Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Reach 12,000 T20 Runs

Chennai: In a landmark achievement, Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli scripted history by becoming the first Indian batter to amass 12,000 career runs in T20 cricket. The milestone was achieved during his appearance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here today.

Kohli’s overall T20 tally places him in an elite league of batters, as he joins the ranks of just six players worldwide to surpass the 12,000-run mark in the shortest format of the game. His remarkable feat encompasses runs scored in both T20 Internationals and franchise cricket, showcasing his enduring dominance across various platforms.

The list of highest scorers in T20 cricket is spearheaded by the legendary West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, who boasts a staggering total of 14,562 runs amassed from his illustrious career spanning from 2005 to 2022, featuring appearances in numerous T20 leagues globally.

Following Gayle, Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik secures the second position with 13,360 runs, while another West Indies powerhouse, Kieron Pollard, holds the third spot with 12,900 runs. England’s Alex Hales occupies the fourth position with 12,3190 runs, while Australian opener David Warner, set to debut for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 on Saturday, sits fifth with 12,065 runs to his credit.

Kohli’s journey to the historic milestone saw him notch 21 runs off 20 deliveries in today’s match, taking his overall tally to 12,015 runs. Despite his valiant effort, Kohli’s innings was cut short as the Royal Challengers Bangalore encountered a setback, losing key wickets in quick succession.