In a moment that further cements his legendary status, Virat Kohli scaled another monumental peak in his cricketing journey on Wednesday. The star batter entered the rarefied air of players with over 16,000 runs in List A cricket, a feat previously achieved by only one other Indian – the iconic Sachin Tendulkar.
A Milestone Marked by a Domestic Comeback
The historic moment unfolded during Delhi's opening fixture in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season against Andhra Pradesh. This match was significant not just for the record, but also because it marked Kohli's return to India's premier domestic 50-over competition after a gap of nearly 15 years. His participation is seen as a key part of the BCCI's initiative to have senior international players engage more with domestic cricket.
Kohli reached the landmark in his 343rd List A match, showcasing a staggering level of consistency. His career numbers in the format are nothing short of extraordinary: an average soaring above 57, accompanied by 57 centuries and 84 half-centuries. These figures are a testament to his dominance and longevity across different eras of the game.
Match Context and Kohli's Prolific Form
The milestone added a layer of excitement to an already keenly watched match. Earlier, Delhi captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to field. Andhra Pradesh capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions, posting a competitive total of 298 for 8. Their innings was anchored by a brilliant 122 off 105 balls from Ricky Bhui. For Delhi, the bowling honours were taken by pacer Simarjeet Singh, who registered impressive figures of 5 for 54 from his 10 overs.
Kohli's latest achievement is built on the back of a purple patch in international cricket. Heading into this domestic tournament, he was in scintillating form in ODIs. His last four international innings featured four consecutive scores of fifty or more, including:
- Back-to-back centuries against South Africa.
- An unbeaten 65 in the series decider that clinched a 2-1 victory for India.
Over the past year, Kohli has amassed 651 runs in 13 international innings at an average of 65.10, striking three hundreds and four fifties at a strike rate exceeding 96.
Significance and the Road Ahead
This return to domestic cricket serves a dual purpose. Beyond reconnecting with the grassroots of Indian cricket, it provides Kohli with valuable match practice ahead of India's important home ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on January 11. His presence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a massive boost for the tournament's profile and offers domestic bowlers a chance to test themselves against one of the modern greats.
By joining Sachin Tendulkar in the 16,000-run club, Kohli has once again etched his name alongside his childhood idol in the record books. This milestone reinforces his position as one of the most prolific and consistent batters in the history of limited-overs cricket, a format he has redefined with his relentless pursuit of excellence and fitness.
