India’s vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is on the verge of a remarkable milestone as India take on New Zealand in the second ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday. Iyer needs just 34 runs to reach 3,000 runs in ODI cricket, a feat that would make him the fastest Indian to achieve this landmark.
Fastest Indian to 3,000 ODI Runs
Currently, the record for the fewest innings to reach 3,000 ODI runs is held by India’s “Gabbar,” Shikhar Dhawan, who achieved it in 72 innings. Virat Kohli reached the mark in 75 innings. Iyer, with 2,966 runs from 68 innings, is just 34 runs short. If he accomplishes this in the second ODI, he will reach 3,000 runs in just 69 innings, breaking Dhawan’s record and leaving legends like Kohli and Rohit Sharma behind.
Iyer Among Fastest in the World
Achieving 3,000 runs in 69 innings would also place Iyer alongside West Indies legend Viv Richards as the fourth-fastest batsman in world cricket to reach the milestone. Currently, the top international records for fewest innings to 3,000 ODI runs are:
- Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 57 innings
- Shai Hope (West Indies) – 67 innings
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) – 67 innings
- Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 67 innings
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 68 innings
- Viv Richards (West Indies) – 69 innings
Recent Form Boosts Confidence
Shreyas Iyer made his ODI debut for India in 2017 and, despite intermittent appearances, has consistently shown his talent. Recently returning from injury, he impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, scoring 82 and 45 in two matches. In the first ODI against New Zealand, chasing 301, Iyer contributed a quick 49 off 47 balls, showing he is back in form and well-positioned to achieve this historic milestone in the second ODI.
Top 5 Indians to Reach 3,000 ODI Runs in Fewest Innings:
- Shikhar Dhawan – 72 innings
- Virat Kohli – 75 innings
- KL Rahul – 78 innings
- Navjot Sidhu – 79 innings
- Sourav Ganguly – 82 innings
Shreyas Iyer now stands just 34 runs away from etching his name in the record books, leaving cricket fans eager to witness history in Rajkot.
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