Subhayan Chakraborty
Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern greats, has carved a legacy that few can rival. With over 9,000 Test runs, a staggering 29 centuries, and a batting average that has often hovered around the elite 50-mark, his place in the pantheon of cricketing legends is secure. As he calls it quits from the longest format, his terrific Test career feels a bit unfulfilled without the 10,000-run milestone. Yes, Kohli has repeatedly said that he has never played for landmarks and records, yet him not touching the mount 10k feels like a bittersweet ending to what was an iconic career in whites.
In Test cricket, 10,000 runs is more than a statistical benchmark. It highlights endurance, consistency, and mastery over the game’s most gruelling format. Only 12 players in history have breached this mark, including icons like Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Ricky Ponting (13,378), and Rahul Dravid (13,288). For Kohli, who has often been compared to these giants, crossing 10,000 runs would have cemented his status among the all-time greats.
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Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. He needed another 770 runs, a target that, on paper, seemed well within his grasp. However, recent form, age, and the ticking clock of his career add layers of complexity to this pursuit. Could he have completed it in the next three Test series against England, West Indies and South Africa?
Kohli’s Test career has been a classic. He has led India to historic victories, including a series win in Australia in 2018–19, and has been the linchpin of India’s batting lineup for over a decade. His 29 Test centuries include iconic knocks like the 149 at Edgbaston in 2018 and the 186 in Ahmedabad in 2023, showcasing his ability to dominate in diverse conditions.
Beyond numbers, Kohli has redefined Test batting with his intensity, fitness, and unrelenting hunger for runs. His transformation of India’s Test team into a formidable unit, particularly overseas, is a legacy that transcends personal milestones. For many fans, these contributions outweigh the symbolic weight of 10,000 runs. After all, even the great Sir Don Bradman (6,996 runs) is revered despite never reaching the milestone.
His recent struggles in Test cricket added fuel to the narrative of an unfulfilled career. Since 2020, Kohli’s Test average has dipped to around 35, with only sporadic flashes of his vintage brilliance. The last few series against Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh tested his technique and resilience.
Kohli, had he reached the 10k-run milestone in whites, would have had a fitting capstone — but its absence won’t diminish his impact. He has inspired a generation, redefined fitness in cricket, and elevated India’s Test prowess to new heights. While the missing last 770 runs will hurt Kohli’s massive fanbase, his impact in Test cricket will remain second to none.