IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli becomes the fourth Indian to reach 9,000 Test runs

In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has joined an elite list of Indian batters by becoming the fourth player to cross the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket. Kohli achieved this incredible milestone during India’s first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. Batting at No. 3, Kohli played a determined innings in India’s second-innings, reaching his half-century before surpassing the prestigious 9,000-run milestone.

Virat Kohli’s remarkable achievement places him in the esteemed company of Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. These iconic names are the only other Indian players to have crossed the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket. Kohli’s consistency and class in the longest format of the game have once again been highlighted, and this milestone further cements his legacy in the sport.

While Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in Test cricket for India with 15,921 runs, followed by Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122), Kohli’s recent feat is no less impressive. However, Virat Kohli, often referred to as the “godfather of cricket,” took the longest among the four to reach 9,000 runs, achieving the feat in his 197th innings. By comparison, Rahul Dravid reached the milestone in 176 innings, Sachin Tendulkar in 179, and Sunil Gavaskar in 192 innings.

King Kohli’s Road to 9,000 Runs

In the first innings, Kohli had a rare setback, getting dismissed for a nine-ball duck. However, as always, the handsome Virat Kohli showed resilience, putting the disappointment behind him as he led India’s fightback in the second innings. Batting in a rare position at No. 3 for the first time in eight years, King Kohli wore his Indian cricket team Test jersey with pride, helping India chase down a massive 356-run first-innings deficit after being bundled out for a shocking 46, their lowest Test total at home.

New Zealand posted a strong total of 402 in reply, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s hundred. Kohli, however, remained unfazed and demonstrated why he is still regarded as one of the best in the game. As he reached 9,000 Test runs, Kohli looked as composed and determined as ever, with fans cheering him on, hoping to catch a glimpse of a King Kohli photo in action.

Notably, this match also saw Kohli surpass former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s 535 international appearances, as he became the second-most capped Indian player in history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s staggering 664 matches.

The Handsome Virat Kohli in the Pantheon of Indian Cricket

Virat Kohli has consistently set new benchmarks in world cricket. Earlier in the year, during the Test series against Bangladesh, he became the fastest player in history to reach 27,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just 594 innings. His recent Test success against New Zealand has further solidified his standing as one of the greatest to have ever donned the India Test cricket jersey.

Kohli’s achievements will continue to inspire generations of cricket fans, and his journey to 9,000 Test runs marks yet another chapter in his illustrious career. With many more matches to play, Kohli will undoubtedly set his sights on breaking even more records in the future.

India’s Test Legends and Their Milestones

• Sachin Tendulkar: 15,921 runs
• Rahul Dravid: 13,288 runs
• Sunil Gavaskar: 10,122 runs
• Virat Kohli: 9,000* runs

Virat Kohli’s milestone not only adds to his personal achievements but also strengthens the legacy of Indian Test cricket. With his performances in the iconic Indian cricket team Test jersey, he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide. Fans of the godfather of cricket eagerly anticipate more stellar performances from the man often dubbed as King Kohli.

As the cricket world continues to marvel at Kohli’s greatness, one thing is certain: Virat Kohli’s place among the legends of the game is well and truly secured.