Joe Root and Virat Kohli have established themselves among the most influential batters of the modern era, producing memorable performances across a generation of Test cricket. While Root has continued to build his record for England, Kohli brought his Test career to a close in 2025 after representing India for more than a decade.
Their numbers offer an intriguing comparison between two batters who have enjoyed success in different conditions and playing environments.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Test Career Statistics
Statistic | Joe Root | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
Test matches | 169 | 123 |
Runs | 14,278 | 9,230 |
Batting average | 50.45 | 46.85 |
Centuries | 41 | 30 |
Half-centuries | 69 | 31 |
Highest score | 262 | 254* |
Double centuries | 6 | 7 |
Who Has Scored More Test Runs?
Root leads the comparison in total Test runs, having crossed the 14,000-run mark for England. His sustained output across home and overseas assignments has made him one of the leading run-scorers in the format.
Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs for India. Known for his intensity and ability to produce defining innings, he played a central role in India's rise as a formidable Test side, particularly during his tenure as captain.
Who Has More Test Centuries?
Root holds the advantage in Test centuries, with 41 compared with Kohli’s 30. Root’s consistency has allowed him to accumulate hundreds across a long international career, while Kohli produced several defining performances against some of the world's leading bowling attacks.
Root also leads in half-centuries, highlighting his greater volume of substantial scores in the format.
Who Has the Better Test Batting Average?
Root’s listed batting average of 50.45 is higher than Kohli’s 46.85. The figures give Root the edge in this statistical category, although batting averages alone cannot fully capture the different conditions, opposition attacks and match situations faced by each player.
Who Has More Double Centuries?
Kohli leads this category, finishing his Test career with seven double centuries, compared with Root’s six. Kohli’s highest Test score was 254 not out, while Root’s highest score is 262.
Joe Root vs Virat Kohli: Final Verdict
Root leads in total runs, batting average, centuries and half-centuries, while Kohli holds the advantage in double centuries. Both have left a significant mark on Test cricket through their consistency, adaptability and ability to deliver under pressure.
Their records reflect two outstanding careers, each shaped by a distinctive batting style and contribution to their respective national teams.
