Virat Kohli Completes 300 ODIs for Team India – Joins Elite List of Indian Cricketers

During the India vs New Zealand clash in the 2025 Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Virat Kohli etched his name in history yet again. Stepping onto the field for his 300th ODI, Kohli became just the seventh Indian cricketer to reach this incredible milestone, further cementing his legendary status in the game.

The Delhi-born cricketer, who made his ODI debut for India on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, has now played 300 ODIs. Over the years, he has amassed a staggering 14,085 runs, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the format. His most recent heroics came just days ago when he notched up his 51st ODI century against Pakistan in Dubai on 23rd February. 

Virat Kohli is playing his 300th ODI match for Team India, becoming the seventh player from the country to achieve this milestone

Can he make it special with a memorable knock? #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/0sVqN8vQdF

— ScoreWaves (@ScoreWaves) March 2, 2025

Kohli now joins an elite club of Indian cricketers who have reached the 300-ODI landmark. The first to do so was former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who played his 300th match against Australia in October 1998. Azhar’s 15-year career saw him feature in 334 ODIs, scoring 9,378 runs with seven centuries and 58 fifties, while also chipping in with 12 wickets. Other Indian greats to have crossed the 300-match mark include legends like Sourav Ganguly (308), Rahul Dravid (340), MS Dhoni (347), and Yuvraj Singh (301). 

However, when it comes to longevity in ODI cricket, no one has played more matches than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Over the course of his incredible 23-year career, the 'Master Blaster’ featured in a record-breaking 463 ODIs – the most by any player in history. Following closely behind is Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene, who played 448 ODIs across his career, including appearances for the Asia XI. Another Sri Lankan great, Sanath Jayasuriya, isn’t far off, having represented his country in 445 matches. His compatriot Kumar Sangakkara also etched his name into the record books with 404 ODI appearances, playing not just for Sri Lanka but also for the ICC and Asia XI teams. Rounding out the top five is Pakistan’s explosive all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who featured in 398 ODIs.