From Kane Williamson to Virat Kohli: 4 legendary batsmen who agonizingly fell short of 10,000 Test runs

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson (AP/PTI) Kane Williamson’s retirement from international cricket has reignited the debate over one of Test cricket’s most exclusive milestones: 10,000 runs.The New Zealand great brought the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year international career with 9,515 Test runs, leaving him just 485 runs short of the elite 10,000-run club. His retirement means he becomes the latest modern-day batting giant to finish impressively close to the landmark without getting there.Here are four legendary batsmen who finished just short of the coveted 10,000 Test runs mark.

1. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Williamson’s decision to retire in the middle of New Zealand’s Test series against England surprised many, especially given how close he was to the 10,000-run milestone.The former New Zealand captain finished as his country’s leading international run-scorer across formats with 19,346 runs. In Test cricket, he amassed 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an excellent average of 54.06, including 33 centuries and six double centuries.Widely regarded as one of the greatest New Zealand cricketers of all time, Williamson leaves the game just 485 runs behind to join Test cricket’s most exclusive batting club.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Virat Kohli, one of Williamson’s colleagues from the famous “Fab Four”, also retired before reaching the coveted milestone.The Indian batting superstar announced his Test retirement on 12 May 2025, ending a career that transformed Indian cricket as both a batsman and captain.Kohli finished with 9,230 runs from 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, making 30 centuries. Given his fitness and experience, many believed he still had enough left in the tank for 10,000 test runs, but he decided to walk away with the 770 he still needed.

3. Graeme Smith (South Africa)

One of the youngest captains in Test history and one of South Africa’s greatest leaders, Graeme Smith made an unexpected exit during the final Test of the 2014 series against Australia.Smith called time on his career at the age of just 33, a decision that stunned the cricketing world as it appeared that he had several years of cricket left in him.The left-hander ended his Test career with 9,265 runs in 117 matches at an average of 48.25, including 27 centuries. Had he continued a bit longer, the 10,000-run mark would almost certainly have been within reach.

4. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Another South African great who narrowly missed the milestone was Hashim Amla.Known for his elegant stroke play and remarkable consistency, Amla retired from international cricket in August 2019 after establishing himself as one of the best batsmen of his generation.He amassed 9,282 Test runs in 124 matches at an average of 46.64 and scored 28 centuries. Amla remains South Africa’s second highest run-scorer in Tests and still holds the record for the highest individual Test score by a South African.Like Williamson, Kohli and Smith, Amla finished within touching distance of the historic 10,000-run mark, but ultimately fell short of becoming a member of cricket’s most exclusive batting club.