Virat Kohli overtakes Sangakkara in ODI run-tally; comparing the legacy of two cricketing greats

Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara - (Source: AFP)

On Saturday, October 25, Virat Kohli regained his lost mojo after the former India captain slammed an unbeaten 74 and saved India from registering their first-ever whitewash against Australia in a bilateral series.

Even on a personal level, the innings was special for Virat as he was coming fresh off two consecutive ducks. Further, with the fifty-plus knock, Virat broke a plethora of records, but most importantly, he surpassed Kumar Sangakkara's run tally in ODI cricket.

Virat, who now has 14243 ODI runs, went past Kumar Sangakkara's 14234 run figure to become the second-leading run-getter in ODI cricket, only behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

Meanwhile, this article will celebrate the two legendary cricketers and also compare Virat and Kumar Sangakkara's figures in ODIs.

Comparing Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara in ODIs

Key takeaways

• Virat Kohli took 87 fewer innings than Kumar Sangakkara to break his runs-tally, which speaks volume about the class of star India batter.
• Even in terms of averages, Virat averages 57.69, while Kumar Sangakkara ended his career with an average of 41.98 and also a lesser strike-rate than Virat, which is relatively a non-existing parameters in ODIs.

Since, we are talking about comparing, let's also look at Sangakkara's figures after 293 innings. 

Virat vs Sangakkara after 293 innings

Key takeaways

• After 293 innings, Virat has added 1000 plus runs more than what Kumar Sangakkara could amass after his 293 innings. 
• Sangakkara only averaged 37.92, while Virat Kohli averages 57.69.
• Besides the runs, when comparing legacies of two legendary cricketers, it is also important to look at some key stats such as how many times did those runs came at a winning cause and did the players shone under pressure or not. 

Key takeaways

• If we look at the stats, then Virat Kohli surpasses Sangakkara in other key parameters as well such as % of teams runs scored and win%. If we infer, then Virat's knock has resulted in India winning more compared to Kumar Sangakkara.
• Sangakkara only has 52.8 win%, while, Virat boasts a 61.4% win percentage after 293 innings.
• It is worth noting that Virat has the third-most runs already when it comes in winning cause. Only Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar are ahead of him. 
• 11157 - Sachin Tendulkar (231 inns)
• 10726 - Ricky Potning (254 inns)
• 10398* - Virat Kohli (181 inns)

Conclusion

Both cricketers are legends in their own right, but Virat Kohli, in 87 fewer innings than Sangakkara, has already surpassed the legacy of Sri Lanka legend. The right-handed batter is hands down way ahead of Sangakkara if we look at stats or even in terms of his runs contributing to their team's silverware.

Even, if we look at the effectiveness, then Virat has been more effective than Sangakkara if we go by the stats and also the impact created by the batsman.

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