Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest Batter To Complete 26,000 Runs In International Cricket

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• Oct 19, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious cap on Thursday, becoming the fastest Indian batter to...

Digital Desk: Indian cricket star Virat Kohli added another feather to his illustrious cap on Thursday, becoming the fastest Indian batter to amass 26,000 international runs. The 34-year-old former Indian skipper achieved this remarkable milestone during the ongoing World Cup clash against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Kohli reached this feat when he completed his 77th run, surpassing the previous record held by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who took 600 innings to reach the milestone.

In a thrilling encounter, Kohli not only achieved a personal milestone but also played a pivotal role in securing a seven-wicket victory for his team, extending India's unbeaten streak at the ICC World Cup 2023. After coming to the crease following skipper Rohit Sharma's departure, Kohli had a dramatic start to his innings, facing two consecutive free-hits. He quickly found his rhythm and showcased his impeccable form, smashing a boundary and a six to open his account.

Virat Kohli now joins an exclusive club of just four batters who have reached the 26,000 international runs milestone, including Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs), Kumar Sangakkara from Sri Lanka (27,757 runs), and Australia's Ricky Ponting (27,368 runs). Kohli's remarkable numbers include 8,676 runs in 111 Test matches with an average of 49.29, featuring 29 centuries and as many fifties. In T20 internationals, he has accumulated 4,008 runs across 115 matches with an impressive average of 52.73. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Kohli boasts 13,342 runs at an average of 58.00.

After the thrilling victory against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli took a moment to speak with broadcasters, expressing his gratitude for being named the Player of the Match. He said, "Sorry for stealing it (PoTM award) from Jaddu, I wanted to make a big contribution. I have had a few fifties in World Cups, haven't really converted them. I just wanted to finish the game off this time around and hang on till the end, which is what I have done over the years for the team. It was a dream start for me, first four balls, two free-hits, a six and a four. Just calms you down and gets you into the innings."

Kohli also praised the pitch conditions, saying, "The pitch was pretty good and it allowed me to play my game - just time the ball, hit the gaps, run hard, and get the boundaries whenever needed." He highlighted the fantastic team spirit within the Indian camp, emphasizing the importance of momentum and camaraderie in a long tournament. Kohli concluded, "It's a special feeling playing at home, playing in front of all these people, we just want to make the most of it."

Virat Kohli's incredible achievement serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill as a cricketer. His legacy continues to grow as he etches his name in the annals of cricket history, inspiring future generations of cricketing talent. The cricketing world eagerly awaits more memorable moments from this living legend as the World Cup 2023 unfolds.