Virat Kohli bid his goodbye to T20 International Cricket after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 with his nation. He was coming into this World Cup after a brilliant season in the IPL 2024 with the bat. He won the Orange Cap, scoring 741 runs for RCB. Virat Kohli's record has been really impressive in the T20 World Cup too but he was failing to play a single big inning in this editon of the T20 Cricket World Cup. However, it was saved for a big day as he played a mature 76-run inning in the Final. In this article, we look at Virat Kohli's record in the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Most runs in T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli leading the list

Virat Kohli featured in six T20 World Cups (2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2024). He is leading the run-scoring list with 1292 runs in 33 innings. Rohit Sharma, Mahela Jayawardene, and Jos Buttler are the only other players to score over 1000 runs. 

• Virat Kohli: 1292 runs

• Rohit Sharma: 1220 runs

• Mahela Jayawardene: 1016 runs

• Jos Buttler: 1013 runs

• David Warner: 984 runs

Most Half Centuries in T20 World Cup history 

In 33 innings at the T20 World Cups, Kohli has scored 15 half-centuries, which is the most by any player in the tournament's history. 

• Virat Kohli: 15

• Rohit Sharma: 12

• David Warner: 8

• Chris Gayle: 7

• Mahela Jayawardene: 6

• Tillakaratne Dilshan: 6

Virat Kohli's strike rate in T20 World Cups

Virat Kohli is the only batsman to have faced over 1003 balls, holding the record for the most balls faced in T20 World Cup history (1003 balls). His strike rate of 128.81 is not the best but it still helped India win several matches. Kohli knew exactly when to switch the gears in the limited overs format.

Strike rates of the top five run-getters in T20 World Cups:

• Virat Kohli: 128.81
• Rohit Sharma: 133.04
• Mahela Jayawardene: 134.74
• Jos Buttler: 147.23
• David Warner: 134.24

Read Also: India's Results in T20 World Cup Semis

Average over 58 in the Competition

In 33 T20 WC innings since 2012, Kohli finished on an average of 58.72, best for any player scoring at least 300 runs. Hayden and Justin Kemp have higher averages than him but they haven't struck 300 runs either.

Highest averages in T20 World Cups (min. 300 runs)

• Virat Kohli: 58.72

• Michael Hussey: 54.63

• Kevin Pietersen: 44.61

• Jos Buttler: 42.20

• JP Duminy: 40.57

Virat Kohli's overall record in T20 World Cups

Also Read: Teams and Result of Every T20 World Cup Finals

Virat Kohli's 5 Best Knocks in T20 World Cups:

78* in 61 balls vs Pakistan | ICC WT20 2012

Chasing a total of 129, India lost Gautam Gambhir in the first over, which put India under immense pressure. However, Virat helped India chase the target inside 17.2 overs, playing an unbeaten knock of 78 runs.

72* in 44 balls vs South Africa | ICC WT20 2014

In the 2014 semi-final against South Africa, India had to chase 173 runs, and the 'chase master' stepped up once again. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane provided India with a good start but soon they lost their wickets and the Men in Blues needed over 90 runs in the last few overs.

Virat switched gears after reading the situation and chased down the target in the first delivery of the 20th over. Kohli remained unbeaten on 72, with a strike rate of 163.64.

55* in 37 balls vs Pakistan | ICC WT20 2016

Virat Kohli's record against Pakistan has always been impressive. The 2016 group stage game between India and Pakistan was hit by rain, but the fans got to see an 18-overs-per-side game, where Pakistan scored 118 runs after batting first.

Pakistan started brilliantly with the ball and the Men in Blues to 23-3 after 4.4 overs. However, Kohli once again stepped up and rescued his side from the mess. He finished the game with 55 runs and completed the run chase easily.

82* in 51 balls vs Australia | ICC WT20 2016

India had to defeat Australia in their final group-stage game of the 2016 T20 World Cup to secure their spot in the semi-final. Both teams had played three games, winning two and losing one.

Batting first, the Aussies scored 160 runs. It looked like a comfortable chase for the Indian side but the Aussies started superbly with the bowl and reduced their opponent to 49-3 after 7.4 overs. The responsibility of chasing down the total was upon the shoulders of King Kohli and he delivered once again.

Kohli started slowly and rotated the strike as much as possible to keep the scoreboard ticking. But, then he switched his gears and just punished the Aussies in the last few overs to snatch away the victory. India needed 39 runs in the last three overs, but Kohli made it 20 in the final two by hitting 19 runs in Faulkner's over.

