Veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli made history on Sunday (January 11) by becoming the third batter in the world to score 28,000 runs in international cricket. The 37-year-old right-handed batter from Delhi needed 25 runs in the first India vs New Zealand ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara to reach the milestone.

Kohli achieved the feat during the 13th over of India’s innings while chasing a target of 301 runs. He hit Adithya Ashok for a four on the fifth ball of the over to take his total to 28,001 international runs.

Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches and his T20I career with 4,188 runs in 125 matches. In ODIs, he has scored 14,583* runs so far in 309 matches.

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Virat Kohli Climbs the All-Time International Runs List

Only two batters, Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara, were ahead of Virat Kohli in the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket. During the first India vs New Zealand ODI, Kohli needed 42 runs to go past Sangakkara’s total of 28,016 runs and become the second-highest run-getter in international cricket.

Sangakkara played 594 international matches during his career from 2000 to 2015 and scored 28,016 runs. Sachin Tendulkar still holds the world record for the most runs in international cricket. He played 664 matches for India between 1989 and 2013, scoring 34,357 runs. Tendulkar made 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, and scored 10 runs in his only T20I match.

Most runs in international cricket

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Kohli Breaks Sangakkara’s Record in Vadodara

Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket on Sunday (January 11). The 37-year-old right-handed batter from Delhi crossed Sangakkara’s mark during the 19th over of India’s innings while chasing 301 runs at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.

Kohli also closed in on another record against New Zealand. If he scores 94 runs in the match, he will go past Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 1,750 runs in India–New Zealand ODIs. Tendulkar scored 1,750 runs in 41 ODIs against New Zealand, while Kohli had 1,683 runs before this match.

Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches and his T20I career with 4,188 runs in 125 matches. In ODIs, he has scored 14,599* runs so far in 309 matches.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) confirms the appointment of Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach after the departure of Rahul Dravid, who was the head coach during the IPL 2025 campaign. Through a press release, Manoj Badale, lead owner of the Rajasthan Royals, explains why they are trusting the former Sri Lanka skipper for the vital role. Badale reflected on the years-long relationship between the franchise and Sangakkara. Badale said that the former cricketer understands the culture of the franchise and the squad from deep. 

"We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach. As we looked at what the team needed at this stage, we felt that his familiarity within the squad, his leadership, and his deep understanding of the Royals culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability," Manoj Badale said. 

"Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness, and cricketing intelligence will play an important role in guiding the squad into this next phase." 

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Rajasthan Royals appoints Kumar Sangakkara as head coach for IPL 2026

Through a press release, the franchise has announced that Sangakkara has been reappointed as head coach of the franchise, in addition to continuing his role as Director of Cricket. He was in the role from the 2021 to 2024 season. During this period, RR experienced some notable surges in the IPL points tables. Under his coaching and guidance, Rajasthan Royals reached the final of the IPL 2022 and returned to the playoffs in 2024. For the upcoming season, he will be assisted by the Vikram Rathour, who has been elevated to lead assistant coach, and Shane Bond will continue as fast bowling coach.

"I’m honored to return as head coach and continue working with this talented group. I’m also pleased to have a strong coaching team alongside me. Vikram, Trevor, Shane and Sid each bring valuable experience in their areas and together we are focused on preparing the players in the best possible way", Sangakkara said. 

The inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan Royals, have announced the reappointment of Kumar Sangakkara as their new head coach from the next season, in addition to continuing his role as the Director of Cricket. He previously served as the head coach of the Royals from 2021 to 2024, which was the period of the side’s clear rise in performance and consistency.

Under his leadership as the coach, the Royals reached the 2022 final of the IPL against the Gujarat Titans and ended up as the runners-up. They also confirmed their place in the playoffs in 2024, which shows the competitiveness of the franchise in those few seasons of the tournament.

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“We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach. As we looked at what the team needed at this stage, we felt that his familiarity within the squad, his leadership, and his deep understanding of the Royals' culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability. Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness, and cricketing intelligence will play an important role.” Manoj Badale, the lead owner, expressed.

Kumar Sangakkara reappointed as Rajasthan Royals’ head coach ahead of IPL 2026

The Rajasthan side has also confirmed that Vikram Rathour has been elevated to lead assistant coach and work closely with the former Sri Lanka captain for the development of the batting departments, along with making various game plans and overall team preparation.

