Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has truly marked the end of an era. Over the years, we’ve seen him take on the best bowling attacks in the world with unmatched intensity and flair. From his fiery battles Down Under to classy centuries in England, Kohli’s Test career was nothing short of legendary.

Related Article：Thank You, King – Looking Back at Virat Kohli’s Test Career

In this article, we take a nostalgic dive into Virat Kohli’s runs against all teams in Test cricket—looking at where he dominated, where he struggled, and which teams really tested his mettle. Was Virat Kohli’s Test runs against Australia the highlight of his red-ball career? Let’s find out.

Virat Kohli’s Runs Against All Teams In Test

Australia – Kohli’s Favorite Battleground

When we talk about Kohli’s Test runs against Australia, it’s like talking about a long, gripping rivalry series on Netflix — intense, dramatic, and packed with unforgettable moments. Across 30 Tests, Virat Kohli’s test runs against Australia total 2232 runs at an average of 43.76, with 9 centuries — the most he has scored against any team.

Virat Kohli’s hundred led the way on Day 3 of the 1st Test as India finish 369/5 against Australia #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/CGdM5BZIbG

— ICC (@ICC) December 11, 2014

Who can forget Adelaide 2014? Kohli smashed 115 and 141 in the same match, his first as stand-in captain. It was bold, fearless, vintage Kohli. And then came Perth 2018 — a masterclass knock of 123 on a spicy pitch where most batters were struggling. He looked like he was batting on a different planet.

#OnThisDay in 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣4️⃣, Virat Kohli got to his 9️⃣th Test Century, scoring a brilliant 1️⃣6️⃣9️⃣ v Australia in the 3rd Test in Melbourne. 💯🤩#PlayBold #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/HEGye3nRCG

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 28, 2021

Kohli also led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, etching his name in history. With those fiery battles and seven Test tons Down Under, Kohli even surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in Australia by an Indian. Legendary stuff.

England – From Redemption to Domination

Virat Kohli’s Test runs against England sum up to 1991 from 28 matches, averaging 42.36 with 5 centuries. But the real story? His 149 at Edgbaston in 2018. Coming into the tour under massive pressure after a forgettable 2014 series, Kohli flipped the script.

#OnThisDay in 2018, Virat Kohli hit his first Test century in England💥

His Test average in England –
On the 2014 tour: 13.40
On the 2018 tour: 59.30 pic.twitter.com/PsRUwNdvd9

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) August 2, 2020

In swinging, overcast conditions against James Anderson & Co., he ground out one of the most gutsy tons ever by an Indian in England. That series saw him amass 593 runs — a monumental comeback. And don’t forget his career-best 235 at Wankhede in 2016, a knock that set the tone for India’s series win at home.

Virat Kohli’s highest Test score was an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune in 2019. 👍 👍

His flawless innings was full of skill & authority, helping India win by an innings. The performance was widely praised for its brilliance. 👌 👌#TeamIndia | #ViratKohli |… pic.twitter.com/EryoKtpb5a

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025

South Africa – The True Test of Technique

Kohli’s 1408 runs in 16 Tests against South Africa came at a stellar average of 54.15 — and this includes his highest ever Test score: 254 not out in Pune (2019). But rewind to 2013 at Johannesburg: a young Kohli scoring 119 and 96 on a fast, bouncy track against Steyn, Morkel, and Philander. That’s when fans first said, “This guy is built different.” That performance underlined his ability to shine in the most testing of conditions. And he kept proving it — adapting, thriving, and leading from the front.

New Zealand – Fewer Matches, But Quality Knocks

Against the Kiwis, Kohli scored 959 runs in 14 Tests, including 3 centuries and a best of 211. One of the more memorable innings was his gritty 105 not out in Wellington (2014) — played under pressure when India were staring down defeat after a Brendon McCullum marathon. He soaked up the tension and responded with a calm yet assertive knock, helping India salvage a draw. While he didn’t always dominate the Black Caps, he was still often the backbone of the Indian lineup.