In the second last over, Kohli scored four boundaries to almost secure the victory. Dhoni finished off the game on the first ball of the final over to send India to the semi-finals. Kohli smashed 32 runs in his final 11 deliveries and ended on 82 facing only 51 deliveries.

82* in 53 balls vs Pakistan | ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2022

Batting first, Pakistan scored 159 runs in Melbourne. The Pakistani bowling line-up then made it difficult for the Indian team to chase the total. India lost four wickets inside the powerplay and were on the edge.

Kohli then did the unthinkable. He and Hardik Pandya added 113 runs for the fifth wicket. India needed 48 runs in the final three overs. However, Kohli showed his big-hitting abilities. He once again switched his gears at the right moment and pulled off some magnificent shots. Kohli scored 15 runs in five balls in the 18th over as Afridi conceded 18 runs. King Kohli then produced one of the greatest shots in cricket history in the 19th over as hit Rauf for a six straight over his head, playing the shot on the backfoot.  

India needed 16 runs in the last over to win the match and they did it. They got a little bit of help from young bowler Nawaz of Pakistan but without Kohli's inning, it was just impossible. This inning of Virat Kohli is by far his best-ever T20I inning, and certainly one of the best innings in T20 history which is another reason why BCCI selected Kohli in the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup as well.

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are two such names in Test cricket who have taken Indian cricket to new heights. While Sachin is called the 'God of Cricket', Virat has proved himself to be the greatest batsman of the modern era with his aggressive style and consistency.

Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket after playing the format for 14 odd years. Kohli, also the former Test captain of India, made his debut in the format in 2011, and since then he had been India's main man in the red ball format.

Also Read: Virat Kohli in Tests: In Numbers

So let's take a look at Sachin vs Kohli stats comparison in Test cricket.

Tendulkar's Test career

Sachin Tendulkar played his first test match in 1989 against Pakistan. He played 200 test matches for the Indian cricket team, in which he remained unbeaten 33 times in 329 innings and managed to score 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. He scored 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. Tendulkar's best score in Test cricket was 248* runs. Sachin played his last Test match in the year 2013.

Kohli's Test Career

Kohli played his first Test match in 2011 against West Indies. He was last seen playing against the Australia in January 2025. He scored 9,230 runs in 210 innings of 123 matches at an average of 46.85. He scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries from his bat. Kohli's best score has been 254*. During this period, Kohli also remained unbeaten in 13 innings.

Sachin vs Kohli | Stats at number four

Tendulkar played 177 Test matches for India at number four. He was successful in scoring 13,492 runs in 275 innings at an average of 54.40. He scored 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries. His best score was 248*.

Kohli managed to score 7,564 runs at an average of 50.09 in 160 innings of 98 matches at number four. He scored 26 centuries and 21 half-centuries. His best score was 254* runs.

Sachin vs Kohli | Stats as a captain

Tendulkar captained India in 25 Test matches. The team won 4 matches and lost 9 matches. 12 matches were drawn. His winning percentage was 30.76.

Kohli captained the Indian team in 68 matches. The team won 40 matches and lost 17 matches. 11 matches were drawn. Kohli's winning percentage was 70.17.

Sachin vs Kohli | Most Test matches

This is one record that will be very hard to break for anybody. Let's just say that at this moment in time, it looks impossible to break Sachin Tendulkar's record for most Test matches.

Often regarded as the 'God of Cricket', Sachin Tendulkar played 200 Test matches in his illustrious career, whereas Virat Kohli ends his career with 123 Test matches.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

Sachin vs Kohli | Most centuries

This is one record that Kohli was expected to break, but unfortunately, he did fall short of going past Sachin Tendulkar. But this does not take away the fact that Kohli is an all-time great and is one of the geniuses that the game has ever seen.

Sachin Tendulkar has 51 Test hundreds to his name, whereas Kohli ends his career with 30 Test hundreds.

Sachin vs Kohli | Most Test Runs

Kohli and Sachin, they have scored runs around the globe and in all conditions. This makes them two greats to have ever played the game. Sachin ended his Test career with 15,921 runs, whereas Kohli called time on his career after scoring 9,230 runs.

Virat Kohli has left a void in Test cricket as he decided to conclude his journey in whites. His entire test career was like gifted moments of immense pride for India. His commitment, influence on team culture, fitness standards, and aggresive approach to the game had a transformative impact on test cricket.

Today, the world bows down to the king as he steps down the throne. See how the cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement.

