Virat Kohli Surpasses 27,000 International Runs, Joins Elite Cricket Club

On September 30, 2024, Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli achieved another significant milestone by surpassing 27,000 runs in international cricket. The landmark was reached during the fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh, held at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Kohli’s innings of 47 runs from 35 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, contributed to India’s aggressive approach aimed at recovering lost time due to rain interruptions.

This achievement places Kohli as the fourth player in the world and the second Indian, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to achieve this remarkable feat. Tendulkar tops the list with a total of 34,357 international runs. The other notable cricketers in this group include Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara with 28,016 runs and Australia’s Ricky Ponting with 27,483 runs. Kohli’s new record was acknowledged by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah in a post on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating Kohli’s perseverance and influence in world cricket.

Kohli’s cricketing statistics reveal an impressive career, with over 8,870 runs in Test matches, 13,906 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) across 295 matches, and 4,188 runs in 125 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Commenting on India’s strategy in the Test against Bangladesh, former England captain Michael Vaughan remarked on X, drawing parallels with England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach to cricket. This strategy under Brendon McCullum has focused on an aggressive style of play in Tests, which India displayed as they amassed 285 runs in 34.4 overs, eventually declaring their innings.

India’s rapid scoring was led by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a 31-ball half-century, and captain Rohit Sharma, who contributed a quick 23 runs off 11 balls. The team’s intent to push for a result was evident as they maintained a brisk scoring rate, despite frequent losses of wickets. The Test match in Kanpur is part of India’s campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC), where they currently lead the table. A win against Bangladesh would strengthen their position, aiding their quest for a place in the championship final.

Following the series against Bangladesh, India is set to host New Zealand for a three-Test series, followed by a five-Test tour in Australia. These matches will be crucial for India’s standing in the current WTC cycle.