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒌𝒂 𝑯𝒖𝒌𝒖𝒎 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VDiZ3pLswD

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 17, 2025

“I’m honoured to return as head coach and continue working with this talented group. I’m also pleased to have a strong coaching team alongside me. Vikram, Trevor, Shane, and Sid each bring valuable experience in their areas, and together we are focused on preparing the players in the best possible way. We have a clear understanding of where we want to go as a group, and we aim to build a team that plays with clarity.” Sangakkara addressed.

Shane Bond will continue as the fast bowling coach, providing important continuity to the pace program, along with Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri returning as the assistant and performance coaches.

Cricket has evolved greatly through the years and so has the role of the wicketkeeper. The role is much more than catching and stumping wicket keepers are renowned figures today and key batters, leaders and game-changers.

Legends such as Kumar Sangakkara, Adam Gilchrist, and MS Dhoni proved that a wicketkeeper is just as vital with the bat as they are behind the stumps. Contemporary players including Quinton de Kock, Shai Hope, and Jos Buttler are proving they are just as capable of holding and advancing that legacy as they continue to undergo ferment performances.

On November 6, 2025, Quinton de Kock surpassed the 22 ODI mark, leaving him one knock away from tying Kumar Sangakkara's record for 23 centuries aka brain drops, very much a testament to the fact the wicketkeeper has evolved to be one of the most complete players in the modern game.

5  Jos Buttler – 11 centuries

• Matches (as keeper): 162
• Hundreds: 11
• Fifties: 28
• Runs: 5,289
• Average: 39.76
• Best Score: 162*
• Country: England

For many years now, Jos Buttler has been an emblem of innovation and aggression in England's white-ball scenarios. Remarkable skill sets, impressive composure and the ability to hit deliveries in a full 360° are the reasons for his remarkable transformation of England's development into a One Day International giant.

Since entering the team in 2013, Buttler has scored 11 hundreds, most at strike rates at the 100 mark or above. His structural levels were made evident when he scored 162* against the West Indies in 2019 and displayed a remarkable capability to hit ramp shots, lofted drives and manipulative strokeplay.

4  Adam Gilchrist – 16 centuries

• Matches (as wicketkeeper): 274
• Centuries: 16
• Half-centuries: 53
• Runs: 9,410
• Average: 35.64
• Highest score: 172
• Country: Australia

Before the emergence of the modern keeper-batter, there was Adam Gilchrist, a cricketer who turned upside down the expectations of what was possible for wicketkeepers to do. Gilchrist opened for Australia in their glory years with one simple objective and goal, to go on the attack from the very first ball.

To score 16 centuries at a time when scores of 300+ in ODIs were seemingly unheard of, is a legend in itself. His innings of 172 against Zimbabwe and the famous 149 in the 2007 World Cup final are two of ODI cricket's greatest innings. He was not the tidy keeper that brings fawning admiration elsewhere, but there is no contest for the legacy that Adam Gilchrist leaves pertaining to Australia's internal dominance - a contributor to the legacy of dominance within Australian cricket as a keeper and apparent top-order aggressor baiting in modernity.

3  Shai Hope – 18 centuries

• Matches (as wicketkeeper): 138
• Centuries: 18
• Half-centuries: 30
• Runs: 5,916
• Average: 50.13
• Highest score: 170
• Country: West Indies

If Gilchrist was all about aggression, Shai Hope is all about calmness and class. The West Indies captain has grown into one of the most consistent one-day batters in the world - a player who values his wicket, builds his innings, and scores under pressure.

Since his 2016 debut, Hope has scored 18 ODI centuries while keeping wickets, at an average in excess of 50-a pretty remarkable effort, considering how irregular West Indies have been over the last few years. His highest score, 170, has come against Ireland and showcases his ability to anchor innings with great patience and timing.

ALSO SEE: List of fastest players to score 1000 runs ft. Abhishek Sharma

2  Quinton de Kock – 22 centuries

• Matches (as wicketkeeper): 156
• Centuries: 22
• Half-centuries: 31
• Runs: 6,953
• Average: 46.97
• Highest score: 178
• Country: South Africa

Quinton de Kock has been the pulse of South Africa's batting for over a decade. He possesses an insouciance in his strokeplay, it is often crisp in its timing, takes the fight to both pace and spin, and is firmly one of the naturally gifted players of this generation. In his 156 wickets as wicketkeeper, he has scored 22 centuries, and has approached 47 as an average - which is a elite standard in modern ODI cricket. De Kock's highest score of 178 against Australia in 2016 is still one of the most fluent innings that any South African opener has played in history.

