Kanpur — Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli has once again made headlines by becoming the fastest player to reach 27,000 international runs. He achieved this remarkable milestone during Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium on Monday. With this achievement, Kohli not only adds another feather to his cap but also shatters the long-standing record held by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
A Historic Milestone
Virat Kohli reached the 27,000-run mark in just 594 innings, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous record of 623 innings. This makes Kohli the only player in cricket history to achieve this feat in under 600 innings. Following Kohli are other illustrious cricketers, including former Australia captain Ricky Ponting (650 innings) and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara (648 innings).
The breakdown of innings taken to reach 27,000 runs is as follows:
- 594 innings – Virat Kohli
- 623 innings – Sachin Tendulkar
- 648 innings – Kumar Sangakkara
- 650 innings – Ricky Ponting
This latest accomplishment further cements Kohli’s status as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, reflecting his consistent performance and ability to score runs across all formats of the game.
India’s Aggressive Approach
Kohli’s record came amidst an aggressive display of batting by the Indian team, drawing comparisons to England’s attacking style of play known as “Bazball.” Former England captain Michael Vaughan remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that India’s quickfire first innings against Bangladesh mirrored the high-scoring, aggressive approach popularized by England under coach Brendon McCullum since 2022.
India set a brisk pace, declaring their innings at 285 for 9 in just 34.4 overs, giving them a lead of 52 runs after bowling out Bangladesh for 233 earlier in the match. The Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma, set the tone for this explosive innings.
Stellar Contributions from Indian Batters
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the standout performer, scoring a dazzling 72 runs off 51 balls, which included 12 fours and two sixes. He reached a quick-fire half-century in just 31 balls, while Rohit contributed 23 runs off 11 balls, hitting three sixes and a four. This aggressive approach allowed India to post their fastest team scores for 50 and 100 runs in 18 and 61 balls, respectively.
Despite the loss of regular wickets, the Indian batting lineup maintained a high scoring rate, demonstrating their intent to secure a result after two days of rain delays had disrupted play. Shubman Gill (39), Virat Kohli (47), and KL Rahul also contributed to the blistering innings, showcasing India’s strong batting depth.
World Test Championship Implications
Currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) table, India is in a strong position to secure their spot in the WTC finals for the third consecutive time. A 2-0 series victory against Bangladesh would further bolster their chances. However, if the Kanpur Test concludes in a draw, India will face the challenging task of winning five out of their remaining eight matches in this WTC cycle.
After the Bangladesh series, India is set to host New Zealand for a three-Test series in October before embarking on a five-Test tour of Australia. These upcoming matches will be crucial for India as they aim to maintain their momentum in the World Test Championship.
Virat Kohli’s latest record is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the game. As he continues to break barriers and set new records, fans around the world eagerly anticipate his next performances. With a busy schedule ahead, including matches against formidable opponents, Kohli’s journey in international cricket is far from over, and the cricketing world watches in anticipation of what he will achieve next.