, a crowd of over 30,000 witnessed a grand felicitation of two of India’s modern greats—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In the presence of ICC Chairman Jay Shah, the atmosphere was electric as the city honored the duo for their years of unparalleled dedication and contribution to the sport.

Surpassing a Giant: Kohli Moves Past Dada

As soon as Virat Kohli stepped onto the field for the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026, he achieved a monumental career milestone. Kohli has now officially overtaken the former legendary captain Sourav Ganguly in terms of One Day International appearances for India.

• Virat Kohli: 309* ODIs (for India)
• Sourav Ganguly: 308 ODIs (for India)

By reaching his 309th ODI appearance, Kohli has cemented his position as the 5th most capped Indian player in this format. While Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 463 matches remains at the pinnacle, Kohli’s climb is a testament to his world-class fitness and consistency over 18 years of international cricket.

India’s Elite: Most ODI Appearances (Top 5)

A Grand Honor in Front of 30,000 Fans

The Baroda Cricket Association left no stone unturned in honoring the senior players. When Jay Shah presented awards to Kohli and Rohit, the entire stadium erupted with chants of “Kohli-Kohli” and “Rohit-Rohit.” Responding to the love, Kohli didn’t just stop at a milestone. He followed it up with a masterclass on the pitch, scoring a match-winning 93 runs off 91 balls. His innings ensured that India successfully chased down the 301-run target, marking a victorious start to the 2026 season.

The Secret Behind the Longevity

In the world of cricket, sustaining performance at 37 is no small feat. Virat Kohli’s journey to 309 ODIs is defined by his elite fitness regime and mental toughness. Surpassing a titan like Sourav Ganguly is a significant indicator of Kohli’s endurance across different eras of the game. Experts suggest that with his current form and eyes set on the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli is well on his way to potentially surpassing the marks set by Mohammad Azharuddin and Rahul Dravid in the coming seasons.

Summary of the Historic Evening

• Team Victory: India won by 4 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead.
• Individual Milestone: Kohli becomes the 5th most capped Indian in ODIs.
• World Record: Fastest to reach 28,000 international runs (surpassing Sachin’s innings count).
• Legend Status: Overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the 2nd highest run-scorer in cricket history.

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