Virat Kohli makes history as first batter to score 13,000 runs at number three in ODIs

Indian star player Virat Kohli has set a new world record by becoming the first batter in ODI cricket history to score 13,000 runs while batting at the number three position. He reached this milestone when he hit his 12th run during the first ODI match against New Zealand held in Auckland. Kohli crossed this major mark in just 251 innings, maintaining a strong average of 61.55. During these innings at the one-down spot, he has scored 48 centuries and 70 half-centuries. Before this feat, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting held the top spot in this list, having scored 12,662 runs in 330 innings. Overall in all ODI matches, Kohli stands as the second-highest run-scorer with over 15,000 total runs, specifically holding 15,109 runs according to reports. The top five batters in the number three position include Kohli with 13,000 runs, Ricky Ponting with 12,662 runs, Sri Lanka player Kumar Sangakkara with 9,747 runs, South Africa player Jacques Kallis with 7,774 runs, and New Zealand player Kane Williamson with 6,504 runs.

Context

Batting at the crucial one-down position requires a player to come to the crease early when a team loses an early wicket, needing them to anchor the innings and play long spells against the new ball. Achieving thousands of runs in this spot over many years highlights a player's ability to handle pressure and maintain peak fitness across a long career in international cricket.