Virat Kohli vs Joe Root: Comparison (after 8,000 Test runs)
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is playing his 100th Test at the moment (India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test). On Day 1, Kohli became the sixth Indian batter to complete 8,000 runs in the format. He is the second batter among active cricketers after England's Joe Root to reach this landmark. Here is a statistical comparison between the two legends (after 8,000 Test runs).
Kohli completed 8,000 runs in his 169th innings
In a career spanning over a decade, Kohli has smashed 8,007 runs from 100 Tests at a remarkable average of 50.35. He is presently the sixth-highest run-scorer for India (Tests) after Sachin Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,288), Sunil Gavaskar (10,122), VVS Laxman (8,781), and Virender Sehwag (8,586). Kohli touched the 8,000-run mark in his 169th Test innings.
Root had achieved this feat in his 178th innings
England Test captain Root is one of the most prolific batters in Test cricket. He is known for his sound technique and consistency. Root is the leading run-scorer among active cricketers. He has racked up 9,600 runs from 114 Tests at an average of 49.23 so far. Notably, Root had scored his 8,000th Test run in his 178th innings.
A look the notable stats
Root scored 8,000 runs in his first 98 Test matches. He averaged 48.80 at that time. Root had 18 centuries and 49 half-centuries after 98 Tests. On the other hand, Kohli already has 27 tons in the format (28 fifties). His conversion rate in the format is commendable. Kohli has slammed as many as seven double-tons in Test cricket.
Both Kohli and Root averaged over 50 in winning cause
So far, Kohli has smashed 4,206 runs at an incredible average of 55.34 in winning cause. The tally includes 13 centuries and 15 fifties. From 2013 to 2021, Root amassed 4,334 runs in 44 Tests that England won. He averaged 61.04 in these matches.
Kohli vs Root: Batting stats as captain
Over the years, Kohli has become India's most successful captain in Tests. Root has achieved similar success as the captain of England's Test side. Kohli racked up 5,864 runs at 54.80 while leading India in 68 Tests. He has the second-most centuries by a captain in the format. On the other hand, Root smashed 3,458 runs at 44.33 while leading England in Tests (2017-2021).
