Wednesday’s first ODI encounter between New Zealand and India will long be remembered, not just for the visitor’s comprehensive victory but for the historic milestone that unfolded during the chase. Veteran Indian batsman Virat Kohli anchored his side’s winning chase with an impressive 74 runs from just 51 deliveries. In doing so, he officially became the highest all-time run scorer in One Day International second innings.

Long regarded as the master of the chase, the former Indian skipper has proved time and again that pressure is merely fuel for his greatness. No batsman in the history of ODI cricket has now accumulated more runs while chasing than India’s modern icon. To celebrate this monumental achievement, let’s take a look at the legendary batsmen he has passed along his way to the summit of this impressive list.

1. Virat Kohli (India) – 8,741 runs

Sitting comfortably at the top of the mountain, Virat Kohli has turned the second innings chase into an art form. His match-winning knock against New Zealand pushed his total to a staggering 8,741 runs. What makes Kohli the undisputed king of the chase is his tactical brilliance, physical endurance, and a remarkable ability to calculate required run rates in his head. He has anchored dozens of successful chases, earning the nickname of the Chase Master.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 8,720 runs

For decades, Sachin Tendulkar held this record with a phenomenal 8,720 runs. The Little Master set the standard for modern batting, carrying the expectations of a billion people whenever India bowled first. While Tendulkar laid the foundation and established the previous gold standard, he has now passed the torch to his compatriot.

3. Rohit Sharma (India) – 6,801 runs

A third former India captain, Rohit Sharma, claims the third spot with 6,801 runs. Known for his effortless timing and unparalleled ability to hit sixes at will, Sharma provides a perfect counter-balance in the modern era. His inclusion high on this list showcases just how dominant Indian top-order batting has been over the past decade when chasing down targets.

4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 5,742 runs

The revolutionary Sri Lankan opener transformed the way teams approached the first fifteen overs of an ODI innings. Sanath Jayasuriya accumulated 5,742 runs in the second innings by putting immediate pressure on opposing bowlers. His aggressive cutting and pulling dismantled bowling attacks and ensured that Sri Lanka frequently cruised through tough chases.

5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 5,575 runs

The epitome of resilience and technical perfection, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis accumulated 5,575 runs while chasing. As arguably the greatest all-rounder in the modern game, Kallis brought a sense of complete calm to the Proteas’ middle order. He was the ultimate insurance policy during a second-innings pursuit, rarely throwing his wicket away.

6. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 5,559 runs

The Universe Boss terrorised bowlers around the world, scoring 5,559 second-innings runs. Chris Gayle relied on sheer power and intimidation, turning difficult run chases into effortless boundary-hitting exhibitions. When Gayle stayed at the crease for more than ten overs, the opposition rarely stood a chance.

7. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 5,425 runs

Rounding out the elite list is the iconic Brian Lara with 5,425 runs. The elegant left-hander was known for his high backlift and ability to single-handedly steer the West Indies through complex targets. Lara often had to fight solitary battles against the world’s best bowling attacks, making his placement on this chasing leaderboard incredibly impressive.