He added his latest - a fantastic 123 off 119 balls against Pakistan in Durban on November 6, 2025 - and brought him one century away from Kumar Sangakkara's all-time mark. That innings was another showcase of how well de Kock combines aggression with composure. Though he has reduced his international commitments in the last few years, he is still a vital player in the South African cricket environment - and his record is history.

1  Kumar Sangakkara – 23 centuries

• Matches (as a wicketkeeper): 340
• Centuries: 23
• Half-centuries: 91
• Runs (as a wicketkeeper): 13,341
• Overall ODI runs: 14,234
• Average: 41.98
• Highest score: 169
• Country: Sri Lanka

In first position, we have the elegant Kumar Sangakkara, a finalist batter and wicketkeeper in the history of the game. For 15 years, Sangakkara was the definition of consistency as a batter in ODI cricket.

He also holds the record for the most centuries as a wicketkeeper in ODIs - 23 and did it with style, intelligence, and grace. His highest score of 169 was a beautiful innings, both composed and well-structured. Brought to life by his ability to place and time the ball, his overall ODI contribution of 14,234 runs (with an average close to 42) has guaranteed his position in the pantheon of ODI greatness.

FAQs

1. Who has the most centuries by a wicketkeeper in ODI cricket?
The great Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka has the great record for the most centuries by a wicketkeeper in ODIs, with a total of 23 centuries. The next closest player to significantly surpassing Sangakkara’s record is Quinton de Kock, who is just one century behind with 22 centuries.

2. How many ODI centuries has Quinton de Kock scored as a wicketkeeper?
Quinton de Kock of South Africa has scored 22 ODI centuries in 156 innings as a wicketkeeper, averaging nearly 47. De Kock scored his most recent century against Pakistan on November 6, 2025, scoring 123 runs.

3. Who is the only current wicketkeeper near breaking Kumar Sangakkara's record?
Quinton de Kock is the only current wicketkeeper who is nearing to breaking Kumar Sangakkara's record of 23 ODI centuries. De Kock has scored a total of 22 centuries, so he is currently just one century shy.

4. How many ODI centuries has Shai Hope scored and what is his batting average?
Shai Hope, captain of the West Indies, has recorded 18 ODI centuries, along with 30 half-centuries and with a batting average of 50.13 - the best average of all of the wicketkeepers on this list.

5. What is Jos Buttler’s highest score in ODI cricket?
Jos Buttler, England’s white-ball captain, achieved his career-best score of 162 not out against the West Indies in 2019. That innings stands out as one of the most commanding performances by a wicketkeeper-batter in modern ODI history.

Virat Kohli reached a big batting milestone during the third One-Day International (ODI) between India and Australia in Sydney on Saturday, October 25. The star Indian right-handed batter passed former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket history. The 36-year-old run machine crossed Sangakkara’s all-time record by scoring his 54th run in his 293rd innings (305th ODI).

This achievement is remarkable as Kohli needed 87 fewer innings than Sangakkara to reach this career record. He achieved the significant milestone by taking a single off Australian spinner Cooper Connolly in the 32nd over of the match. Kohli is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time ODI runs list.

Most Runs in ODI and International Cricket

ODI Runs:

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 runs in 452 innings
2. Kumar Sangakkara – 14,234 runs in 380 innings
3. Virat Kohli – 14,235* runs in 293 innings

Among these three, Kohli has the most centuries in ODIs with 51. Tendulkar is second with 49. While Kohli passed Sangakkara to become second in ODI runs, he is still behind him in total international runs.

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International Runs:

• Tendulkar – 34,357 runs in 664 matches
• Sangakkara – 28,016 runs in 594 matches
• Kohli – 27,599* runs in 552 matches

Kohli and Rohit Dominate Australia

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a 100-plus partnership to help India take the lead in the third ODI. Rohit scored his second consecutive half-century in the series. At the time of writing, India were 186/3 after 31.3 overs.

