Virat Kohli’s six in a World Cup match made him the fastest cricketer to reach 26,000 international runs, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
On October 19, cricket history witnessed a significant moment as Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket superstar, achieved a remarkable feat. Kohli became the fastest cricketer in history to reach 26,000 international runs, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record. This accomplishment took place during a World Cup match in Pune when Kohli struck a magnificent six. In this article, we delve into the details of Kohli’s record-breaking achievement and the controversy that ensued.
Breaking the Record
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Virat Kohli achieved the milestone of 26,000 international runs, making him the fastest to reach this figure in the history of cricket. Prior to the World Cup match against Bangladesh, Kohli had already amassed an impressive 25,923 runs from 566 innings. It was during this match that he etched his name into the record books with a resounding six, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe.
Kohli’s Remarkable Statistics
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking achievement cements his status as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. With 78 centuries and 134 half-centuries across all formats, his total runs now stand at 26,026 from 567 innings. Currently, only three players are ahead of him in the all-time run-scorers list: Ricky Ponting (27,483), Kumara Sangakkara (28,016), and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (34,357). This exceptional performance also pushed Mahela Jayawardene (25,957) to the fifth spot in the list.
World Cup Feats
Kohli’s excellence isn’t limited to just regular international matches. In the ODI World Cups, he has accumulated 1,289 runs in 30 matches, with three centuries to his name. His World Cup batting average stands at an impressive 53.70. Notably, Kohli made his World Cup debut in 2011 with an unbeaten century against Bangladesh. Interestingly, his most recent World Cup century, achieved on October 19, 2023, also came against Bangladesh. In 2015, he had another stellar performance, scoring a century against Pakistan in Adelaide.
Controversy Surrounding Kohli’s 48th Century
However, Virat Kohli’s journey to his 48th century was not without controversy. During the match against Bangladesh, umpire Richard Kettleborough found himself at the center of attention due to his decision not to award a Wide Ball. With Kohli just three runs away from his century and Nasum Ahmed bowling, India needed only two runs to secure the victory. In limited-overs cricket, a delivery down the leg side is typically considered a wide ball. Nevertheless, Kettleborough’s decision to not call it as such stirred up discussions and debates.
Kohli’s World Cup Legacy
Virat Kohli’s achievement in this World Cup marked his fourth appearance in the tournament. Notably, he is one of the few players, alongside R Ashwin, who was a part of India’s world champion team in 2011. Kohli’s remarkable journey in cricket continues to captivate fans around the world as he etches his name in the annals of the sport’s history.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s record-breaking achievement in becoming the fastest cricketer to reach 26,000 international runs is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. With a remarkable career marked by numerous centuries and consistent performance, Kohli’s name now stands among the cricketing legends, and he continues to make history in the world of cricket.
