India's upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka could become a landmark moment in KL Rahul's international career. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter is closing in on a major batting milestone and could create a unique record that no Indian cricketer has achieved before.
The two-match Test series begins on 15 August, with matches scheduled in Galle and Colombo. Rahul has been named vice-captain for the tour.
Just 170 Runs Away from 10,000 International Runs
KL Rahul has scored 9,830 international runs across Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals. If he adds another 170 runs during the Sri Lanka series, he will become the latest Indian batter to cross the prestigious 10,000-run mark.
A Record No Indian Has Managed
What makes this milestone even more special is that Rahul is set to become the first Indian player to score 10,000 international runs without bowling a single delivery.
Several legendary Indian batters have bowled at least occasionally during their international careers, including:
Sachin Tendulkar
Virat Kohli
MS Dhoni
Rohit Sharma
In contrast, KL Rahul has never bowled in an international match, making this achievement unique if he reaches the milestone.
Most International Runs for India Without Bowling
Among Indian players who have never bowled in international cricket, Rahul leads the list:
Player
International Runs
KL Rahul
9,830
Ajinkya Rahane
8,414
Rishabh Pant
5,637
Ishan Kishan
2,793
Farokh Engineer
2,725
KL Rahul's International Career
Rahul has been a dependable performer for India across all three formats.
Test Cricket
Matches: 68
Runs: 4,153
Average: 36.42
Centuries: 12
Half-centuries: 20
One-Day Internationals
Matches: 98
Runs: 3,412
Average: 49.44
Centuries: 8
Half-centuries: 20
T20 Internationals
Matches: 72
Runs: 2,265
Centuries: 2
Half-centuries: 22
Eyes on a Historic Series
With just 170 runs separating him from the 10,000-run milestone, all eyes will be on KL Rahul during the Sri Lanka tour. If he reaches the landmark, he will not only join an elite club of Indian batters but also create a record that stands apart in Indian cricket history—a 10,000-run international career without ever bowling a single ball.
