Run Machine in Cricket In 2024:

The title of ‘Run Machine’ is bestowed upon those legends whose feats break all the standards of the game and create a separate level of their own. The title itself holds a very significant place in the world of cricket.

As enthusiastic cricket fans, in this article, we will discover the cricketer who deserves to stand unrivaled as the ‘Run Machine’ in cricket. We will also discuss the cricketer’s achievements and records proving his worthiness to hold the title.

Who is Run Machine in Cricket?:

In the history book of Indian cricket, one chapter is devoted to a cricketer whose name shines in all its glory across the globe – Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s cricket career is a proof of his iron will and determination towards an insatiable hunger for runs which led this young master of cricket to rise and shine as a global icon. His career is nothing less of extraordinary, which solidifies his status as one of the best of bests in the cricket world.

Virat Kohli’s claim as the Run Machine of Indian cricket is supported by numerous records and achievements, proving his extraordinary batting prowess and consistency. His career includes over 70 centuries across all formats of international cricket matches. His tally of international runs places him among the highest run-scorers of all time. Read here: Who is the Run Machine in Cricket.?

Virat Kohli – The run machine in Cricket: Photo taken from Instagram

Why Virat Kohli?:

Team India’s Test captain Virat Kohli is renowned as one of the finest batters of modern era, who served as the 32^nd captain of the Indian Cricket Team since 2014. His consistency, hunger for runs, and ability to handle pressure are all noteworthy. His aggressive and offensive batting style have earned him the title of ‘run machine’ in the world of cricket. King Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket has made him one of the most iconic and respected figures in the sport. Read here: Why is Virat Kohli known as the Run Machine.?

1. International Runs: Virat Kohli is the fastest player to score 13,000 international runs in ODI format in 268 innings, surpassing even Sachin Tendulkar. He also holds many records in various categories across all formats of international cricket.
2. Consistency: Virat Kohli has consistently maintained a batting average of 50+ in all the international formats of the cricket. He has scored more than 50 centuries in ODIs and 29 centuries in Test matches, further proving his consistent performance.
3. International Cricket Honors:
4. Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade): 2011–2020
5. Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017, 2018
6. ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade: 2011–2020
7. ICC ODI Player of the Year: 2012, 2017, 2018 and 2023
8. ICC Test Player of the Year: 2018
9. ICC Spirit of Cricket: 2019
10. Polly Umrigar Award for International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
11. Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2016, 2017, 2018
12. ICC Men’s Player of the Month: October 2022
13. CEAT International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017– 18, 2018–19
14. Barmy Army – International Player of Year: 2017, 2018

Data regarding the above mentioned Records is taken from Wikipedia.

• Leadership: Virat Kohli’s leadership ledger is equally impressive in terms of individual and collective runs. Under his captaincy, the Indian cricket team achieved historic victories on Australian and South African lands.

Virat Kohli playing International Test series: Photo taken from Instagram

Statistical Evidence supporting Virat Kohli’s claim to the ‘Run Machine’ title:

Let us now look at Virat Kohli’s record-breaking performance stats highlighting his remarkable consistency across all formats.

Test Cricket Stats: Virat Kohli has played a total of 113 International Test matches and scored 8,848 runs at a Batting average of 49.15 and a Strike rate of 55.56.

ODI Stats: Virat Kohli has collected 13,848 runs in 292 One day international matches at a brilliant Batting average of 58.67 and a Strike rate of 93.58.

T20 International Stats: Virat Kohli has gathered 4,037 runs from 117 T20 International matches at a batting average of 51.75 and an impressive Strike rate of 138.15.

Combined Stats: Virat Kohli is the only player with a batting average of 50+ in all three formats of international cricket and has scored more than 26,000 runs across all formats. He has also notched up numerous double centuries in his name.

IPL Stats: Virat Kohli’s IPL career involves more than 10 years of hard work, 241 matches, 7,466 runs and an impressive strike rate of 130.30. His contribution to the IPL as the captain of RCB and also as a player is praiseworthy.

Table: Virat Kohli’s Batting Records
	Records	Match Format
1.	Most Run in a Series – 765 runs	ODI
2.	Most Hundreds in a career – 50	ODI
3.	Most Hundreds against one team – 100	ODI
4.	Fastest to 8,000 runs – 175 innings	ODI
5.	Fastest to 9,000 runs – 194 innings	ODI
6.	Fastest to 10,000 runs – 205 innings	ODI
7.	Fastest to 11,000 runs – 222 innings	ODI
8.	Fastest to 12,000 runs – 242 innings	ODI
9.	Fastest to 13,000 runs – 268 innings	ODI
10.	Most runs in Career – 4,037 runs	T20I
11.	Most 50s in career – 38	T20I
12.	Fastest to 3,000 runs – 81 innings	T20I
13.	Fastest to 3,500 runs – 96 innings	T20I
14.	Most player-of-the-match awards – 15	T20I
15.	Most player-of-the-series awards – 7	T20I
16.	Most Runs in the IPL – 7,263 runs	IPL
17.	Most Runs in a single edition of the IPL – 973 runs (2016)	IPL
Source: ESPN Cricket Archives

Contenders of ‘Run Machine’ Title:

Fans of every country assign the title of the run machine to the most favored and consistent batter of their nation. Sri Lankan fans used to call Kumar Sangakkara the run machine, while English fans used to call Sir Alastair Cook and Joe Root the run machine. In modern day, Australians call Steven Smith the run machine while Babar Azam from Pakistan is also on the list. These titles are assigned as a courtesy of their run-scoring in Test cricket but are not based on a factual base.

Virat Kohli as a member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL team: Photo taken from Instagram

There could be many contenders to the title, but all of them are mostly effective in one format, unlike Virat Kohli, who has mastered all formats. Based on the overall performance in all international cricket format matches, there is only one batter who deserves the title of the ‘Run machine’ – Virat Kohli. Read Here: Who are the other contenders for the title of the run machine.?

Conclusion:

In the grand scenery of the Indian cricket, one name stands alone at the top – Virat Kohli. The Indian cricketer having a global fan base shines bright as the embodiment of batting excellence and unwavering commitment.

Virat Kohli’s status as the ‘Run Machine in Cricket’ is validated by an impressive numerical stats, showcasing his unparalleled batting skills through a number of records and recognitions and a proficiency over all formats.

As the Run Machine, Virat Kohli’s journey reminds us about the power of passion, perseverance and pursuit and serves as a source of inspiration for young cricketers throughout the world.