Virat Kohli becomes the first batsman to score 13,000 runs at number 3 in ODIs

Legendary Indian cricket team batsman Virat Kohli has added another historic achievement to his name in international cricket. During the first ODI match against New Zealand, Kohli became the first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to complete 13,000 runs while batting at number 3. According to a TV9 Gujarati report, Kohli crossed this mark as soon as he scored 12 runs in this match played in Auckland. He has taken only 251 innings to achieve this feat, which stands as a testament to his consistent and brilliant form.

Batting at the number 3 position, Kohli's average has remained above 61. In this long journey, he has scored 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries. In this record, after Kohli comes the name of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who scored 12,662 runs. Among current players, Pakistan's Babar Azam is closest to Kohli with 6,054 runs, but there is a very large gap in runs between Kohli and Babar. This achievement of Kohli reflects his long career and the strength he has provided to the Indian batting lineup for years.

This ODI series against New Zealand is very important for the Indian team. According to an ABP Asmita report, a series of five ODI matches is being played between India and New Zealand from November 4 to November 15. Keeping Indian cricket fans in mind, a major positive change has been made in the match timings. Previously, matches played in New Zealand started late at night, but now all five ODI matches will start early in the morning at 7:30 AM according to Indian time, and the toss will be held at 7:00 AM.

Interesting changes have also been seen in Team India's selection for this series. Shubman Gill has been made captain for the first ODI. Experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj have been included in the team. Shreyas Iyer will take charge of the team for the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series. The host New Zealand team has also made changes to its squad according to the match, with Mitchell Santner performing the responsibility as captain.

Earlier, an Amar Ujala report stated that India's ODI record on New Zealand soil has not been special. India has played 45 ODIs there so far, in which they have faced victory in 14 and defeat in 26. The series played last in 2022 was won by New Zealand 1-0. In this situation, the presence of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma becomes very important for the team.

Former Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, while predicting the performance of Kohli and Rohit on a JioHotstar show, stated that Rohit Sharma is known for giving the team a good start in the powerplay, but the chances of Virat Kohli scoring a century in New Zealand are higher. According to Pujara, Kohli bats at number 3 and his game is of an anchor role, which is more conducive to scoring a century in ODIs. This tour could be the last for both Rohit and Kohli, as both are at the final stage of their careers and are aiming to play until the next World Cup.

Virat Kohli is a batsman of Indian cricket who has broken many records and set new milestones during his career. He has remained the backbone of the Indian team's batting for a long time. His consistent success and ability to score runs in ODI cricket have placed him at the top of the list of the world's best batsmen. This achievement of 13,000 runs is the result of his dedication and passion for the game.