Virat Kohli Surpasses MS Dhoni As India’s Second-Most Capped International Cricketer

Indian cricket has witnessed many legends throughout its rich history, but few have left as significant a mark as Virat Kohli. On Thursday, Kohli added yet another feather to his already illustrious cap by surpassing MS Dhoni to become India’s second-most capped international cricketer.

Milestone Moment for Kohli

At the start of the Test, Kohli was confirmed for his 536th international match, overtaking Dhoni’s record of 535 international appearances for India. This feat further solidifies Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket, spanning across various formats. While Dhoni remains an iconic figure, known for his cool captaincy and incredible finishing abilities, Kohli’s sheer consistency and dominance across all formats are truly remarkable. Kohli now stands second to Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most international appearances by an Indian cricketer with an astounding 664 matches.

India’s All-Time Appearance Leaders

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 664 Matches
2. Virat Kohli – 536 Matches (and counting)
3. MS Dhoni – 535 Matches

Kohli’s Staggering Career Numbers

Over the course of his career, Kohli has accumulated a jaw-dropping 27,041 runs, with 80 centuries across formats. This remarkable tally is only behind Tendulkar’s mammoth 34,357 runs and 100 centuries in international cricket. Kohli’s relentless hunger for runs, combined with his unmatched fitness levels, has helped him maintain his position as one of the most dominant players in modern cricket.

Kohli’s Format-Wise Appearances

• ODIs: 295 matches
• T20Is: 125 matches
• Tests: 116 matches (at the time of his milestone)

In addition to his overall achievements, Kohli is currently tied for eighth on the list of most Test appearances for India, having earned his 116th Test cap during the series against New Zealand. He is just 53 runs shy of becoming only the fourth Indian to cross the 9,000-run milestone in Test cricket. In a recent Test series against Bangladesh, he became the fastest batter to complete 27,000 international runs in just 594 innings, a testament to his consistency and mastery over the years.

Comparison with MS Dhoni

While Kohli has now surpassed Dhoni in terms of appearances, both players have left indelible marks on Indian cricket. Dhoni, known for his cool demeanor and astute captaincy, led India to numerous victories, including the famous 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Kohli, on the other hand, redefined fitness standards, brought a new level of intensity to the team, and became a run machine, breaking numerous records.