Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday in a major decision. This news came after the BCCI urged Kohli to reconsider his decision, keeping in mind the upcoming England series. However, Kohli clarified his decision on Instagram, stating his farewell to Test cricket.
Sports News: Virat Kohli, one of the biggest stars of Indian cricket, has retired from Test cricket. His cricketing career will forever be remembered as a golden chapter in the history of the game. He not only dominated batting throughout his illustrious career but also set numerous records. Kohli served the Indian Test cricket team for 14 years, establishing benchmarks that will inspire generations to come.
Virat Kohli’s list of records is extensive, including many significant achievements. Today, we take a look at some of his most remarkable records that further distinguish his Test cricket career.
1. 5000 Runs and 50+ Catches
Virat Kohli is among the select few players to have scored 5000 runs and taken over 50 catches in Test cricket. In 123 Test matches, he scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. Additionally, Kohli has taken 121 catches. This feat sets Kohli apart from other Indian cricketers. He joins legendary players like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly in this exclusive club.
2. Centuries in Both Innings
Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match. He achieved this feat against Australia in the 2014 Adelaide Test, scoring 115 runs in the first innings and 141 in the second. Other Indian cricketers like Vijay Hazare, Rahul Dravid, and Ajinkya Rahane have also achieved this record.
3. Century and Nervous Nineties in the Same Test
Kohli is one of the few players to have scored a century in one innings and been dismissed in the nervous nineties in the other innings of the same Test match. Kohli accomplished this against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2013 and again against England in Nottingham in 2018. This is a rare achievement, made even more impressive by Kohli's two instances.
4. Century and a Duck in the Same Test
Virat Kohli also holds the interesting record of scoring a century in one innings and a duck (0 runs) in the other innings of the same Test match. This unusual record came against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2017. He was dismissed without scoring in the first innings, while in the second, he remained unbeaten on 104 runs.
5. Most Double Centuries for India
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most double centuries scored by an Indian in Test cricket. He has scored seven double centuries, a remarkable achievement in Indian cricket history. This places him fourth overall in the list of players with the most double centuries. The record for the most double centuries in Test cricket belongs to Australian legend Sir Don Bradman, with 12.
6. Most Double Centuries in a Series
Kohli also holds the record for the most double centuries in a single Test series. He scored two double centuries in the three-match series against Sri Lanka in 2017/18, scoring 213 runs in Nagpur and 243 in Delhi. He amassed a total of 610 runs in this series. This record is notable in the history of Test cricket.
7. Most Centuries in a Series
Virat Kohli also holds the record for the most centuries in a Test series. He scored four centuries in a series during the 2014/15 tour of Australia. During this series, Kohli scored 692 runs in eight innings across four matches. His scores included 115 and 141 in Adelaide, 169 in Melbourne, and 147 in Sydney. Only Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar have achieved this feat among Indian batsmen.
8. Centuries Against Overseas Teams
Kohli holds another significant record for the most centuries scored in Test cricket while playing overseas. He has scored 9 centuries abroad. This record is a testament to his hard work and consistent performance on foreign pitches. This record is a significant milestone for Indian cricket.
9. Most Runs and Centuries as a Captain
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs and centuries scored as a captain in Test cricket. As captain, Kohli scored the most centuries (19) and runs (655) in Test cricket. His captaincy record is exceptional, and he led the Indian team to new heights. Virat Kohli also holds the record for the most runs scored in a series.
He scored 692 runs against Australia in 2014, the highest by an Indian in a series. This record is another significant achievement in Kohli's career.
10. Most Boundaries and Runs
Virat Kohli also holds the record for the most boundaries (1027) and runs (9230) in Test cricket. Both figures place him among the best players and reflect the quality of his game. Virat Kohli has scored the most centuries (9) against a single team in Test cricket. This record is against England, where Kohli showcased his batting prowess.
Virat Kohli's Test cricket record is truly remarkable. In 123 Test matches, he scored 30 centuries and 25 half-centuries. His career tally stands at 9230 runs, and he often bailed Indian cricket out of difficult situations with his outstanding performances. He has won a total of 10 Player of the Match awards and three Player of the Series awards.
Other Test Records of Kohli
- Most career runs (9230) - 19th overall.
- Most runs in a series (692) - 40th overall.
- Most runs in a calendar year (1322) - 35th overall.
- Most runs in lost Tests (combined innings) (256) - 7th overall.
- Most runs by a captain in a series (655) - 13th overall.
- Highest individual score by a captain (254*) - 19th overall.
- Most career centuries (30) - 30th overall.
- Most centuries in a calendar year (5) - 22nd overall.
- Most centuries against a single team (9) - 11th overall.
- Consecutive innings with centuries (3) - 5th overall.
- Consecutive matches with centuries (3) - 22nd overall.
- Most career boundaries (1027) - 26th overall.
- Most career matches (123) - 29th overall.
- Most Player of the Match awards (10) - 26th overall.
- Most Player of the Series awards (3) - 49th overall.
- Most matches as captain (68) - 6th overall.