Batting first, Australia were all out for 236 in 46.4 overs. Matt Renshaw top-scored with 56 runs off 58 balls, while skipper Mitchell Marsh scored 41 off 50 balls. Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Cooper Connolly contributed in the 20s.

Harshit Rana starred with the ball for India, taking 4/39, while Washington Sundar took two wickets. Axar Patel, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket each.

The two teams will next play a five-match T20I series, starting in Canberra on October 29.

In a significant development, former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara is all set to return as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 season. In August this year, after the sudden departure of Rahul Dravid, the one-time Indian Premier League champion side was in search of a new coach.

Now, it is believed that RR is trusting a proven face in the club in the form of Kumar Sangakkara. According to media claims, the process of building an updated squad under the supervision of the Sri Lankan cricket legend has already been initiated. Unlike a huge reshuffle, this time the franchise can take the strategy to create a core with emerging and experienced cricketers.

Sangakkara is a familiar face in the franchise who has been working since 2021. Officially holding the post of Director of Cricket for the Rajasthan Royals, the former cricketer acted as head coach for most of his tenure with the franchise. Under his coaching and guidance, the team from Rajasthan enjoyed multiple promising IPL seasons. In IPL 2022, they came too close to winning the title but finished as the runner-up. Sangakkara led RR to the playoffs in two of four seasons.

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Kumar Sangakkara back to return as Rajasthan Royals head coach 

The combination of Sangakkara and captain Sanju Samson helped the team to bolster their performance in a significant way. Rajasthan Royals appointed ICC T20I World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid on a multi-year deal, but his stint extended only for one season. In IPL 2025, RR managed just four wins in 14 matches and finished ninth on the points table.

According to a report published by ESPNcricinfo, "The biggest priority for Sangakkara will be sorting RR's captaincy after Samson asked the franchise to release him after the 2025 season. It is understood. Samson, 30, told the franchise that he wanted a change and hence to be released."

In the last few weeks, the reports have revealed strong news on the potential retention list of all ten franchises before the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It was highlighted that the long-time captain of the Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson, would have made his flight to Chennai to feature for the Super Kings. But that seems unlikely now.

Sanju Samson, who has smashed an overall 4704 runs in 172 innings of the IPL at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04 with three centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 119 runs, is likely to stay with the franchise. The wicket-keeper opening batter has spent his time with the Royals since 2018 and has been one of the most important members of the side.

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Last season, he didn’t enjoy a great time on and off the field with 265 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39 with one fifty at the best score of 66. When he was out of the side, Riyan Parag took the responsibility of leadership.

RR to extend Sanju Samson and Kumar Sangakkara’s contract for IPL 2026

Apart from that 2025 season, Samson, who retained his position in the Indian T20I side for the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 09, has crossed the 300-run mark in every season for the 2008 champions. That’s the consistency Royals wanted. Along with him, RR’s head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, is also likely to get a contract extension for the franchise in 2026.

Many reports claimed that the former Sri Lanka captain was likely to leave the franchise with the Kolkata Knight Riders, and a few other sides were keeping an eye on that. But after Rahul Dravid decides to leave the side after 2025, that speculation can be erased.

Rajasthan had a tough time in 2025 as they failed to qualify for the playoffs of the tournament. They finished at the penultimate position of the points table with four wins and 10 defeats in 14 fixtures at a net run rate of -0.647. Both halves of the event were divided into two wins and five defeats during the IPL 2025.  

The world is about to experience a liftoff as preparations for the Asia Cup are underway in full swing. The epic rivalry between the Asian giants kicks off on September 9. Since this marquee tournament will be played in a T20 format, expectations of high scores and electrifying batting displays run rampant. Throughout the history of the Asia Cup, run-scoring has been aplenty, be it the T20 or ODI format. Legendary batting prodigies from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan have gone on to script historic knocks that are still etched into the memories of die-hard fans to this day. 

Yet, when we look at the top five run-getters list of all time, only batters from India and Sri Lanka make the cut. Read on as we showcase the top five batters in the Asia Cup history to score the most runs. 

