In a monumental achievement that further cements his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has scaled another historic peak. The former India captain has now become the second-highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket, surpassing the legendary Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara.
A Landmark Innings and a Historic Feat
The historic moment unfolded during India's second ODI against South Africa in Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Kohli, playing a characteristically composed innings, needed 31 runs to go past Sangakkara's monumental tally. He achieved the feat with a classic drive, etching his name deeper into the annals of cricket history. This accomplishment adds another glittering jewel to Kohli's already illustrious crown, showcasing his remarkable consistency and longevity across all three formats of the game.
The Numbers Behind the Giant Leap
Kumar Sangakkara's international career, spanning from 2000 to 2015, culminated in a staggering 28,016 runs from 594 matches. Virat Kohli, with his knock in Gqeberha, moved beyond that figure. The only batsman now ahead of the Indian superstar is the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, whose seemingly insurmountable record of 34,357 runs stands as the ultimate benchmark. Kohli's journey to this point is a testament to his insatiable appetite for runs and his fitness, allowing him to perform at the highest level for over a decade.
Kohli's statistics across formats are a reflection of his dominance:
- Test Cricket: Over 8,000 runs at an average above 49.
- ODI Cricket: More than 13,000 runs, including 50 centuries, with an average hovering around 58.
- T20 Internationals: Over 4,000 runs, the highest in the format, with a stellar strike rate.
What This Milestone Means for Cricket
Surpassing a player of Kumar Sangakkara's caliber is not merely about moving up a spot on a list; it is a symbolic passing of the torch. Sangakkara is widely regarded as one of the most elegant and prolific left-handed batters the sport has ever seen. For Kohli to overtake him underscores the Indian's place among the pantheon of cricketing legends. It reignites the conversation about the greatest batters of the modern era and places Kohli firmly in the centre of that discussion.
The achievement also highlights the incredible standard of batting in contemporary cricket. While Sachin Tendulkar's record remains the distant summit, Kohli's relentless pursuit demonstrates that modern players, with their rigorous training and packed schedules, are pushing the boundaries of scoring. It sets up an intriguing narrative for the remainder of Kohli's career, as fans and pundits alike will now watch to see how close he can get to the 'Master Blaster's' final tally.
The Road Ahead and the Ultimate Summit
Now sitting comfortably in second place, Virat Kohli's next and final frontier is the summit held by his childhood idol, Sachin Tendulkar. The gap is significant, over 6,000 runs, but if any current player has the technique, temperament, and tenacity to mount a challenge, it is Kohli. His fitness and passion for the game suggest he has several productive years left. Every inning he plays from now on will be measured against this ultimate goal, adding a thrilling subplot to the twilight years of his career.
This milestone is more than just a personal triumph for Virat Kohli; it is a moment of celebration for Indian cricket and its billions of supporters worldwide. It reaffirms India's position as a powerhouse of batting talent and inspires the next generation to dream big. As Kohli continues his journey, each run will not just contribute to India's cause but also carve his legacy a little deeper into the heart of the sport's history.
