Virat Kohli Set to Overtake Sachin Tendulkar? India Star Eyes Historic England ODI Milestone in Comeback Series

After weeks on the sidelines, Virat Kohli is finally set to return to international cricket as India begin their three-match ODI series against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The former Indian captain missed the home ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, but is now fully fit and ready to make his comeback.

While Kohli’s return is a major boost for Team India, the veteran batter also stands on the verge of achieving another remarkable milestone in one of cricket’s oldest rivalries.

The 37-year-old needs just 59 runs to move ahead of Sachin Tendulkar on the list of highest run-scorers in India vs England ODIs. Tendulkar currently occupies third place with 1,455 runs in 37 matches, including two centuries and ten half-centuries.

A productive series could see Kohli climb even higher.

Former India captain MS Dhoni leads the all-time list with 1,546 runs, while World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh sits second with 1,526 runs. Kohli requires 150 runs across the three-match series to surpass both legends and become the highest run-scorer in ODI history between India and England.

Given Kohli’s consistency in the 50-over format, the milestone is well within reach.

Kohli’s Impressive Record in England

Kohli has enjoyed several memorable performances against England on their home soil. In 16 ODI innings against England in England, he has accumulated 581 runs at an average of 38.73, including one century and four half-centuries.

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His overall ODI numbers in England are even more impressive. Across 33 innings, including matches played in ICC tournaments, Kohli has scored 1,349 runs at an outstanding average of 51.88, underlining his ability to perform in challenging English conditions.

Edgbaston Brings Back Happy Memories

The venue for the opening ODI also holds special memories for Kohli.

During the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, he scored 66 runs against England at Edgbaston before adding another useful knock against Bangladesh at the same ground.

Two years earlier, in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli produced consecutive match-winning unbeaten innings—81* against Pakistan and 96* against Bangladesh—to guide India into the final.

Those performances have made Edgbaston one of Kohli’s most successful overseas venues.

A Comeback with Records in Sight

With India looking to begin the ODI series on a winning note, Kohli’s experience will be crucial against a strong England side.

More importantly, every run he scores could rewrite the record books. Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar would be another significant achievement in an already legendary career, while overtaking MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh in the same series would make his comeback even more memorable.

As cricket fans eagerly await Kohli’s return, all eyes will be on whether the batting maestro can convert his comeback into another historic chapter in his illustrious ODI journey.