In the opening Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, Virat Kohli had a rough start, getting out for a duck in just nine balls. Despite this setback, Kohli reached a monumental milestone in his cricket career. He overtook MS Dhoni to become the second player with the most international matches played for India across all formats.
Virat Kohli Record: Kohli Surpasses MS Dhoni to Secure Historic Record
- Kohli has now played 536 international matches, pushing Dhoni, who has 535 matches, to third place.
- Sachin Tendulkar continues to lead the list with an untouchable 664 matches played for India.
Kohli’s achievement is significant as he becomes a key figure in Indian cricket history, standing just behind Tendulkar. Even though Kohli is still actively playing, catching up to Tendulkar’s record might be a tough challenge.
Top Indian Players by Most International Matches Played
- Sachin Tendulkar – 664 matches
- Virat Kohli – 536 matches
- MS Dhoni – 535 matches
- Rahul Dravid – 504 matches
- Rohit Sharma – 486 matches
- Mohammad Azharuddin – 433 matches
- Sourav Ganguly – 421 matches
- Anil Kumble – 401 matches
- Yuvraj Singh – 399 matches
- Harbhajan Singh – 365 matches
Among these top players, only Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still active in international cricket. However, it remains to be seen how close they can get to Sachin Tendulkar’s tally, with Kohli having the best chance to bridge the gap.
Kohli and the Road Ahead: Can He Surpass Tendulkar?
- Consistency is Key: Kohli’s current form is crucial for him to continue climbing the ranks, but his recent struggles in the first Test innings show that consistency will be vital.
- Longevity Matters: To reach Tendulkar’s 664-match mark, Kohli will need to maintain his performance over the next few years.
- Challenges for Kohli: Injuries, team rotation, and form are all factors that could influence his ability to surpass the legendary mark.
Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have contributed significantly to Indian cricket, but reaching Tendulkar’s remarkable total seems like a distant possibility. While Kohli has the drive and potential, he’ll need to maintain both form and fitness in the long run to challenge this record.
Other Significant Indian Cricket Milestones
- MS Dhoni’s Legacy: Although he has been surpassed by Kohli, Dhoni’s contributions to Indian cricket as captain and player remain unmatched in many areas.
- Rohit Sharma’s Contribution: Rohit, who has played 486 matches, continues to be a crucial player for India and could also set new records before he retires.
FAQs About Virat Kohli’s Record and Cricket Milestones
- What record did Virat Kohli break recently?
Kohli surpassed MS Dhoni to become the second-highest Indian player in terms of most international matches played. - How many international matches has Virat Kohli played?
As of now, Kohli has played 536 international matches. - Who holds the record for most international matches for India?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 664 matches. - Is Virat Kohli still an active player?
Yes, Kohli is still actively playing for India. - Can Virat Kohli surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record?
While possible, it would be a tough challenge for Kohli to surpass Tendulkar’s record due to the high number of matches played. - How many matches has MS Dhoni played?
MS Dhoni played 535 international matches for India. - Who is the third-highest Indian player in international matches?
MS Dhoni holds third place with 535 matches. - How does Rohit Sharma rank in terms of international matches?
Rohit Sharma has played 486 matches, placing him fifth in the all-time list. - What is Sachin Tendulkar’s international match record?
Tendulkar’s record stands at 664 matches, the highest for any Indian player. - Who are the other players in the top five list?
Apart from Tendulkar, Kohli, and Dhoni, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma complete the top five.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Duck Record: Kohli Struggles Continue with Another Duck in Bengaluru Test