3 legendary batters who narrowly missed the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket

Scoring 10,000 runs in Test cricket is a monumental achievement that only a handful of elite cricketers have managed to accomplish. It’s a number that symbolizes not just consistency but longevity and excellence in the purest format of the game. While several legends have etched their names in this elite club, there are a few greats who came agonizingly close but fell just short—retiring with over 9,000 runs but without crossing the magical 10K mark.

Notably, four players sit above the 9,000-run tally without reaching 10,000, but one of them—New Zealand’s Kane Williamson—is still an active cricketer and could well breach the milestone. That leaves us with three retired icons who missed out despite being modern-day giants. Here’s a look at the three players who came closest yet missed out on the milestone.

3 players who nearly missed the 10,000-run mark in Tests

1. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Career span: 2004–2019Tests: 124 | Runs: 9,282 | Average: 49.97 | Best: 311*

Hashim Amla was the embodiment of class, patience, and technical precision. Known for his serene presence at the crease and his ability to accelerate without ever looking rushed, Amla was one of South Africa’s most dependable batters in the modern era. His ability to adapt to any situation made him a true asset, especially in away tours.

Over 124 Tests, Amla scored 9,282 runs at a near 50 average—an extraordinary number by any standard. His 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries reflect both consistency and flair, while his career-best 311* remains one of the highest individual scores in Test cricket. Despite being just 718 runs shy of 10,000, Amla chose to retire in 2019, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Also READ: Hashim Amla pays a heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

2. Graeme Smith (South Africa)

Career span: 2002–2014Tests: 117 | Runs: 9,265 | Average: 48.25 | Best: 277

Graeme Smith wasn’t just a prolific batter—he was the spine of South African cricket during a highly competitive era. Appointed captain at the young age of 22, Smith’s leadership skills often overshadowed his batting prowess, but his numbers speak volumes about his ability with the bat.

Smith amassed 9,265 runs across 117 Tests, anchoring South Africa’s top-order with 27 centuries and 38 fifties. Known for his unmatched resilience and ability to play under pressure, his average of 48.25 is a testament to his consistency. Smith missed the 10,000-run mark by only 735 runs, retiring in 2014 as one of the most successful Test captains in history.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

Career span: 2011–2025Tests: 123 | Runs: 9,230 | Average: 46.85 | Best: 254*

The most recent entrant on this list is none other than Virat Kohli—arguably the face of modern Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive approach, unmatched fitness, and hunger for big scores, Kohli brought a new edge to Indian Test cricket during his reign as captain.

Across 123 Tests, Kohli accumulated 9,230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His unbeaten 254 remains one of the finest knocks by an Indian batter. While fans expected him to push well past the 10,000-run barrier, Kohli surprised many with his Test retirement in 2025, falling just 770 runs short. Nonetheless, he leaves the game as one of the most successful all-format players in cricket history.

Also READ: Mark Boucher picks Team India’s next No. 4 batter after Virat Kohli’s retirement