Indian star batsman Virat Kohli recently scored 70 runs in the second innings of the first Test match against New Zealand. During this innings, Kohli also completed 9000 runs in Test cricket. While he became only the fourth Indian batsman to achieve this milestone, Kohli is the slowest among them to reach it. Let’s take a look at the five batters who achieved 9000 Test runs the fastest.
5. Ricky Ponting (177 Innings)
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting completed his 9000 Test runs in 177 innings. Ponting reached this milestone during his 106th Test match, which took place in November 2006 against England in Brisbane. His achievement solidified his place as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.
4. Brian Lara (177 Innings)
West Indies legend Brian Lara also completed 9000 Test runs in 177 innings, similar to Ponting. Lara achieved this feat in January 2004 against South Africa in Cape Town during his 101st Test match. It took him 13 years and 27 days to reach this milestone, making him one of the quickest to do so.
3. Rahul Dravid (176 Innings)
Among Indian batsmen, Rahul Dravid is the fastest to score 9000 Test runs. Dravid reached this landmark during his 176th innings in June 2006 against the West Indies in Kingston. He achieved the feat in his 104th Test match, taking 10 years and 10 days to complete 9000 runs in the longest format of the game.
2. Steve Smith (174 Innings)
Australian batsman Steve Smith holds the second spot for the fastest 9000 Test runs. Smith accomplished this milestone in June 2023 against England at Lord’s during his 99th Test match. It took him 12 years and 350 days to complete his 9000 Test runs, highlighting his incredible consistency.
1. Kumar Sangakkara (172 Innings)
Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the fastest 9000 Test runs, achieving this feat in just 172 innings. Sangakkara reached this milestone in November 2011 against Pakistan in Sharjah. It took him 11 years and 106 days to complete 9000 runs in Test cricket, a record that still stands today.
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