By Admin 
The second match of the ODI series being played between India and New Zealand will be held in Rajkot today. This match is considered very special not only for the series but also for Virat Kohli. The reason is clear – Kohli is now just a few steps away from becoming the batsman who has scored the most runs at the number-3 position in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli’s eyes on a big record
In ODI cricket, the number-3 position is considered the backbone of batting. Playing in this position, Virat Kohli has managed India’s innings for years. Batting in 242 innings of 245 ODI matches, he has scored 12,529 runs. Virat’s average is more than 61, which shows his strength in this position. He has scored 46 centuries and 67 fifties here. If he scores 133 runs in Rajkot, he will become the highest run-scorer at this position.
Who has the top position now?
At present, the record of scoring most runs at number-3 position is in the name of Australian legend Ricky Ponting. He has 12,662 runs in his name in 330 innings of 335 matches in ODI. He has scored runs in this position at an average of 42.48. During this period, he scored 29 centuries and 74 half-centuries. Now Virat Kohli is very close to breaking his record.
Top batsman who scored most runs at number-3 position
The list of batsmen who have scored the most runs while playing at number 3 in ODI cricket is as follows:
1- Ricky Ponting (Australia): 12,662 runs
2- Virat Kohli (India): 12,529 runs
3- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 9,747 runs
4- Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 7,774 runs
5- Kane Williamson (New Zealand): 6,504 runs
Babar Azam also in the race
Pakistan’s Babar Azam is also rapidly rising in this list. He has scored 5,811 runs in 116 innings of 117 matches at number-3 position. Babar’s average is more than 57. He is currently out of the top-5, but at the rate at which he is scoring runs, his name may also be included in this list in the future.