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Sanath Jayasuriya (ODI - 1220, T20I - N/A)

Jayasuriya was responsible for inflicting an unprecedented reign of terror, especially on the Indian bowlers. When in form, the Sri Lankan batting all-rounder would spare no one. To this day, he remains the highest run scorer in the history of the Asia Cup. Despite not playing long enough to feature in the T20 version of the Asia Cup, Jayasuriya's run tally still surpasses the contemporary greats like Kohli and Rohit. In 25 games, Jayasuriya amassed 1220 runs at a stunning average of 53 and managed six centuries and three half-centuries. With a strike rate of 102.2, Jayasuriya was a sheer menace with the willow. His best knock in the Asia Cup came against Bangladesh in 2008. In a winning cause, the all-rounder slammed a rapid 130 (88) to power Sri Lanka to an imposing 332-8. He partnered with Sangakkara at the top of the order to register a crushing 201-run opening stand, which virtually took the game away from Bangladesh well inside the first innings. 

Rohit Sharma (ODI - 939, T20I - 271)

The former Indian skipper marginally edges behind Jayasuriya with a tally of 1210. Rohit Sharma, who made his Asia Cup debut in 2008, took his own merry time to establish a foothold on the big stage. But when he did, there was no looking back. From 2013 onwards, Rohit rose to prominence and evolved into one of the most destructive openers in modern-day cricket. Unlike Jayasuriya, Rohit has been a part of the T20 versions of the Asia Cup that were played in 2016 & 2022. In the T20I version, Rohit has scored 271, which includes some match-winning cameos. However, the bulk of his Asia Cup runs came in the ODI format. Across 23 innings, Rohit plundered 939 runs at a remarkable average of 48.86, with one century and nine half-centuries to his name. His only century, which also happens to be his best Asia Cup knock, came against the arch-rivals Pakistan in 2018. Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan proved way too good for Pakistan as the duo registered a dominant 210-run stand for the opening wicket to roll over the Green Shirts shambolically by nine wickets. Rohit stayed unbeaten on 111* to steer India home with ease. With a fair bit of cricket still left in him, Rohit will be eyeing to go past Jayasuriya's record to become the highest run scorer in the history of the Asia Cup. 

Virat Kohli (ODI - 742, T20I - 429)

The chase master's heightened appetite for runs earns him a well-deserved third spot in this coveted list. Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the T20I format with 429 runs to his name. The most iconic moment of his Asia Cup career came in the T20I format in 2022, when he ended a three-year-long century drought by silencing his critics with a match-winning century against Afghanistan. As for his record in the ODI format, Virat's numbers are equally impressive as his numbers from the shortest format. In 13 ODI innings, Virat has managed to maintain a jaw-dropping average of close to 62 and has registered a tally of 742 runs, which includes four breathtaking centuries. His best Asia Cup knock, which also happens to be his career-best ODI knock, came against Pakistan in the 2012 edition. Virat walked out to bat in a tricky situation, with India already two down for less than 10 runs on the board. But what followed was something way beyond everyone's comprehension. At a time when the momentum rested in favor of Pakistan, Virat's counter-attacking century changed the entire dynamics of the run chase.  With world-class bowlers like Ajmal, Wahab, and Hafeez to contend with, Virat went about his business and fought fire with fire to get India over the line on the back of his swashbuckling 183. 

Kumar Sangakkara (ODI - 1075, T20I - N/A)

The Sri Lankan batting genius comes fourth in the list with 1075 runs in 23 innings. But if we keep the T20I record aside, Sangakkara emerges as the second-best run scorer in the history of the Asia Cup. Although Sangakkara never got a chance to feature in the T20 edition of the Asia Cup, the tailsmatic wicketkeeper-batter unleashed enough carnage to establish himself as a force to reckon with in the ODI format. In 23 ODI innings, Sangakkara scored well above 1000 runs and maintained a healthy average of 48.86. Moreover, he also produced four tons and eight half-century scores, most of which had come in a winning cause. His highest score of 121 in the Asia Cup was achieved against Bangladesh during the 2008 Asia Cup edition in Pakistan. 

Sachin Tendulkar (ODI - 971, T20I - N/A)

When we talk about run scoring, no list is complete without the mention of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Being the highest all-time run getter in ODI and Test formats combined, to see his name appear at the fag end of the list is a tad bit surprising. From a period spanning from 1990 to 2012, Tendulkar featured across 21 ODI innings and amassed 971 runs at an impressive average of 51.10. In his extensive Asia Cup journey, Tendulkar witnessed moments of highs and lows. However, unlike his batting rivals, the little master could only manage two centuries. Nevertheless, he managed to complete seven half-century scores and maintained a healthy strike rate of nearly 85. His best Asia Cup knock, which could arguably be the most magical moment of his life, was against Bangladesh when he racked up a brilliant 114 to bring up his 100th international ton, a feat that is almost impossible to break in the contemporary era. 

