Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has etched his name deeper into the annals of cricket history by achieving another monumental milestone. During the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight clash against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Kohli surpassed the legendary Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
A Historic Innings and a New Record
Kohli entered the crucial match needing 33 runs to overtake Sangakkara's colossal tally of 28,016 runs across all formats. Displaying his characteristic composure and class, the former Indian captain reached the landmark with a well-constructed innings. He was eventually dismissed for 37 runs off 28 deliveries, but not before securing his place in the record books. This achievement further cements Kohli's status as one of the greatest batters the sport has ever seen.
The only cricketer now ahead of Kohli is the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, whose seemingly insurmountable record stands at 34,357 international runs. Kohli's current tally places him in truly elite company, with Sangakkara now in third place. The top of the all-time list features other legends like Australia's Ricky Ponting (27,483 runs) and Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene (25,957 runs).
The Road to the Top and World Cup Context
Kohli's ascent to this pinnacle has been built on over a decade and a half of consistent excellence across Test matches, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals. His journey to this record, however, has seen a slight dip in form during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Prior to the Bangladesh match, his scores in the tournament were 1, 4, and 0, making this knock of 37 runs a significant return to contributing runs for the team.
The match itself was vital for India's campaign in the Super Eight stage. Kohli's innings, combined with a blistering half-century from Hardik Pandya and a valuable contribution from Rishabh Pant, propelled India to a competitive total. The batting effort was backed by a disciplined bowling performance, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav's three-wicket haul, leading India to a convincing 50-run victory over Bangladesh.
What This Milestone Means for Cricket
Kohli breaking into the top two of international run-scorers is a testament to his extraordinary skill, fitness, and longevity. He achieved this feat in fewer innings than Kumar Sangakkara, highlighting his remarkable scoring rate and consistency. This record adds another layer to his already glittering career, which is adorned with numerous accolades including the fastest to many run milestones in ODI cricket.
While the focus for Kohli and the Indian team remains firmly on winning the T20 World Cup 2024, this personal milestone is a moment of celebration for cricket fans worldwide. It underscores the era of dominance he has enjoyed and sparks conversations about his eventual pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record. For now, the cricket world applauds King Kohli for once again redefining greatness and setting a new benchmark for generations to come.
