With 9,230 runs in 123 matches, Virat Kohli retires as one of India’s most successful Test batters — but just 770 runs short of the iconic 10,000-run milestone. His decision to step away from red-ball cricket now raises the big question: Could Kohli have joined the elite 10,000-run club if he played just one more year?
Kohli, who last scored a Test century against West Indies in 2023, averaged 46.85 across 210 innings. With India set for a full Test calendar in the next 12–18 months, including home series and the England tour, Kohli likely had enough opportunity to get there — especially given his form in 2023.
Had he continued, Kohli would have become just the seventh Indian batter — after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Sourav Ganguly — to breach the 10,000-run mark in Tests.
Even globally, only 14 players in history have scored more than 10,000 Test runs. Kohli, who sits at 17th on the all-time list, retires with more centuries (30) than many above him, and still has the highest number of Test hundreds as Indian captain (20).
In the modern era of workload management and format specialization, Kohli’s tally stands out. His consistency across conditions, dominance during 2016–2019, and passion for the format shaped India’s rise to No.1 in Tests.
A decision of timing, not form
At 36, Kohli could still have competed for another couple of years. But his decision reflects clarity — choosing to exit while still performing, rather than chasing records. The 10,000-mark may remain untouched, but his legacy is already written in bold — as a generational leader, a modern Test giant, and India’s double century king.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash