Only after Tendulkar: Virat Kohli crosses 16,000 List A runs; Creates history in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Virat Kohli added yet another glittering chapter to his storied career on Wednesday, becoming only the second Indian batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross 16,000 runs in List A cricket.

The landmark came during Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 match against Andhra Pradesh, a fixture that also marked Kohli’s return to India’s premier domestic 50-over competition after nearly 15 years.

Kohli reached the milestone in his 343rd List A match, underlining his extraordinary consistency in the format. He also became the fastest batter to 16,000 List A runs, achieving the feat in just 330 innings — a staggering 61 innings quicker than Tendulkar.

The numbers behind the milestone are equally jaw-dropping: an average of over 57, with 57 centuries and 84 half-centuries, firmly establishing Kohli as one of the greatest List A batters of all time.

The milestone came on a memorable day for Delhi. Kohli crowned his return with a fluent 83-ball century, anchoring a high-pressure chase of 299 with trademark authority. His innings blended composure with controlled aggression, reinforcing why he remains one of the most reliable chasers the game has seen.

Earlier, Delhi captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to field, a decision that tested his bowlers early. Andhra Pradesh made full use of the opportunity, riding on a superb knock from Ricky Bhui, who struck 122 off 105 balls, laced with boundaries, to guide his side to a competitive 298 for 8.

For Delhi, the standout performer was pacer Simarjeet Singh, who delivered a match-defining spell of 5 for 54 in 10 overs, ensuring the target stayed within reach.

Kohli’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is also part of the BCCI’s renewed push for senior internationals to stay connected with domestic cricket, while doubling up as crucial match practice ahead of India’s upcoming home ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11.

The domestic milestone follows a prolific run for Kohli in international cricket. In his last four ODI innings, he has registered four consecutive 50-plus scores, including back-to-back centuries against South Africa and an unbeaten 65 in the series decider that sealed a 2–1 win for India. Over the past year, Kohli has amassed 651 runs in 13 international innings at an average of 65.10, striking three hundreds and four fifties at a strike rate exceeding 96 — proof that even after two decades, the hunger and dominance remain intact.