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the three-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for a mentorship role ahead of the IPL 2026 season. KKR won the 2024 season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. That was also the year Gautam Gambhir, a former two-time IPL-winning KKR captain, rejoined the team as a mentor.

Sangakkara in Talks with KKR

Sources told The Telegraph that Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021, has decided to leave the franchise. India’s T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the Royals ahead of the 2026 season, and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour may also join him.

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KKR already have Chandrakant Pandit as head coach, Bharat Arun as bowling coach, Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach in Gautam Gambhir’s support staff. Reports say KKR are in advanced talks with Sangakkara, though he is also considering offers from other franchises. A final decision is expected soon.

🚨| It's been heard that Kumar Sangakkara has shown interest in joining KKR’s support staff.

~ Rohit Juglan pic.twitter.com/s5yRILMyY0

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) August 13, 2025

Sanju Samson Trade Talks

The BCCI is likely to announce the terms of retention for franchises this month, starting the process for the mega auction. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is on KKR’s radar. Reports say KKR are open to a player trade with RR — something CSK refused when asked for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube in exchange. KKR are reportedly willing to offer young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh to secure Samson.

Joe Root once again showcased why he is regarded as one of the finest Test batters of the modern era. On Day 3 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, the seasoned England batter delivered a masterclass with the bat, scoring a brilliant 150 off 248 deliveries. His calm and resolute knock, which included 14 fours, came at an important stage and took advantage of the excellent batting conditions and India's disappointing bowling display.

Root's innings drew a standing ovation from the whole stadium, including his teammates and many of the support staff, as he showed great leadership in England's strong reply. After India had posted 358 runs in their first innings, England finished at 544/7 at the end of day 3 to lead by 186 runs. Root's hundred had been a rock to England's innings and put them in a strong position going into the heart of Day 4 of the Test Match. Let us look at some of the records he broke during his marathon innings; 

5. Fourth most Test hundreds

Joe Root scored his 38th Test century, equaling Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara on the list of most centuries in the format. Root now stands joint-fourth in the all-time rankings, a remarkable achievement for the England star.

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Sangakkara took 134 matches and 233 innings for his 38 tons, while Root reached the milestone in 157 matches and 286 innings. Only Ricky Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45), and Sachin Tendulkar (51) have more Test hundreds than Root.

4. Joint most hundreds in home Tests

Joe Root has now scored 23 of his 38 Test centuries in England, joining an elite group of players with the most hundreds at home. His latest ton places him among the greatest in home conditions.

Root shares this record with Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), and Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka), each of whom also notched 23 Test centuries on their home soil.

3. Most Test hundreds against an opponent at home

Joe Root has hit nine Test centuries against India in England and has now set a new record for the most hundreds by any batter against a single opponent in home Tests, passing the iconic Sir Don Bradman who had eight hundreds against England in Australia. 

Root now has 12 Test hundreds against India overall, overtaking Steve Smith for the record against India. Only Sunil Gavaskar (13 vs West Indies) and Don Bradman (19 vs England) have more Test hundreds against a single opponent in the history of Test cricket.

2. First batter with 1000-plus Test runs at Manchester

Joe Root became the first batter to crack over 1000 Test runs at Old Trafford, Manchester. He now has a tally of 1128 runs from 12 Tests and 20 innings at the venue, with an average of 70.50, which includes two hundreds and seven fifties, creating an exceptional record at this historic venue. 

Furthermore, Root joined an exclusive list by becoming only the third England batter to accumulate 1000-plus Test runs at two different grounds. He has also joined the 1000-plus run club at Lord's, a tribute to his consistency and dominance on home soil the traditional English cricket venues.

1. Joe Root is the second-highest run-getter in Tests

Joe Root has surpassed Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting to become the second all-time leading run scorer in Test cricket history. Kallis hit 13,289 runs, while Ponting scored 13,378 runs in their careers.

Root now has 13,409 runs from 157 Tests and 286 innings, and sits at second, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, who is first with 15,921 runs via 200 Tests and 329 innings.