<p>Indian captain Virat Kohli is inch-closer to add another feather in his illustrious cap as he is bidding to become the fastest to cross the 20,000 international runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far Virat has scored 19,896 and will look to achieve the feat in India's World Cup match against Afghanistan which is scheduled for June 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli, who is just 104 runs away from reaching the 20,000-run mark will break the record of India's Sachin Tendulkar and West Indies' Brian Lara.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the record for the fastest to 20,000 international runs has joint holders Tendulkar and Lara, both having achieved this feat in 453 innings.</p>

<p>The 30-year-old has played only 415 innings so far 222 in ODIs, 131 in Tests and 62 in T20Is.</p>

<p>In the 415 innings, Kohli has scored 11020 runs in ODIs, 6613 in Tests and 2263 in T20Is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, only&nbsp;11 batsmen have amassed more than 20,000 international runs.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-fastest-to-reach-11000-runs-mark-227716&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiN6ciBj_riAhVNQd4KHVi-CfsQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3JuzXl6sulouD8CX-Xsip1">The run-machine Kohli</a> is considered a modern-day great by cricketing experts and the pace at which he keeps breaking records is a testament to his ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli has gotten off to a good start at the World Cup but has been falling short of converting them into a hundred, but this might just be the right time for the Indian team's skipper to hit a ton and reach the 20,000-run mark in style.</p>


Indian captain Virat Kohli is inch-closer to add another feather in his illustrious cap as he is bidding to become the fastest to cross the 20,000 international runs.

Indian captain Virat Kohli is inch-closer to add another feather in his illustrious cap as he is bidding to become the fastest to cross the 20,000 international runs. So far Virat has scored 19,896 and will look to achieve the feat in India's World Cup match against Afghanistan which is scheduled for June 22. Kohli, who is just 104 runs away from reaching the 20,000-run mark will break the record of India's Sachin Tendulkar and West Indies' Brian Lara. As the record for the fastest to 20,000 international runs has joint holders Tendulkar and Lara, both having achieved this feat in 453 innings. The 30-year-old has played only 415 innings so far 222 in ODIs, 131 in Tests and 62 in T20Is. In the 415 innings, Kohli has scored 11020 runs in ODIs, 6613 in Tests and 2263 in T20Is. Overall, only 11 batsmen have amassed more than 20,000 international runs. The run-machine Kohli is considered a modern-day great by cricketing experts and the pace at which he keeps breaking records is a testament to his ability. Kohli has gotten off to a good start at the World Cup but has been falling short of converting them into a hundred, but this might just be the right time for the Indian team's skipper to hit a ton and reach the 20,000-run mark in style.

World Cup: Indian skipper Virat Kohli close to break Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara's record

Key battles in India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash

<p>Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series.</p>

<p>Despite <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-virat-kohli-slams-25th-test-century-in-perth-test-184408">Virat Kohli's century</a> in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match.</p>

<p>India resumed at 115 for five on the final day and lost the remaining for just 21 runs as they were dismissed for 140 on the fifth and final day.</p>

<p>In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised the opponents, he said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win."</p>

<p>Cricket pundits questioned Virat's unusual decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test.</p>

<p>Spinner Ravi Ashwin was ruled out with an abdominal strain and Virat recalled Umesh Yadav ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.</p>

<p>India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough."</p>

<p>He added, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest."</p>

<p>Earlier, Mohammed Shami questioned the selection after the fourth day's play and said that he believed a spinner would have been a better decision.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nathan Lyon-led bowling attack helps Australia level the series 1-1 as they beat India by 146 runs in the second Test in Perth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> REPORT 👇<a href="https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU">https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU</a> <a href="https://t.co/55myWBgBIt">pic.twitter.com/55myWBgBIt</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074889251848765441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who was given player of the match award, for his brilliant performance, saying, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well."</p>

<p>"With the skill levels and consistency that he has to get something out of this wicket was really good," Kohli added.</p>

<p>On being asked about India's bowling performance, Kohli said: "(Our bowlers) are outstanding as a pack, to see them dominate was really good to see and something we want to build on. They are relentless even if they aren't getting wickets which is a great quality."</p>

<p>The 30-year-old reacted on his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-out-or-not-out-debate-over-virat-kohlis-wicket-is-on-184445">controversial wicket</a> saying, "It was a decision made on the field, it stays there. There is nothing more to it."</p>

<p>Asked about his 123-run innings in the first innings, Kohli said: "When you don't win you don't really rank your performances so it's irrelevant because we didn't get the result we wanted.</p>

<p>"I am focused on the next game and I hope I can contribute on a winning note."</p>

<p>"Boxing Day is going to be a full house, it's a memorable Test for all of us and we as a team are also excited and looking forward to that Test match," Kohli concluded.</p>


Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series. Despite Virat Kohli's century in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match.

