King Kohli bows out, but Younis Khan still rules the numbers game

As the curtain falls on Virat Kohli’s magnificent Test career, tributes pour in for one of India’s modern-day greats. With elegant strokes, match-winning centuries, and aggressive leadership, Kohli earned the title of “King” through grit, passion, and performance. But while the cricketing world celebrates Kohli’s achievements, a quiet reminder from across the border rises: the legendary Younis Khan, Pakistan’s batting rock, quietly holds a statistical edge in the classical format of the game.

THE NUMBERS THAT SPEAK LOUDER

Virat Kohli concluded his Test journey with 123 matches and 9,230 runs—a tally that would be the pride of any cricketer. Yet Younis Khan, having played just 118 Tests, amassed 10,099 runs, comfortably outscoring Kohli despite playing five fewer games.

And the margins don’t end there.

When it comes to resilience, not-outs are often a measure of grit. Kohli remained unbeaten 13 times in his career; Younis? A solid 19. Another win for the Pakistani stalwart.

HIGH SCORES AND HEROIC KNOCKS

Younis Khan holds a distinct place in the elite club of triple centurions with his career-best 313, a masterclass in patience and precision. In contrast, Kohli’s highest Test score remains 254 not out—a fine innings, no doubt, but shy of that historic milestone.

HITTING WITH INTENT: BOUNDARIES AND SIXES

Even in flair, Younis often overshadowed Kohli. Despite a reputation as a calm accumulator, Younis struck 70 sixes—more than double Kohli’s 30. In the battle of boundaries, Younis again edged out Kohli with 1,082 fours to Kohli’s 1,027.

ENDURANCE AT THE CREASE

Test cricket is not just about runs—it’s about surviving. Younis Khan faced a staggering 19,375 deliveries, while Kohli stood up to 16,608 balls. In an era of aggressive stroke play, Younis’s ability to dig in and grind out tough spells made him the embodiment of Test match resilience.

MILESTONES: FIFTIES AND CENTURIES

Contrary to popular belief, Kohli doesn’t lead in the landmark race either. Younis scored 34 Test centuries and 33 half-centuries, compared to Kohli’s 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Again, the scoreboard favours Younis.

AVERAGE EXCELLENCE

In Test cricket, the batting average is a hallmark of consistency. Younis Khan boasts an impressive average over 52, while Kohli’s average settles below 47—a noticeable gap in a game of fine margins.

SAFE HANDS, CLUTCH MOMENTS

Fielding excellence also belongs to Younis, who claimed 139 catches, compared to Kohli’s 121. And in the ultimate trial of mental strength—the fourth innings of a Test match—Younis Khan delivered five centuries, while Kohli never managed even three.

FINAL THOUGHTS: LEGACY VS STATISTICS

This isn’t an attempt to dim Kohli’s shining legacy—he remains a generational icon. But perhaps in the noise of modern marketing and cross-border rivalries, Younis Khan’s legacy as a Test titan deserves louder recognition.

Kohli brought fire, but Younis brought fortitude.

If Kohli was the king of charisma, Younis was the silent emperor of endurance.

And when the numbers are laid bare, the crown of consistency — at least in Test cricket — sits humbly on Younis Khan’s head.