In a cricketing feat that echoes his dominance, Team India’s stalwart, Virat Kohli, etched his name in history by becoming the first batter to amass 2000+ runs in a calendar year for an astonishing seventh time. This exceptional achievement places Kohli ahead of cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Sourav Ganguly, among others.
The exclusive list of batters with 2000+ runs in a single year now stands as follows:
– Virat Kohli: 7*
– Kumar Sangakkara: 6
– Mahela Jayawardene: 5
– Sachin Tendulkar: 5
– Jacques Kallis: 4
– Matthew Hayden: 4
– Ricky Ponting: 4
– Sourav Ganguly: 4
Heading into the IND vs SA 1st Test, Virat Kohli required 66 runs to achieve the milestone in the year 2023. During the match, Kohli showcased his prowess with the bat, contributing 38 runs in the first innings and reaching 28 runs in the second innings. His performance not only secured his place in cricket history but also marked his 30th Test fifty.
While Kohli’s brilliance shone through, the rest of Team India faced challenges against South Africa’s formidable bowling attack. Skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill struggled to make an impact, highlighting the significance of Kohli’s contribution in the face of adversity.