"It's not easy.. but it feels right": Says Kohli on his retirement post

On 12th May, 2025, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, announcing his retirement from the test format. Fans express how his retirement from the T20Is was understandable, but this feels different like a personal loss.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Virat ending the caption with "I will always look back at my Test career with a smile" is something that the whole nation can connect to, with waves of emotions.

A chorus of reactions: the cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement 

From heartwarming messages to showing respect and admiration for his huge contribution in Tests, the emotions have been overflowing through social media platforms.

Here's what the cricketing world has to say about the King's decision to step away.

Indian cricketers on Kohli's legacy 

Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravi Shastri, as well as Virat's current teammates have penned down their thoughts on his retirement.

Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration.
Good luck going forward #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/GSh1Ca6I3G

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025

Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025

Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli

Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025

Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time i saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best… pic.twitter.com/JP9yxQnnWC

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 12, 2025

There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.
And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025

"A man with lion's passion," says the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

A man with lion’s passion!
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025

Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant and others on twitter. "Legend retires, legacy remains," added Axar Patel on his tweet.

Kehna asaan hai..samajhna mushkil.
Legend retires, legacy remains. Thank you, Virat bhai @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/O4d7E4U5sW

— Axar Patel (@akshar2026) May 12, 2025

The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai.
#RP17 pic.twitter.com/jeKH5mYogS

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 12, 2025

Cricketers worldwide on Kohli's test exit

From his closest mate AB de Villiers to Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, every cricketer across the world has something to say about this!

Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025

All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes

— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) May 12, 2025

The former England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen's astonished reaction to Virat's retirement decision.

Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 12, 2025

Read Also: Virat Kohli in Tests: In Numbers

Anushka Sharma reflects on Virat's time in Test cricket 

Through the highs and lows of his career, there has been one constant support of his wife, Anushka Sharma, who has now shared her thoughts on Virat Kohli's test retirement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma)

Virat Kohli has decided to retire from Test cricket. He has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about this. However, BCCI has asked him to consider his decision. Earlier on Thursday, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket through a social media post.

According to media reports, Kohli has decided to retire and has told the board that he is saying goodbye to Test cricket. BCCI asked him to think again as an important tour of England is coming up. At present, he has not responded to BCCI's statement.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

Let's take a look at the performance of Virat Kohli in Tests.

Scored less than 25 average in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Virat's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was not good. He scored runs at an average of 23.75 in this series. He got out on a ball outside the off stump 7 times out of 8. In BGT, Kohli scored 190 runs in 9 innings including an unbeaten century.

In the last 5 years, he scored only 3 centuries in 37 Tests and his average was below 35. Earlier, Kohli had retired from T20I cricket, but he was in tremendous form in IPL 2025. He has scored 505 runs in 11 matches so far.

Kohli's performance in BGT 2024-2025

Virat Kohli in Tests | Career so Far

36-year-old Kohli has scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests so far. He has also scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in his innings.

Kohli scored most centuries against Australia

Virat Kohli has scored 30 centuries in his Test career. Out of these, he has scored the most number of centuries i.e. 9 against Australia. Whereas he has scored the least number of centuries i.e. 2 against Bangladesh.

Kohli scored most centuries in his Test career in Indian soil

Kohli has scored 30 centuries in Tests. Out of these, he has scored the most 14 centuries in India. He has scored only one century in New Zealand.

Kohli was better captain than Rohit and Dhoni in Tests

Rohit Sharma and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are the captains who have won ICC trophies for India. On the other hand, there is Virat Kohli. He has never been able to win an ICC tournament as a captain. However, when it comes to Test cricket, as a leader he seems miles ahead of both Dhoni and Rohit.

Under Rohit's captaincy, Team India even had to face a clean sweep from New Zealand. This never happened under Kohli's captaincy. He captained Team India in 11 Test series on Indian soil. India won all the 11 series.

Kohli captained for the first time on home ground against South Africa in 2015. With the support of Ashwin and Jadeja and Kohli's attacking field strategy, India won the 4 Test series 3-0. From here onwards, the team won all the Test series at home under Kohli's captaincy.

Kohli's captaincy in Tests (Home Tests)

Kohli's captaincy in Tests (Away Tests)

Also Read: Most successful Test captains from India

Scored 7 double centuries as captain

Batsman Virat Kohli gave his best performance under the presence of every captain, but when he himself became the captain, he turned all the shortcomings of Test batting into achievements. Kohli scored a record 7 double centuries under his own captaincy.

