Virat Kohli achieves yet another unique feat on South Africa tour

India skipper Virat Kohli marshalled his troops impeccably as he led the Men in Blue to their maiden series win in the rainbow nation. The Indian team culminated their South Africa tour on a high after their win in the T20 decider, and in the process registered a double series win.

Kohli, ever since his foray into international cricket has showcased his batting prowess and led by example in South Africa as well, boasting one of the best batting performances by a touring captain. In the recently-concluded series, the batting dynamo amassed 871 runs across all formats at a mind-boggling batting average of 79.18. He scored two fifties and four centuries in a stellar batting display against the Proteas.

In the process, Virat Kohli achieved a unique feat, surpassing Australian great Allan Border in becoming the second-highest run-getter by a touring captain. The Australian had previously scored 785 runs against England in 14 innings in 1985 whereas Kohli accumulated 871 runs in as many innings against the Proteas. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith holds the record with 937 runs in 16 innings against England in 2003. Ex-England captain Alastair Cook stands fourth on the list with 769 runs against India in 2012.

Kohli’s stats in the tour of South Africa

The 29-year-old scored 286 runs in the Test series to finish ahead of South African batting stalwart of AB de Villiers, who had 211 runs. The Indian skipper then went on to score a record 558 runs in six ODI matches at an average of 186.

Kohli, however, failed to get going in the two T20Is and missed out the final with a stiff back. Despite a minor hiccup, his contributions in the middle have been magnanimous and clinical in guiding India to a successful tour of the rainbow nation.

Here is the list of most runs made by a captain on an away tour

Graeme Smith vs England – 16 innings – 937 Runs
Virat Kohli vs South Africa – 14 innings – 871 runs
Allan Border vs England – 14 innings – 785 runs
Alastair Cook vs India – 13 innings – 769 runs