Virat Kohli Reaches 15,000 ODI Runs, Says He Is ‘Grateful and Blessed’

India batter Virat Kohli added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career on Sunday, becoming only the second player in history to cross 15,000 runs in One-Day Internationals. Kohli also struck his 55th ODI century as India chased down 296 against the West Indies.

At 37, Kohli has completed more than two decades in international cricket, but the veteran batter believes he is still capable of developing his game. He said he was challenged to “unlock a new version” of himself at this stage of his career, a change that has helped him approach batting with greater freedom.

“I got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and play a gear higher,” Kohli said after the match. “It excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career.”

Kohli made his intentions clear early in his innings, hitting a six within his first five deliveries. He went on to smash a personal-best nine sixes and 10 fours, reaching the 15,000-run milestone with three consecutive boundaries in the 29th over.

The achievement places Kohli behind only Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time ODI run-scoring list.

However, Kohli insisted that personal milestones have never been his primary focus.

“My focus has never really been on these milestones,” he said. “It’s just understanding the situation and doing the job for the team. Achievements come along. Obviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position.”

Kohli's approach to ODI batting has also evolved. While he has traditionally been known for managing risk and building long innings, he now aims to accelerate once he feels settled at the crease.

That approach has produced impressive numbers in 2026. Kohli has scored 523 ODI runs this year, while maintaining a strike rate of 116.74.

“I promised myself I'm going to play positively because I can,” Kohli said. “So I'm going to continue to play like that, but not be reckless. There is a fine line which, as a professional and experienced player, I should have the ability to execute.”

For Kohli, physical fitness remains closely linked to his ability to play with a clear and attacking mindset. He believes maintaining his conditioning allows him to remain mentally fresh and execute his plans effectively.

“I think to follow a free mind, you need a fit body,” Kohli said. “I stay physically fit and then I'm able to visualise the game in the way that I want to play.”

The former India captain also spoke about the importance of staying grounded despite the attention and success that come with playing international cricket.

According to Kohli, looking back at his journey from childhood helps him maintain perspective and appreciate the opportunities he has received.

“I enjoy each and every minute that I'm out there playing for India,” he said. “It could have been a possibility that I wouldn't be standing here. I wouldn't have played for India at all. That could have been my reality as well.”

Kohli said representing India in front of packed crowds and contributing to the team's success remains everything he dreamed of as a young cricketer.

“I have nothing but gratitude in my heart,” he said. “I just want to put my head down, keep working hard, put a smile on my face and hopefully make other people smile too.”