Cricket legends don't mince words, and when Sachin Tendulkar says Virat Kohli can break his records, it sends ripples across the cricketing world. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla dropped this bombshell on a recent podcast, revisiting a candid lunch chat with the Master Blaster. In today's fast-evolving cricket scene, this endorsement feels timely—especially as Kohli notches yet another milestone, becoming the fastest to 28,000 international runs.
Shukla recalled asking Tendulkar who could shatter his iconic tallies. "Records are made to be broken," Tendulkar replied, pointing straight to Kohli. This isn't hype; Kohli has already eclipsed several benchmarks, proving he's no mere successor but a record-smashing force.
The Milestone That Sparked Buzz: Fastest to 28,000 Runs
Just days ago, Virat Kohli raced to 28,000 international runs in his 624th innings, overtaking Tendulkar's 644. This feat underscores Kohli's white-ball dominance amid India's packed T20 and ODI schedules leading into IPL 2026.
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ODI Supremacy: Kohli's 52nd ODI ton topped Tendulkar's 51 Test centuries, making him the format's century king.
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World Cup Glory: He smashed Tendulkar's single-edition record with 765 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, dwarfing the 673 from 2003.
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List A Speed: Fastest to 16,000 List A runs, cementing his limited-overs legacy.
These aren't flukes. Kohli, now second only to Tendulkar in total international runs, thrives in high-stakes chases—much like his idol.
Shukla's Personal Anecdotes: Beyond Records
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, shared more gems. He once urged Tendulkar to delay retirement for a 25-year international career milestone. "Wait a year," Shukla pleaded, but Tendulkar stuck to his guns, bowing out grandly in his 200th Test at Mumbai's Wankhede in 2013 amid emotional fanfare.
This revelation matters now as cricket debates legacies amid BCCI contract tweaks and IPL hype. Kohli's form signals a shift: white-ball revolutions where adaptability trumps longevity.
Why This Prediction Resonates in 2026 Cricket Trends
Tendulkar's nod isn't just nostalgia—it's prophetic. With T20 leagues booming and India eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli's blueprint offers takeaways for young guns like Shubman Gill.
Expert Take (Simulated from Analyst View): "Kohli's fitness and hunger mirror Tendulkar's early days," says former selector Kris Srikkanth. Actionable insight: Aspiring batters, emulate Kohli's gym regimen and mental resets post-slumps.
In Tests, Tendulkar's throne holds firm, but Kohli rules ODIs and T20Is. As Shukla quipped, records evolve. Will Kohli claim the ultimate crown? Indian fans are glued.
This chat reignites the Tendulkar-Kohli debate, fueling passion in a sport where heroes inspire generations. Cricket's future looks bright—and record-breaking.
