Sachin Tendulkar, with a total of 34,357 international runs (runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is combined), is the only batter ahead of Kohli on the list
As part of the ceremonial act, both players were asked to step inside the cupboard and were then theatrically revealed when their names were announced
Both Kohli and Rohit are fresh off impressive performances in India's ODI win over South Africa and have been in form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Rohit Sharma, at the number eight spot with 280 ODI appearances, is the only active player behind him on the list
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul picked up as wicket-keeper batter, with no place for Shami. Shreyas Iyer has been named Gill's deputy.
Rohit Sharma started his journey for India in ICC events with the 2007 T20 World Cup, while Kohli debuted at an ICC World Cup in 2011.
Star batter Virat Kohli was India's top run-scorer in ODIs in 2025, proving he is still one of the best white-ball players the nation has to offer
Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma led India's batting charge in T20Is in 2025, proving the future of Indian cricket is in safe hands
Kohli's Vijay Hazare appearance for Delhi against Andhra last week was his first non-ODI List A outing since 2013
Kohli's inclusion for the January 6 clash illustrates his commitment to match practice ahead of the New Zealand series, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara
Earlier in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli had laid the foundation for his productive run with a commanding century
Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's List A record, becoming the fastest to 16,000 runs during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The decision comes against the backdrop of the June 4 stampede outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title celebrations, an incident that claimed 11 lives
While many players ended their respective careers this year, ICC also made some significant rule changes in the game that will have an impact for years to come now.
Kohli has confirmed his availability for Delhi's first two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, handing the side a timely boost at the start of its campaign
Their first signing at the mini-auction was all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, whom they acquired for ₹7 crore.
The clearance also means fans are likely to see Virat Kohli return to action at his home ground and strengthen the prospects of RCB playing IPL matches at Chinnaswamy again
The former Puma-licensed label One8 is now a fully-owned standalone brand under Agilitas Sports, with Kohli as investor; global rollout planned starting with the US.
Team India defeated South Africa by nine wickets, sealing the series 2-1 with a dominant win in the final match in Vizag
Kohli admitted that the Ranchi hundred held deeper meaning, especially since he had not played competitive cricket since the Australia tour.