Scoring 10,000 runs in Check cricket is a monumental achievement that solely a handful of elite cricketers have managed to perform. It’s a quantity that symbolizes not simply consistency however longevity and excellence within the purest format of the sport. Whereas a number of legends have etched their names on this elite membership, there are a number of greats who got here agonizingly shut however fell simply brief—retiring with over 9,000 runs however with out crossing the magical 10K mark.
Notably, 4 gamers sit above the 9,000-run tally with out reaching 10,000, however one among them—New Zealand’s Kane Williamson—continues to be an lively cricketer and will nicely breach the milestone. That leaves us with three retired icons who missed out regardless of being modern-day giants. Right here’s a have a look at the three gamers who got here closest but missed out on the milestone.
3 gamers who practically missed the ten,000-run mark in Assessments
1. Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Profession span: 2004–2019
Assessments: 124 | Runs: 9,282 | Common: 49.97 | Greatest: 311*
Hashim Amla was the embodiment of sophistication, persistence, and technical precision. Recognized for his serene presence on the crease and his skill to speed up with out ever trying rushed, Amla was one among South Africa’s most reliable batters within the trendy period. His skill to adapt to any scenario made him a real asset, particularly in away excursions.
Over 124 Assessments, Amla scored 9,282 runs at a close to 50 common—a unprecedented quantity by any normal. His 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries replicate each consistency and aptitude, whereas his career-best 311* stays one of many highest particular person scores in Check cricket. Regardless of being simply 718 runs shy of 10,000, Amla selected to retire in 2019, leaving followers questioning what may have been.
Additionally READ: Hashim Amla pays a heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli’s Check retirement
2. Graeme Smith (South Africa)
Profession span: 2002–2014
Assessments: 117 | Runs: 9,265 | Common: 48.25 | Greatest: 277
Graeme Smith wasn’t only a prolific batter—he was the backbone of South African cricket throughout a extremely aggressive period. Appointed captain on the younger age of twenty-two, Smith’s management abilities typically overshadowed his batting prowess, however his numbers converse volumes about his skill with the bat.
Smith amassed 9,265 runs throughout 117 Assessments, anchoring South Africa’s top-order with 27 centuries and 38 fifties. Recognized for his unmatched resilience and talent to play underneath strain, his common of 48.25 is a testomony to his consistency. Smith missed the ten,000-run mark by solely 735 runs, retiring in 2014 as probably the most profitable Check captains in historical past.
3. Virat Kohli (India)
Profession span: 2011–2025
Assessments: 123 | Runs: 9,230 | Common: 46.85 | Greatest: 254*
The latest entrant on this listing is none aside from Virat Kohli—arguably the face of recent Indian cricket. Recognized for his aggressive method, unmatched health, and starvation for giant scores, Kohli introduced a brand new edge to Indian Check cricket throughout his reign as captain.
Throughout 123 Assessments, Kohli collected 9,230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His unbeaten 254 stays one of many best knocks by an Indian batter. Whereas followers anticipated him to push nicely previous the ten,000-run barrier, Kohli stunned many together with his Check retirement in 2025, falling simply 770 runs brief. Nonetheless, he leaves the sport as probably the most profitable all-format gamers in cricket historical past.
Additionally READ: Mark Boucher picks Group India’s subsequent No. 4 batter after Virat Kohli’s retirement