Virat Kohli Reaches 18,000 International Runs In Record-Innings

The Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli has added another feather to his illustrious cap during his knock of 49 runs on the second day of the fifth Test match at the Oval. The run-machine has amassed 18,000 runs in international cricket, and also becomes only the fourth Indian to reach this feat. He now joins an elite company of Indian cricketers consisting of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid.

In the process, Kohli also becomes the fastest batsman to 18,000 runs, reaching the milestone in just 382 innings. This record means he surpasses West Indian batting great Brian Lara's record of 411 innings and Sachin Tendulkar who needed 412 innings to complete the landmark.

With the series already sealed by the hosts, the England tour has been bittersweet for the Indian cricket team. Though, the same can't be said about Virat Kohli. The Indian skipper has been in an extraordinary form in the ongoing series against England, having already scored 593 runs at an average of 65.88, which includes two centuries.

Virat Kohli hammered past his demons of 2014 tour of England by scoring a brilliant 149 in the first innings of the first Test between England and India at Birmingham. His knock had a couple of major significance. First, it was his maiden ton in against England back in their own backyard. Secondly, and more importantly, it allowed India to post a decent score.

He continued his record-breaking exploits against England, by etching his name onto the Trent Bridge Honours Board after notching his 23rd Test ton during the third Test match against England. In the fourth test, he became the second fastest Indian to reach 6000 runs in Test matches. It took him 70 innings to reach the milestone - 5 innings more of Sunil Gavaskar's record.

READ: Indian Batting Woes Continue As England Restrict The Visitors For 174 For 6 At The End Of Day Two Of The Fifth Test

As far as the fifth Test match is concerned, it was the same old story! India's inability to counter swing bowling was highlighted yet again as they struggled to gather 174 for six wickets at the end of Day 2 of the fifth Test match at the Oval.

Just like other matches, Virat Kohli was the shining light of the Indian cricket team. Virat Kohli looked confident and determined to get his side out of troubled waters, yet again. But this time his innings was cut short by Ben Stokes, with the resulting delivery landing into the hands of Joe Root present in the slip cordon. The Indian skipper departed for 49 runs. 

Given the way things stands, England looks in a favorable position to win the fifth Test match. The same story same story seems to repeat itself where the team has been coming closer and closer to a win, but each time a victory seemed in sight, they give it away.

READ: James Anderson Fined For 'aggressive Behaviour' With On-field Umpire During Day 2 Of The Fifth Test Match