Virat Kohli's T20 Run Milestone: A Close Race with Shoaib Malik and Chris Gayle In the upcoming IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Virat Kohli is on the brink of a historic milestone. Currently, Kohli holds the 7th position in the list of T20 International (T20I) players with the most runs. However, he trails Shoaib Malik by just 28 runs. If Kohli scores 29 runs in this match, he will surpass Malik to become the highest run-scorer among Asian players in T20I history. The Gap and the Target Shoaib Malik: 14,562 runs (as of the latest data). Virat Kohli: 14,534 runs (needs 29 more to overtake Malik). This narrow gap highlights the intensity of the competition and Kohli's determination to secure his place in the record books. The Broader Context: Chris Gayle's Record The ultimate goal for Kohli is to challenge Chris Gayle's record of 14,562 runs in T20Is. Gayle, a West Indies legend, holds the world record for the most runs in T20Is, with 22 centuries to his name. Kohli, who has retired from international T20 cricket, relies on the IPL as his primary platform to chase this milestone. Key Takeaways Kohli's IPL 2026 Opportunity: The RCB vs SRH match is a critical chance for Kohli to close the gap with Malik and inch closer to Gayle's record. Asian Dominance in T20I: If successful, Kohli would solidify Asia's dominance in T20 cricket, joining a list of elite players like Gayle and Malik. IPL as a Crucible: For Kohli, the IPL remains the sole avenue to compete with global legends like Gayle, as he has stepped away from international T20 cricket. This match could mark a pivotal moment in Kohli's career, blending personal ambition with the legacy of T20 cricket's greatest performers. 🏏#virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #chris_gayle #sunrisers_hyderabad #shoaib_malik
