Virat Kohli Achieves ‘Elite Top 5’ Position in International Cricket, Surpasses South Africa Legend
Despite his impressive performance, Virat Kohli is currently ranked behind four other players in the list of top run-scorers in international cricket.
On Friday, Virat Kohli, the prominent Indian batsman, surpassed South Africa’s Jacques Kallis to secure the fifth-highest run-scorer position in the history of international cricket. This achievement came during India’s second Test against West Indies in Port of Spain. During the first day of the match, which also marked his 500th international game, Virat remained unbeaten on 87 off 161 balls, including eight boundaries. Fans are eagerly anticipating his 76th international century, and the second day of the match might witness the eagerly awaited ‘Kohli Special’ from the star player.
In his 500 matches, Virat has accumulated an impressive total of 25,548 runs at an average of 53.67. Throughout 559 innings, he has achieved 75 centuries and 132 half-centuries, with his highest score being 254. Surpassing Kallis’ record of 25,534 runs in 519 matches, which included 62 centuries and 149 fifties, Virat has the opportunity to further enhance his achievements on day two of the match.
Presently, Virat Kohli trails behind cricket legends like Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (25,957 runs in 652 matches), Australia’s Ricky Ponting (27,483 runs in 560 matches), Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs in 594 matches), and India’s cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs in 664 matches).
Having played in 111 Test matches, Virat has accumulated a total of 8,642 runs at an average of 49.38. In the longest format, he has notched 28 centuries and 30 fifties, with his highest score being an unbeaten 254. Virat currently holds the position of India’s fifth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Throughout 274 One Day International (ODI) matches, Virat has accumulated an impressive 12,898 runs at an average of 57.32. His ODI batting record boasts 46 centuries and 65 half-centuries. In the history of Indian ODI cricket, he stands as the second-highest run-scorer. Globally, Virat holds the distinguished position of being the fifth-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket.
The seasoned batsman holds the record for being the top run-scorer in the history of T20 International (T20I) format. Across 115 matches, he has amassed a total of 4,008 runs at an impressive average of 52.73. In this format, he has managed to score one century and 37 half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 122.
Regarding the ongoing match, a century partnership between Virat and Ravindra Jadeja helped India regain momentum, and as the first day of the second Test against West Indies in Port of Spain concluded on Friday, Kohli is approaching his 29th Test century.
At the end of the day’s play, India’s score stood at 288 for the loss of four wickets, with Virat (87*) and Jadeja (36*) still at the crease.
After the first session, India’s score was 121 for no loss, with Rohit Sharma notching an unbeaten 63 and Yashasvi Jaiswal also remaining unbeaten at 52.
However, their partnership came to an end during the second session when Jaiswal got dismissed for 57, resulting in a total of 139 runs. Soon after, Shubman Gill (10) and Rohit (80) fell in rapid succession, leaving India at 155/3. Subsequently, Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane carried the innings forward, but Rahane got out for eight on the final ball of the second session. India concluded the second session at 182/4, with Virat remaining unbeaten on 18.
After winning the toss, West Indies chose to field first.
