In the third ODI against South Africa at Vizag, veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli added another landmark to his illustrious career. That match marked his 308th appearance in a One Day International for India — a significant feat that reinforced his longevity and consistency at the highest level.
According to recent match coverage, with this outing he equaled the tally of the former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, bringing him level with the elite list of Indians who have featured most often in ODIs.
Joining the Legends: Where He Stands
With that 308th game, Kohli joined an exclusive group of Indian cricketers with the highest number of ODI appearances. The record remains held by Sachin Tendulkar at the top — he played 463 ODIs for India. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni, another stalwart of Indian cricket, sits second on the list with 347 ODIs to his name. Emerging among this pantheon, Kohli has now firmly established himself as one of the most capped Indian batsmen in the 50-over format.
That said, even as Kohli closes in on the all-time record, the gap remains huge. Tendulkar’s 463-match tally remains far ahead — a benchmark of endurance and sustained performance.
What the Numbers Reflect
Reaching 308 ODIs is more than just a number — it underscores Kohli’s reliability, his fitness, and his enduring value to the Indian team across seasons, formats, and changing team compositions. To be among the top handful of Indians in ODI appearances demonstrates he has weathered the demands of international cricket and remained a key performer.
By equalling Ganguly’s tally, Kohli has added his name to an exclusive club: players who not only have exceptional talent, but also the longevity, form, and discipline to sustain a career over many years. It’s a testament to his resilience and adaptability, qualities essential in modern cricket.
As Kohli continues to represent India in ODIs, he still has a chance to inch closer to — and perhaps one day challenge — Tendulkar’s monumental 463-match mark. But regardless of whether he ever reaches that peak, the 308-match landmark firmly cements his place among the legends of Indian cricket.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.