Indian captain Virat Kohli has continued his purple patch in the Rainbow Nation as well. He has now scored 4 centuries and 2 fifties to his name after 10 games (3 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 1 T20I). But more interestingly, he is just 130 runs away from amassing 1000 runs on a single tour. Kohli has scored as many as 870 runs from 13 innings at an average of 87.00 and a strike rate of 82.38 on the South African tour so far with the help of 7 sixes and 91 boundaries.

Sir Viv Richards’ record

West Indian legend Vivian Richards is the only batsman in the history of Cricket to score 1000 runs on an overseas tour. Richards achieved the feat in 1976 when he amassed 1045 runs in England. While Richards had scored 216 runs in ODIs, he smashed 829 in four Test matches.

Also read: Varun Aaron praises Kohli for supporting the Indian pacers

In comparison to the same, Kohli scored 286 runs in the three-match Test series with a century and a fifty, 558 runs in the 6 ODI innings with 3 centuries and fifty and 26 runs in the first T20I at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. Considering his form, it wouldn’t be too difficult for him to go past another milestone for the India skipper.

Viv Richards sees a bit of himself in Kohli, but the Indian batsman reckons comparisons with the legend are surreal. He said, “I don’t go to the field thinking I want to fight with someone today. I am in a good headspace where I am contributing to the team. People watching should have some fun as well. My focus is to go out there and perform, as these things don’t bother me.”

He further added, “And it is surreal to think of comparisons. I have always thought that it was tougher for the greats of the game because we have better protective gear today. I can’t think of playing in a cap and Sir Viv always did. He smacked fast bowlers for sixes all over the world and even thinking about it sends chills down your spine.”

Also read: David Warner Follows The Footsteps Of Virat Kohli

Sir Don Bradman’s record

Donald Bradman, who has always been considered to be the greatest batsman to have played cricket, had scored 974 runs in five Tests in Australia’s tour to England. Kohli needs just 104 runs to surpass the Australian legend. 

The second T20I is scheduled to be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.