Kohli could not do much with the bat during the 2014 tour of England, but in 2018 he turned it around and became the top run scorer of the series. He scores runs every time in Australia, and he also scored a century in South Africa, which proved why ICC named him the best cricketer of the decade in 2020.

Due to the increasing conflict between India and Pakistan, BCCI has postponed the IPL 2025 for a week. BCCI gave this information on Friday. The board said that it has taken this decision keeping in mind the concerns of the players and the sentiments of the fans. The new schedule of IPL will be released depending on the situation.

At the same time, according to media reports, all foreign players have been asked to return to their country. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and South Africa Cricket Board have expressed concern over their players. There are still 12 league matches and 4 playoff matches left in IPL 2025. The final of the tournament was to be held on 25 May.

Also Read: India-Pakistan War: How Indian athletes reacted to it

It is believed that India's tour of Bangladesh in August will be cancelled. The Asia Cup to be held in September will also be postponed. The remaining matches of IPL can be held in India in their place.

It is difficult for BCCI to bring back foreign players

The biggest challenge for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in resuming the IPL in May is to bring back foreign players. As soon as the IPL was announced to be postponed for a week, most of the foreign players returned to their respective countries. The remaining players will leave India by Saturday.

It will be interesting to see how BCCI brings back the foreign players and restarts the tournament. Because without them, it will be difficult to organize matches.

Players will start playing for the country

If the IPL resumes at the end of May, most of the foreign players will be able to return. The teams believe so. If these matches are played after May 25, it will be difficult for the players to return. The biggest reason for this is that many players will be playing for their national team then.

The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also scheduled to be held between the Australia and the South Africa at Lord's from June 11.

Starting the tournament is not easy

BCCI has kept all three grounds ready. Despite this, officials believe that it will not be easy to restart this competition now. All the teams were informed about this on Friday without any formal announcement. People from many teams are saying that all the remaining matches can be held at the end of the year.

Punjab-Delhi match had to be canceled midway

On the night of 8 May at around 8.30 pm, Pakistan attacked the borders of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan of India with missiles and drones. During this time, a match was being played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It had to be stopped midway.

Gujarat on top, 3 teams out of the playoffs race

By the time IPL 2025 was halted midway, 57 matches of the league stage had been completed. The 58th match was halted midway. After 57 matches, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore had the highest points in the points table with 16-16 points.

GT remained on top due to better run rate. Punjab was third, Mumbai fourth and Delhi fifth. Whereas Chennai, Rajasthan and Hyderabad teams were out of the playoff race.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Gujarat-Bengaluru have 3-3 matches left

When the tournament was stopped, 4 teams had 2-2 matches left. Whereas 6 teams including Gujarat and Bangalore had not played 3-3 matches. A match was to be played between Lucknow and Bangalore in Lucknow on Friday, but the tournament was stopped before that.

If anyone has followed cricket casually over the last decade, they're likely familiar with four key names: former Indian captain Virat Kohli, batting genius Steve Smith, English great Joe Root, and New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson.

They together are known as the 'Fab Four' in the modern era of cricket.

Each of them has set new benchmarks for performance, continually pushing one another to enhance their skills. These four batsmen have not only dominated the world of cricket but have also met the expectations of their respective nations.

In this article, we will examine the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

Fav Four in cricket: How many runs & centuries have they scored in International Cricket?

Virat Kohli has been the most prolific all-format batter among the fav-four. Kohli, till now in his 550 international games, has scored 27,599 runs with an outstanding average of 52.27. His record of 82 international centuries is only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Joe Root comes in second among them with 20,724 runs so far for England across formats. However, undoubtedly, he has been the best test batter of his generation with 12972 test runs, which sets him as the highest test run scorer for England. Root has also scored 53 international hundreds, of which 36 came in tests only.

Read Also | Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's highest runscorer in international cricket, comes at number three in terms of international runs among the fav four. The former Kiwi leader has scored 19,086 runs so far in his career at an average of 48.56. Kane is now only two short of reaching 50 international hundreds. 

Read Also | Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Aussie great Steven Smith comes at four with 17,165 runs at an average of 47.81. A late bloomer with the bat, Smith has been outstanding for Australia in tests and ODIs. Along with Root, Smith has also been one of the greatest test batters of this generation.

Here is a comparison of international stats of the fav four. 

Read Also: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Virat Kohli (IND)

Joe Root (ENG)

Kane Williamson (NZ)

Steven Smith (AUS)

Note: The article was initially written by Abishek Goswami and then got updated by Koushik Biswas