Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest Batter to Reach 27,000 Runs, Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Record
Virat Kohli became the fastest batter to score 27,000 international runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, achieving this milestone in his 594th innings at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Monday.
In a remarkable achievement, Virat Kohli has added yet another feather to his already illustrious cap by becoming the fastest batter to reach 27,000 runs in international cricket. The milestone was achieved during the second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, on Monday, marking a historic moment in Kohli’s career and solidifying his place among the legends of the game.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Journey
At 35, Virat Kohli joins an exclusive club of elite batters who have surpassed the 27,000-run mark in international cricket. The list includes cricketing greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli’s achievement is even more significant because he reached the landmark in just 594 innings, surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 623 innings by a remarkable 29 innings.
Kohli’s latest feat is part of a series of records he has been breaking in recent years. In February 2023, he became the fastest player to reach 25,000 runs, surpassing Tendulkar by 28 innings. In October 2023, Kohli set another record by being the quickest to accumulate 26,000 runs, once again bettering Tendulkar’s record by 13 innings. His consistent form and unmatched hunger for runs continue to make him one of the finest batsmen of all time.
Fastest Players to Reach 27,000 International Runs
- Virat Kohli – 594 innings
- Sachin Tendulkar – 623 innings
- Kumar Sangakkara – 648 innings
- Ricky Ponting – 650 innings
Kohli’s Consistent Dominance Across Formats
Virat Kohli’s record of 27,000 international runs is a testament to his excellence across all formats of the game. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has amassed these runs through a combination of remarkable batting consistency, fitness, and determination. His 53.25 average at a strike rate of 79.61 across formats further emphasizes his ability to adapt to different playing conditions and challenges.
Key Career Stats (as of September 30, 2024):
- Matches: 534
- Innings: 594
- Runs: 27,000
- Highest Score: 254*
- Average: 53.25
- Strike Rate: 79.61
- Centuries: 80
- Half-Centuries: 140
Kohli’s adaptability is what makes him such a formidable opponent in any format of the game, whether it’s Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), or Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His ability to chase targets, especially in limited-overs cricket, has earned him the title of the “Chase Master.”
Comparisons with Legends: Kohli vs. Tendulkar
Kohli’s record of reaching 27,000 international runs in 594 innings is a significant improvement over Sachin Tendulkar’s 623 innings. Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” retired in 2013 with a total of 34,357 international runs, a benchmark that has long been considered untouchable. However, Kohli’s current trajectory puts him in a strong position to challenge Tendulkar’s overall tally, especially given his fitness and hunger for runs.
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 664 | 782 | 34,357 | 48.52 | 67.58 | 100 | 164 |
| Virat Kohli | 534 | 594 | 27,000 | 53.25 | 79.61 | 80 | 140 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 594 | 666 | 28,016 | 46.77 | 66.56 | 63 | 153 |
| Ricky Ponting | 560 | 668 | 27,483 | 45.95 | 68.48 | 71 | 146 |
Kohli’s Place Among the Greatest
Kohli’s inclusion in the 27,000-run club alongside Tendulkar, Sangakkara, and Ponting solidifies his place in the pantheon of cricketing greats. With 80 international centuries, he is well on his way to challenging Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
In addition to his outstanding batting record, Kohli has also contributed significantly as a captain. His leadership on the field, particularly in Test cricket, has played a crucial role in India’s dominance in international cricket in recent years.
Conclusion: A Modern-Day Legend
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking career has been one for the ages, and his achievement of becoming the fastest batter to reach 27,000 international runs is a testament to his brilliance. As he continues to break records and set new benchmarks, Kohli remains a player whose impact on the game will be remembered for generations.
At 35, Kohli shows no signs of slowing down, and cricket fans around the world can only watch in awe as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in international cricket.
What do you think of Virat Kohli’s latest record? Do you think he will surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s overall tally of 34,357 runs? Let us know in the comments below!
