Virat Kohli is gearing up to make his inaugural T20I appearance since the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he secured the top position as the highest run-scorer. At 35 years old, he dominates the T20I charts, amassing 4,008 runs from 107 innings, featuring a century and 37 half-centuries.
Kohli departed from Mumbai heading to Indore for the impending second T20I clash between India and Afghanistan at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday, January 14. Notably, the prolific batsman was absent from the initial match due to personal commitments.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who stands on the cusp of a significant cricketing milestone. Currently, Kohli is merely 40 runs shy of joining an elite club by becoming the fifth cricketer ever to amass 12,000 runs on home turf in international cricket. A feat of this magnitude would propel him further into the annals of cricketing greatness.
Ranking of the leading five batsmen in international cricket based on runs scored on their home pitches:
Sachin Tendulkar – 14,192 runs
Ricky Ponting – 13,117 runs
Jacques Kallis – 12,305 runs
Kumar Sangakkara – 12,043 run
Virat Kohli – 11,960 runs
Delving into the records, the illustrious Sachin Tendulkar leads the charts with an astounding 14,192 runs on Indian grounds, followed closely by Ricky Ponting at 13,117 runs. Jacques Kallis and Kumar Sangakkara occupy the third and fourth spots with 12,305 and 12,043 runs, respectively, on their home pitches.
Kohli, currently occupying the fifth spot, boasts a stellar record with 11,960 runs from 216 matches, embellished with a commendable average of 59.50. His tally includes a remarkable 38 centuries and 59 half-centuries across various formats.
Should Kohli amass those pivotal 40 runs during the upcoming series, he would etch his name in history as only the second Indian cricketer to cross the 12,000-run mark on home soil. Furthermore, a robust performance could see him eclipsing Kumar Sangakkara’s record, requiring a tally of 84 runs to ascend to the fourth position.
Such an achievement would undeniably solidify his stature as one of the most formidable batsmen to grace home conditions, adding another illustrious chapter to his storied career.
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