Another day, another century for the King. 👑🙇‍♂️#OnThisDay in 2017, Virat Kohli smashed his 17th Test ton, lighting up Galle with his sparkling brilliance! 🔥#PlayBold #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/3H7su95aLZ

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) July 29, 2024

Sri Lanka – Dominance on Display

Kohli truly bossed the Lankans in Tests — Virat Kohli’s test runs against Sri Lanka account to 1085 from just 11 matches at an average of 67.81, with 5 centuries. The standout? His 243 in Delhi in 2017 — a monster innings in a high-smog game that showed off his hunger for big runs. And who could forget his 104 at Eden Gardens in 2017? On a green-top, against Lakmal under overcast skies, Kohli’s knock turned the tide in a match that was slipping away. When others struggled, he rose like he always did.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿! 🫡

Virat Kohli made his Test debut for India on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.

He scored his Maiden Test century in January 2012, against Australia at the Adelaide Oval where he… pic.twitter.com/2DBAqUUVei

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025

West Indies – Calm, Composed, and Consistent

In 16 matches, Kohli racked up 1019 runs against the Windies with 3 centuries and an average just under 50. His 200 in North Sound during the 2016 series marked his first double century in Tests — and started a run where he scored four double tons in four consecutive series! He often used West Indies tours to get back into rhythm and churn out big scores, looking serene and in control across formats.

Bangladesh – Fewer Games, but Maximum Impact

While he only played 8 Tests against Bangladesh, Kohli still piled up 536 runs at nearly 49, including two double centuries. His 204 in Hyderabad (2017) was pure class — elegant drives, flicks, and trademark intensity.

Ma𝓥erick’s Massive Milestone! 👑🙇🏼‍♂️#OnThisDay in 2017, Virat Kohli achieved a legendary feat, becoming the first-ever batter to score 4️⃣ double centuries in four successive series! 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/DloTu0UMm0

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 10, 2025

Even with limited chances, Kohli made sure Bangladesh remembered him. His ability to go big once he was set made a huge difference, showing once again why he was such a dependable run machine for India. From Virat Kohli’s runs against all teams in Test cricket, it’s clear — he wasn’t just a great batter; he was a big-match beast. Whether it was Australia’s pace or England’s swing, Kohli brought fire, flair, and fight. And for fans, these memories will stay forever.

Kohli’s Test Track Record – Where He Ruled and Where He Was Tested

Looking at Virat Kohli’s runs against all teams in Test cricket, some patterns clearly stand out. His most prolific performances came against Australia, where he scored a whopping 2232 runs with 9 centuries across 30 Tests. The Aussies brought out the best in him — the pace, the pressure, and the stage always seemed to light a fire in Kohli. His iconic knocks in Adelaide, Perth, and his historic series win in 2018–19 as captain make this rivalry truly legendary.

India lose another one!

Moeen Ali gets the big wicket of Virat Kohli for 44.

🇮🇳 are 312/6 and lead by 213.#WTC23 | #ENGvIND | https://t.co/zRhnFiKhzZ pic.twitter.com/Orj9CrmYM5

— ICC (@ICC) September 5, 2021

In contrast, New Zealand and England proved to be slightly more challenging. While he did notch up big knocks like the 149 at Edgbaston and 105* in Wellington, his overall average of 38.36 vs New Zealand and 42.36 vs England was slightly lower compared to his numbers against other teams.

Swing-friendly conditions and disciplined attacks often tested his technique early in the innings. Statistically, his best batting average was against Sri Lanka (67.81), though from fewer matches, and his highest individual score of 254 came against South Africa* — another nation he dominated with class and resilience.

So, in short:

• Best overall performance: Australia (most runs and centuries)
• Best average: Sri Lanka (67.81)
• Most challenging opponents: New Zealand and England (lower averages and testing conditions)

What Lies Ahead for Team India？

As we look back at Virat Kohli’s runs against all teams in tests, it’s clear he wasn’t just a great batter — he was a fighter, a leader, and the heartbeat of India’s Test side for over a decade. From epic duels in Australia to redemption arcs in England, Kohli gave fans moments we’ll talk about for years.

At the end of his red-ball career, Virat Kohli finds himself in great company for most tons scored in Men’s Tests for India 🙌

More details 👉 https://t.co/S6B9tQU9L9 pic.twitter.com/N9Iw4SurbQ

— ICC (@ICC) May 13, 2025

But now, with Rohit Sharma already retired and Kohli hanging up his whites, India enters a new era. The big question: who steps up? All eyes will be on Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant to carry the baton in the upcoming England tour. Big shoes to fill, but that’s how new legends are born.