Virat Kohli Leaves Tendulkar Behind, Completes 27K Runs in International Cricket

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has added yet another milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the fastest player to score 27,000 runs in international cricket. Kohli achieved this remarkable feat during the 2nd Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, solidifying his place among cricket’s all-time greats.

On November 30, Kohli joined an elite group of players as only the fourth cricketer in history to cross 27,000 runs across all formats. His quickfire knock of 47 from 35 balls, which included four boundaries and a six, helped him surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record as the fastest to this milestone.

Kohli’s journey to 27,000 runs came in just 594 innings, breaking Tendulkar’s record of 623 innings. This achievement also places Kohli ahead of other cricketing icons such as Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Australia’s Ricky Ponting. Sangakkara took 648 innings, while Ponting needed 650 to reach this landmark.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah acknowledged Kohli’s achievement, praising him on X, “Another towering milestone in the illustrious career of Virat Kohli as he crosses 27,000 international runs! Your passion, consistency, and hunger to excel are inspiring to the cricketing world. Congratulations @imVkohli, the journey continues to inspire millions!”

Kohli’s international record stands as a reflection of his dominance in all formats. Before this 594th innings, Kohli had accumulated 8,871 Test runs at an average of 48.74, 13,906 runs in ODIs at an astounding average of 58.18, and 4,188 runs in T20Is with an average of 48.69. His ability to maintain a high level of performance across Tests, ODIs, and T20s makes him a modern cricketing phenomenon.

Despite his exceptional form in this match, Kohli’s stay at the crease was cut short when he was bowled by Shakib Al Hasan while attempting a sweep shot. Though he couldn’t complete a half-century, Kohli’s 47 runs contributed to India’s dominant position in the game, following the strong performances by Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

 

Fastest to 27,000 runs

• 594 innings – Virat Kohli
• 623 innings – Sachin Tendulkar
• 648 innings – Kumar Sangakkara
• 650 innings – Ricky Ponting

 

Virat Kohli’s place in cricketing history is already well-established, but with each new record, he continues to build on his legacy. As he progresses, the cricketing world will watch with anticipation to see what other heights Kohli will scale in the years to come.