Virat Kohli Completes 16,000 Runs in Asia, Returns to Form with Crucial Fifty Against England

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli reached another remarkable milestone on Wednesday, becoming only the second Indian batter to score 16,000 international runs in matches played in Asia. The 36-year-old achieved this feat during the third ODI against England at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, where he played a vital knock to help India secure a series whitewash.

With this achievement, Kohli joined an elite list of batters who have dominated cricket in Asia. In 312 international matches in the region, he has now amassed 16,025 runs at an impressive average of 56.82, including 52 centuries and 79 fifties. His highest individual score remains 254*. The only players ahead of him in terms of most runs in Asia are Sachin Tendulkar (21,266 runs), Kumar Sangakkara (18,423 runs), and Mahela Jayawardene (17,386 runs).

Kohli also broke another record, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 3,990 runs against England to become India’s highest run-scorer against them across formats. He now has 4,036 runs in 87 matches and 109 innings, at an average of 41.18, including eight centuries and 24 fifties, with a best score of 235.

His record against England at home is exceptional, having scored 2,176 runs in 44 matches at an average of 50.60, including five centuries and 13 fifties. However, away from home, his numbers drop slightly, with 1,749 runs in 38 matches at an average of 34.98, featuring three centuries and 10 half-centuries.

Kohli’s innings of 52 off 55 balls was a promising sign for Indian fans, as he appeared to regain his touch with the bat. His knock included seven boundaries and a six, showcasing glimpses of his trademark strokeplay. He looked particularly strong against spin, using his backfoot shots effectively and finding boundaries off Joe Root. He also demonstrated good footwork, employing the sweep shot to counter the spinners.

This fifty will serve as a confidence booster for Kohli ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, beginning on February 19. Over the past year, he has struggled with poor form and technical weaknesses, particularly against spin and deliveries outside the off-stump.

His struggles were evident throughout the 2024-25 Test season, which began with the home series against Bangladesh and concluded with the Australia tour. Kohli managed just 382 runs in 10 matches and 19 innings at a low average of 22.87, with only one century and one half-century. His performances in the Ranji Trophy this year were also disappointing, scoring just six runs against Railways before being bowled by Himanshu Sangwan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Last year, Kohli endured one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, accumulating only 655 international runs in 23 matches and 32 innings at an average of 21.83, with a lone century and two fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 100*.

In the ongoing England series, his performances were mixed, scoring just five runs in the first match before his solid fifty in the third ODI.

England won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third ODI. India made the most of their opportunity with the bat, posting a formidable total of 356 in their 50 overs. The innings was built on a brilliant century by Shubman Gill (112 off 102 balls), along with valuable half-centuries from Kohli (52 off 55 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (78 off 64 balls). KL Rahul also played a quick cameo, scoring 40 off 29 balls.

For England, Adil Rashid was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/64 in 10 overs. Mark Wood (2/45), Joe Root (1/39), Gus Atkinson (1/52), and Saqib Mahmood (1/58) contributed with wickets but struggled to contain India’s batting lineup.

In response, England started well, with openers Ben Duckett (34 off 22 balls) and Phil Salt (23 off 21 balls) providing a 60-run stand. However, wickets started falling at regular intervals. A brief resistance came from Tom Banton (38 off 41 balls) and Joe Root (24 off 29 balls), but India’s bowlers proved too strong.

England collapsed to 214 all out in 34.2 overs, losing by a massive 142 runs. India’s dominant bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/30), Axar Patel (2/40), Hardik Pandya (2/35), and Kuldeep Yadav (1/54), ensured a comprehensive victory.

With India securing a clean sweep against England, the focus now shifts to the ICC Champions Trophy. Kohli’s return to form with a composed half-century is a significant positive, as the veteran batter will be crucial in India’s middle order. After a tough year with the bat, this knock could be the turning point he needed to regain his best touch.