Bengaluru on the 24th of December 2025 Bengaluru, December 24, 2025 Virat Kohli made his name in history on Wednesday, becoming just the 2nd Indian after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to rack up more than 16,000 runs in List A cricket. The batting star celebrated his remarkable return to cricket in the domestic circuit with this feat in Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match with Andhra Pradesh in the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence Ground 2.

Kohli’s Long-Awaited Domestic Comeback Sparks Milestone Moment

Virat Kohli was out to bat amid huge excitement, making his debut List A appearance since 2013 and also his first Vijay Hazare Trophy game in 15 years. Delhi had to contend with a gruelling chase of 299 when opener Arpit Rana left to a two-ball duck within the first over. Virat Kohli only needed one ball to mark his name on Tendulkar and Tendulkar, struck immediately when he arrived on the wicket.

The 37-year-old star swung his first shot of scoring with aplomb in completing 16000 List A runs in his 343rd game. This achievement pushed him to the ninth spot among top run-scorers of all time within List A cricket history, placing him just ahead of the Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya’s 16,128 run total. Kohli’s feat shook doubters to the core and brought back debates about his legendary status in the limited-overs format.

Sachin Tendulkar has set the pace for this milestone for India by retiring with an astonishing 21,999 runs over 551 matches. Kohli is now the only Indian player to break the 16,000-run mark, which demonstrates his consistency throughout the span of two decades of international and domestic cricket.

Global List A Run-Scoring Elite: Where Kohli Stands Now

Virat Kohli was a part of an exclusive group, dominated by legendary cricketers. Graham Gooch leads the all-time charts with 22,221 runs in 613 matches, closely followed by Graeme’s 22,059 runs from 651 matches. Tendulkar ranks third with a staggering 21,999 runs as well as Kumar Sangakkara (19,456 from 529) and Vivian Richards (16,995 from 500) make up the top five.

Ricky Ponting amassed 16,363 from 456 games, Gordon Greenidge gathered 16,349 from the 440 matches, and Jayasuriya’s astonishing 16,128 games from 557 precede Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 16,034*. Allan Lamb rounds out the top 10 with 15,658 games from 484 games. Virat Kohli’s strike rate and efficiency in conversion made him an exception in this elite group and he has played fewer matches than the majority of his predecessors.

Dominating India’s List A Pantheon Behind Tendulkar

With regard to Indian cricket, Virat Kohli just trails Tendulkar’s impossible 21,999. Sourav Ganguly comes in second with 15,622 in 437 games, Rahul Dravid accumulated 15,271 from 449 and Rohit Sharma ranks sixth with 13,758* after 350 games. Kohli’s high average and consistent play demonstrate his expertise in the 50-over game both in the US and abroad.

This milestone comes at a crucial point in the career for Kohli. After taking a break from T20Is after his 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, Kohli concentrates on ODIs as well as Tests, while focusing on domestic cricket. His Vijay Hazare Cup appearance is a sign of his desire to remain razor-sharp ahead of any major assignments.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Star-Studded Domestic Revival

The country’s most prestigious 50-over tournament started on Wednesday across a range of venues, with a plethora of stars with a high profile. Kohli leads Delhi’s effort in the match against Andhra Pradesh, while Rohit Sharma will captain Mumbai in the match against Sikkim at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. As of the time of this writing, Rohit had blazed a fast-paced half-century in pursuit of 237 which demonstrates the competitiveness of the tournament.

Other marquee players adorn the field. Shubman Gill is in charge of Gujarat, KL Rahul captains Uttar Pradesh, and Rishabh Pant is back for Delhi together with Kohli. This powerhouse player increases the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s reputation, connecting the national foundations with international heritage.

The Statistical Journey: Kohli’s List A Excellence Unpacked

Kohli’s List A odyssey began in 2006 in Delhi before morphing into a tale of unending runs scored. Internationally, he’s raked in 13,906 ODI runs, averaging 58.11 and has scored 50 centuries, the most of any batter. Domestic statistics are 1,252 Vijay Hazare runs and consistent Ranji Trophy performances.

His method is adaptable to all the various conditions. In the match against Andhra Pradesh, Kohli showcased his classic form, revolving strike effortlessly while taking out ineffective deliveries. The early strike rate was 150+, a reflection of his resurgence in white-ball aggression following his T20 retirement.

With 16,034 points, Kohli looks at Tendulkar’s Indian record and his global top-five ascent. A smaller number of matches (343 against 551 for Tendulkar) boosted his performance. Average is close to 60, and his conversion rates are not matched by other players.

Tendulkar Comparison: Echoes of the Master Blaster

Similarities to Tendulkar are unavoidable. Both were young when they made their debut, and both dominated List A arenas, and played Indian batsmen to great heights. Tendulkar hit 16,000 in his prime. Kohli is able to do it in his peak performance, fending off the decline of age. Tendulkar’s career spans 24 years. Kohli begins his 20th year with the same determination.

Technical parallels are plentiful: compact defense, incredible timing, and boundary-hitting skill. Mentally, both excel under pressure, turning beginnings into milestones. Kohli often attributes his success to Tendulkar’s coaching which makes this milestone the most poetic.

Impact on Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Campaign and Indian Cricket

Delhi bowled first followed by Andhra Pradesh posted 298/8. In the beginning, Rana’s exit tested his determination and Kohli’s arrival calmed tensions. When he drank his 10th over, Kohli had been able to surpass the barrier and was forming partnerships that were crucial to the chase.

This boosts Delhi’s chances of winning the title. The last champions were in 2013-14, they depend on Kohli’s expertise and Pant’s energy. This success will help Kohli’s profile in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

To Indian cricketers, Kohli’s national dive is a reaffirmation of the grassroots’ commitment. BCCI encourages seniors’ participation, strengthening state units. Kohli sets the example by his actions in inspiring young people while improving his skills.

Rohit Sharma’s Parallel Domestic Fireworks

Rohit Sharma’s performance was in line with Kohli’s intensity for Mumbai in the match against Sikkim. After chasing 237 at Jaipur the Hitman scored an unbeaten half-century from 35 balls. He played his trademark lofts and pulls. Mumbai was a swashbuckler and highlighted their influence as senior players in Indian cricket.

Both captains–Rohit (Mumbai), Kohli (Delhi)–elevate tournament quality. Their presence attracts crowds and boosts ratings on broadcasts and encourages the next generation of athletes.

Broader Implications for Indian Domestic Cricket Ecosystem

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 assumes more importance following the Indian team’s T20 World Cup glory. BCCI incorporates domestic schedules more effectively by allowing international stars to play a part in a selective manner. Kohli’s presence confirms this model of balancing workload and preparation.

State associations gain from gate income, sponsorships and other benefits. Youngsters gain mentorship ringside. Andhra Pradesh’s bowlers, despite being broken, get significant exposure to the best in the world.

Kohli’s Post-Milestone Focus: Eyes on Bigger Horizons

After the milestone, Kohli remained unbeaten, leading Delhi towards winning. His determination is unstoppable. Next goals include 17,000 runs, the Vijay Hazare’s title, along with ODI triumph restoration. He’s 37 and is astonished by conventions and embodies cricket’s eternal desire for excellence.

The knock confirms Kohli’s position as India’s heartbeat for batting. His joining Tendulkar as a member of the club’s 16,000 members bolsters his legacy, while also opening new chapters. Domestic cricket is celebrating the return of its King.