List of Players with Most 2000+ International Runs in Calendar Years

South Africa secured a convincing victory by an innings and 32 runs in the opening Test at SuperSport Park, Indian batter Virat Kohli managed to achieve another remarkable record. Reaching fifty in the second innings with a well-constructed 76 off 82 balls (12 fours, 1 six), Kohli etched his name in the record books once again. This half-century propelled him to become the second-highest scorer of 50+ scores for India against South Africa in Tests. More importantly, it also allowed him to surpass the 2000-run mark in international cricket for the year 2023. He finished the year with a remarkable 2'048 runs in just 36 innings, with an impressive average of 66.06. His tally included eight centuries, ten fifties, and a highest score of 186. 

This feat marks Kohli's seventh time crossing 2000 international runs in a calendar year, cementing his place as the first-ever batter to achieve this historic milestone. Previously, Kumar Sangakkara held the record for six years, a testament to his immense talent. Sachin Tendulkar and Mahela Jayawardene follow close behind with five such seasons each. 

Virat Kohli has previously scaled the 2000-run peak in 2012 (2'186), 2014 (2'286), 2016 (2'595), 2017 (2'818), 2018 (2'735), and 2019 (2'455), respectively. This sustained excellence across multiple years solidifies his position as one of the game's all-time greats. 

Here is the list of players with 2000+ international runs in most calendar years 

Here is the list of players with 2000+ international runs in 2023 

While Shubman Gill leads the pack with 2'154 international runs in 52 innings this year, Virat Kohli's impressive feat of achieving 2000 runs in just 36 innings showcases his incredible consistency.