Virat Kohli completes 9000 Test runs, slowest Indian to do so

Virat Kohli showcased his class on Day 3 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, reaching a career milestone of 9000 runs in Test cricket. Kohli, who scored his 31st Test half-century, achieved this feat during India’s second innings on Friday, October 18, 2024. His 53-run knock in the 42nd over not only helped India consolidate their position but also added another chapter to Kohli’s remarkable career.

By surpassing the 9000-run mark, Kohli joined an elite list of Indian batters that includes Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. However, Kohli took 197 innings to reach the milestone, making him the slowest among these four legendary players. Despite the slower pace to the record, Kohli's half-century marked his first 50-plus score in Test cricket this year, effectively silencing critics who questioned his form leading up to the match.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium was treated to a classic Kohli performance as he took charge of the innings. Batting at No. 3, Kohli arrived at the crease following Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal. The initial phase of his innings was challenging, particularly against New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. It took Kohli 14 balls to get off the mark, but once he settled in, he unleashed his trademark drives and shots down the ground, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Kohli found a valuable partner in Sarfaraz Khan, with the two helping India rebuild after early setbacks. While Sarfaraz opted for a more aggressive approach, Kohli focused on playing calculated and precise shots, showing the patience and class that have defined his illustrious career. The crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was behind him every step of the way, erupting in cheers with each stroke.