Australia beat India by 146 runs in the Perth Test to level the series 1-1 in a four-match Test series. Despite Virat Kohli's century in the first innings, India were thrashed by a huge margin while chasing a target of 287 to win the match. India resumed at 115 for five on the final day and lost the remaining for just 21 runs as they were dismissed for 140 on the fifth and final day. In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli praised the opponents, he said, "Australia played better cricket than us and they deserved to win." Cricket pundits questioned Virat's unusual decision to play with four seamers and not picking a single spinner in the playing squad for Perth Test. Spinner Ravi Ashwin was ruled out with an abdominal strain and Virat recalled Umesh Yadav ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. India skipper Kohli said, "When we looked at the pitch, we didn't think about the Jadeja option. We thought four quicks would be enough." He added, "We never thought about the spin option, to be honest." Earlier, Mohammed Shami questioned the selection after the fourth day's play and said that he believed a spinner would have been a better decision. Nathan Lyon-led bowling attack helps Australia level the series 1-1 as they beat India by 146 runs in the second Test in Perth. #AUSvIND REPORT 👇https://t.co/8MmFioFlqU pic.twitter.com/55myWBgBIt — ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2018 × Kohli praised spinner Lyon, who was given player of the match award, for his brilliant performance, saying, "Nathan Lyon bowled really well." "With the skill levels and consistency that he has to get something out of this wicket was really good," Kohli added. On being asked about India's bowling performance, Kohli said: "(Our bowlers) are outstanding as a pack, to see them dominate was really good to see and something we want to build on. They are relentless even if they aren't getting wickets which is a great quality." The 30-year-old reacted on his controversial wicket saying, "It was a decision made on the field, it stays there. There is nothing more to it." Asked about his 123-run innings in the first innings, Kohli said: "When you don't win you don't really rank your performances so it's irrelevant because we didn't get the result we wanted. "I am focused on the next game and I hope I can contribute on a winning note." "Boxing Day is going to be a full house, it's a memorable Test for all of us and we as a team are also excited and looking forward to that Test match," Kohli concluded.

India vs Australia: 'We thought four quicks would be enough,' says Virat Kohli after losing Perth Test

<p>There is no final answer to the never-ending debate - who between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a better batsman?</p>

<p>Veterans like Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson said this year that Sachin was great but they found Kohli tougher, consistent and better match-winner than Tendulkar.</p>

<p>It would not be reasonable to compare two extraordinary players who played in an alternate time periods.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If we reduce the comparison to just numbers then via statistics Kohli definitely looks better than Sachin on records.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 24, Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 runs in One Day International cricket during his not out 157 against West Indies.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli reached that level 54 innings earlier than Sachin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It took Sachin 331 innings to score his 37th-century whereas Kohli reached the milestone in his 205th ODI innings.</p>

<p>Sachin Tendulkar's batting average in ODI cricket is 44.8 and Kohli is scoring with an extraordinary average of 59.83.</p>

<p>Sachin's strike rate in his career was 86.2 and Virat's strike rate is 92.88.</p>

<p>Kohli is way ahead of Tendulkar in most parameters based on numbers but for a fair and appropriate comparison, we will have to understand the situation and strength of their teams they played with.</p>

<p>Since his debut till 2001, Sachin was the only consistent performer of Indian batting line up. He was dragging an underperforming team with his tremendous skills.</p>

<p>"Switch the TV off when Sachin would get out' was one unwritten rule of the 1990s which shows the strength of our batting line up that time.</p>

<p>And on the other hand, Kohli has spent almost all his initial ten years in a team that has dominated the world cricket.</p>

<p>Tendulkar did not have the luxury of good support in the 1990s as India was heavily dependent on him. Kohli has had better support throughout his career.</p>

<p>After India defeated Sri Lanka in 2011 World Cup Final, Virat Kohli who carried Tendulkar on his shoulder himself said, "Sachin Tendulkar has carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for 21 years. So it was fitting that we carried him on our shoulders after this win".</p>

<p>Any good analyst will place Sachin Tendulkar above Kohli, because the kind of bowlers he faced were better than what they are now.</p>

<p>The era Sachin played in had the best teams, fast bowlers and spinners.</p>

<p>The bowling attacks Sachin faced had Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, Glenn McGrath, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Fanie de Villiers, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, &nbsp;Darren Gough, Chaminda Vaas and many more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today international cricket lacks those fearsome fast bowlers and spinners.</p>

<p>But Kohli's fitness and his increasing consistency in chasing and match-winning abilities make him unmatched in world cricket.</p>

<p>Sachin played in a different era with different challenges, meanwhile, Kohli plays without the dominating presence of big stars, therefore, it will be better to celebrate their performances as a contribution to the team then to compare them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both have given the game a different perspective, a fresh way of thinking and have taken the art of batsmanship to another level. Virat and Sachin, in fact, are two sides of the same coin.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


There is no final answer to the never-ending debate - who between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a better batsman? Veterans like Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson said this year that Sachin was great but they found Kohli tougher, consistent and better match-winner than Tendulkar.

