Joe Root and Virat Kohli have been two of the most influential Test batters of their generation. Both have built outstanding records through long innings, centuries against quality bowling attacks and consistent performances in Test cricket.
Root remains an active international Test cricketer for England, while Kohli retired from Test cricket in 2025. That difference in career length is an important factor when comparing their overall numbers.
Here is a detailed comparison of Joe Root and Virat Kohli's Test records, including runs, batting average, centuries, fifties, highest scores and double centuries.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli Test Stats
Test Stat | Joe Root | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
Tests | 167 | 123 |
Innings | 305 | 210 |
Runs | 14,180 | 9,230 |
Batting Average | 50.64 | 46.85 |
Centuries | 41 | 30 |
Fifties | 68 | 31 |
Highest Score | 262 | 254* |
Double Centuries | 6 | 7 |
Figures reflect the career numbers provided for this comparison. Root's statistics can continue to change because he remains an active Test player.
Joe Root Test Career
Joe Root made his Test debut for England in 2012 and has gone on to become one of the country's most prolific run-scorers in Test cricket.
According to the figures above, Root has scored 14,180 Test runs in 167 matches at an average of 50.64. He has registered 41 centuries and 68 fifties, with a highest score of 262.
His record also includes six double centuries, highlighting his ability to convert starts into substantial scores. Root's longevity has been a major part of his Test career, allowing him to build one of the largest run tallies in the format.
Root also spent several years as England's Test captain before handing over the role to Ben Stokes in 2022.
Virat Kohli Test Career
Virat Kohli made his Test debut for India in 2011 and finished his Test career with 123 matches and 9,230 runs.
Kohli scored 30 Test centuries and 31 fifties during his career, with a highest score of 254 not out. He also recorded seven Test double centuries.
One of the defining periods of Kohli's Test career came during his captaincy of India. He led the team in 68 Tests and was part of an era in which India established itself as a highly competitive Test side, including the historic series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 tour.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Test Runs
There is a substantial difference in total Test runs between the two batters based on the figures in this comparison.
Joe Root: 14,180 runs
Virat Kohli: 9,230 runs
Root has played 44 more Tests than Kohli in the figures listed above, which is an important factor when comparing their overall run totals.
Kohli's 9,230 runs came in 123 Tests, while Root's total has been built across a longer Test career.
Test Batting Average
Batting average offers another way to compare the two careers because it takes dismissals into account.
Joe Root: 50.64
Virat Kohli: 46.85
Based on these career figures, Root has the higher Test batting average.
However, batting averages should be viewed alongside factors such as matches played, batting positions, opposition, playing conditions and the different periods in which the two players competed.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Test Centuries
Century comparison:
Joe Root: 41 centuries
Virat Kohli: 30 centuries
Root has 11 more Test centuries in the figures above.
Both players have produced hundreds in a wide range of conditions and against different generations of international bowling attacks. Root's active status also means his century tally can still increase.
Test Double Centuries
The double-century comparison provides a different result.
Virat Kohli: 7 double centuries
Joe Root: 6 double centuries
Kohli finished his Test career with one more double century than Root's current tally.
Kohli's highest Test score was 254 not out, while Root's highest score is 262.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Test Records
Joe Root
Tests: 167
Runs: 14,180
Average: 50.64
Centuries: 41
Fifties: 68
Highest score: 262
Double centuries: 6
Career status: Active
Virat Kohli
Tests: 123
Runs: 9,230
Average: 46.85
Centuries: 30
Fifties: 31
Highest score: 254*
Double centuries: 7
Career status: Retired from Tests
Captaincy Records
Both Root and Kohli carried significant leadership responsibilities during their Test careers.
Kohli captained India in 68 Tests and won 40 of those matches. His captaincy period included India's first Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 tour.
Root also served as England's Test captain for a substantial part of his career before stepping down in 2022.
Because their captaincy periods took place in different eras and under different circumstances, leadership records are best considered separately from their individual batting statistics.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Complete Career Comparison
Category | Joe Root | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
Test career status | Active | Retired |
Tests | 167 | 123 |
Runs | 14,180 | 9,230 |
Average | 50.64 | 46.85 |
Centuries | 41 | 30 |
Fifties | 68 | 31 |
Highest score | 262 | 254* |
Double centuries | 6 | 7 |
The figures highlight two different Test career profiles.
Root has played a longer career and has accumulated a significantly higher number of Test runs, centuries and fifties. Kohli, meanwhile, finished his Test career with seven double centuries despite playing considerably fewer matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has scored more Test runs, Joe Root or Virat Kohli?
Joe Root has more Test runs in the figures used for this comparison, with 14,180 compared with Virat Kohli's 9,230.
Who has more Test centuries?
Joe Root has 41 Test centuries, while Virat Kohli finished his Test career with 30.
Who has more Test double centuries?
Virat Kohli has seven Test double centuries, compared with Joe Root's six.
Who has the higher Test batting average?
Based on the figures above, Joe Root has the higher Test batting average at 50.64, compared with Kohli's 46.85.
Who has the higher Test score?
Joe Root's highest Test score is 262, while Virat Kohli's highest score is 254 not out.
Final Takeaway
Joe Root and Virat Kohli have produced two remarkable Test careers, but their records have developed over different career lengths and playing periods.
Root has played more Tests and has accumulated more overall runs, centuries and fifties. Kohli, however, finished his Test career with seven double centuries, one more than Root's current tally.
The most useful comparison is therefore not based on a single statistic. Tests played, innings, runs, average, centuries, fifties, highest scores and double centuries together provide a broader picture of what both batters achieved in Test cricket.
