
During the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, Virat Kohli made headlines by surpassing Kumar Sangakkara, becoming the second-leading run-scorer in international cricket. With this remarkable milestone, Kohli’s runs across formats have reached 28,068, leaving Sangakkara behind with 28,016 runs.
Kohli’s stellar performance included an impressive 93 runs off 91 balls with eight boundaries and a six, earning him the Player of the Match. India successfully chased 301, winning with four wickets remaining in 49 overs.
As Kohli continues to shine, we take a closer look at how his ODI statistics at the No. 3 position compare to Sangakkara’s, providing insight into their batting prowess. Below is a detailed comparison:
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohli | 245 | 12,529 | 61.41 | 94.65 | 46 | 67 |
| Sangakkara | 243 | 9,747 | 44.71 | 80.50 | 18 | 66 |
Kohli’s success at the No. 3 position is evident throughout various metrics. He has played a significant role in victories for India, with 154 wins in 245 matches.
| Condition | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wins | 9,082 | 76.96 | 97.72 | 38 |
| Losses | 3,209 | 39.13 | – | 7 |
Sangakkara, a celebrated player, leaves behind a significant legacy with his own achievements at No. 3:
| Condition | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wins | 5,604 | 50.94 | 83.10 | 13 |
| Losses | 3,865 | 37.16 | – | 5 |
As the debate continues regarding who is the better player at No. 3, both Kohli and Sangakkara bring their unique strengths to the table. Kohli’s recent records and consistency showcase why he has emerged as a cricketing legend.