There is no final answer to the never-ending debate - who between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is a better batsman? Veterans like Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson said this year that Sachin was great but they found Kohli tougher, consistent and better match-winner than Tendulkar. It would not be reasonable to compare two extraordinary players who played in an alternate time periods. If we reduce the comparison to just numbers then via statistics Kohli definitely looks better than Sachin on records. On October 24, Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 runs in One Day International cricket during his not out 157 against West Indies. Virat Kohli reached that level 54 innings earlier than Sachin. It took Sachin 331 innings to score his 37th-century whereas Kohli reached the milestone in his 205th ODI innings. Sachin Tendulkar's batting average in ODI cricket is 44.8 and Kohli is scoring with an extraordinary average of 59.83. Sachin's strike rate in his career was 86.2 and Virat's strike rate is 92.88. Kohli is way ahead of Tendulkar in most parameters based on numbers but for a fair and appropriate comparison, we will have to understand the situation and strength of their teams they played with. Since his debut till 2001, Sachin was the only consistent performer of Indian batting line up. He was dragging an underperforming team with his tremendous skills. "Switch the TV off when Sachin would get out' was one unwritten rule of the 1990s which shows the strength of our batting line up that time. And on the other hand, Kohli has spent almost all his initial ten years in a team that has dominated the world cricket. Tendulkar did not have the luxury of good support in the 1990s as India was heavily dependent on him. Kohli has had better support throughout his career. After India defeated Sri Lanka in 2011 World Cup Final, Virat Kohli who carried Tendulkar on his shoulder himself said, "Sachin Tendulkar has carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for 21 years. So it was fitting that we carried him on our shoulders after this win". Any good analyst will place Sachin Tendulkar above Kohli, because the kind of bowlers he faced were better than what they are now. The era Sachin played in had the best teams, fast bowlers and spinners. The bowling attacks Sachin faced had Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, Glenn McGrath, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Fanie de Villiers, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Darren Gough, Chaminda Vaas and many more. Today international cricket lacks those fearsome fast bowlers and spinners. But Kohli's fitness and his increasing consistency in chasing and match-winning abilities make him unmatched in world cricket. Sachin played in a different era with different challenges, meanwhile, Kohli plays without the dominating presence of big stars, therefore, it will be better to celebrate their performances as a contribution to the team then to compare them. Both have given the game a different perspective, a fresh way of thinking and have taken the art of batsmanship to another level. Virat and Sachin, in fact, are two sides of the same coin. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Don't compare Sachin and Virat- batsmen of two different eras

<p>Indian captain Virat Kohli hit&nbsp;the 31st ODI century of his career in his landmark 200th ODI match in 50-over international against New Zealand at Mumbai&#39;s Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p>Beating the record of Australian player Ricky Ponting, Kohli now ranks second on the list.</p>

<p>Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 ODI centuries.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli hits the 31st ODI century of his career <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922061260774039552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="cs">With ODI century No. 31, Virat Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922062165720174594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Virat Kohli, who&nbsp;is leading his team against New Zealand in the&nbsp;match, is&nbsp;the 13th player from the country to complete his double century appearances in ODIs.</p>

<p>Overall, he is the 72nd player to appear 200 times in a 50-over match.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a>: Skipper Virat Kohli playing his 200th One Day International match in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/PV7iLGOTvl">pic.twitter.com/PV7iLGOTvl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/922003423859376129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli beat the record set by Australian player Ricky Ponting in his milestone 200th ODI

Indian captain Virat Kohli hit the 31st ODI century of his career in his landmark 200th ODI match in 50-over international against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Beating the record of Australian player Ricky Ponting, Kohli now ranks second on the list. Sachin Tendulkar leads the list with 49 ODI centuries. Virat Kohli hits the 31st ODI century of his career #INDvNZ — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × With ODI century No. 31, Virat Kohli moves past Ricky Ponting #INDvNZ — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 × Virat Kohli, who is leading his team against New Zealand in the match, is the 13th player from the country to complete his double century appearances in ODIs. Overall, he is the 72nd player to appear 200 times in a 50-over match. #INDvNZ: Skipper Virat Kohli playing his 200th One Day International match in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/PV7iLGOTvl — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2017 ×

After Sachin, Virat Kohli now holds record for maximum ODI centuries