IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli Boasts Fourth-Highest Average Among Indian Test Legends

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli grabbed the headlines after he crossed the 9000-run milestone in Test cricket. With this remarkable achievement, he cemented his status among India's all-time greats and became the fourth Indian to complete 9000 runs in the longest format.

The senior pro who is the fourth-leading run-getter for India in Tests, achieved the feat during the second innings of the ongoing Test match against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The veteran who came out to bat at one down, took time to get settled at the crease. There was surreal pressure on him from the get-go. However, he ensured to break the shackles before he went about his business.

When Team India started to lose momentum in the wake of Rohit Sharma's odd dismissal, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan approached the game with optimism and negated New Zealand's pace and spin attacks equally well. The duo added 136-run partnership for the third wicket before Kohli (70) was dismissed on the final ball of the day's play.

Virat Kohli joins the ranks of Indian legends

The Delhi-born joined an illustrious list headed by India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who is the all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket. The Master Blaster amassed 15,921 runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78, laced with 51 centuries and 68 fifties. He registered his personal best score of 248*.

Following Tendulkar is another Indian legend, Rahul Dravid, who garnered 13,265 runs. Former India's head coach boasts a highest score of 270 and maintained a career average of 52.63 in 163 Tests, including 36 centuries and 63 fifties. Sunil Gavaskar comes third on the list with 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12 in 125 Tests, registering his best score of 236*.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli added another feather to his cap by joining the elite list of Indian batting greats. He is fourth on the list with just over 9,000 runs at an average of 49 in 116 Tests, including 29 centuries and 31 fifties, registering his highest score of 254*.

With several years of cricket still ahead of him, the 35-year-old has a realistic chance of going past some of these legends on the run-scoring charts and it remains to be seen how he will go about his work in his late 30's of his venture.