Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing icon, continues to captivate fans in 2025 with his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he navigates the India vs. England Test series and gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, Kohli’s form remains a hot topic. With 27,000 international runs and counting, he’s closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 34,357 runs. This article explores Kohli’s 2025 performances, his chase for historic records, and whether he can cement his legacy as cricket’s greatest batter.

Kohli’s 2025 Test Series Performance

In the ongoing India-England Test series, Kohli has shown flashes of brilliance despite inconsistent scores. His gritty 76 in the third Test at Edgbaston, anchoring India’s chase, earned praise from coach Gautam Gambhir, who called him “the backbone of our batting.” However, a loose shot in Manchester drew criticism from Kumar Sangakkara for “lacking discipline.” Kohli’s 350 runs in the series at an average of 43.75 keep him in the spotlight, with fans on X debating his form under #KingKohli. The Oval Test in August 2025 offers a chance to silence doubters with a big score.

Chasing Sachin’s Record

Kohli, at 36, is 7,357 runs shy of Tendulkar’s international run tally. With 80 centuries across formats, he’s just 20 shy of Tendulkar’s 100 tons. In 2025, Kohli has scored 3 centuries—two in Tests and one in ODIs—averaging 50.2 across 12 matches. His T20I strike rate of 140 in the IPL 2025 (550 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru) shows he’s still a force. Analysts predict he could surpass Tendulkar by 2028 if he maintains his fitness, a topic trending on X with posts like “Kohli to outdo Sachin?”

Asia Cup 2025: Kohli’s T20 Return

Kohli’s role in the Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 in the UAE, is pivotal for India’s title defense. His record against Pakistan—1,124 runs in T20Is at an average of 52.73—makes him a key player for the September 14 clash. Kohli’s ability to anchor and accelerate, seen in his 82* against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, will counter Shaheen Afridi’s pace. Gambhir’s coaching, emphasizing mental toughness, aligns with Kohli’s game, boosting expectations for a dominant tournament.

The Kohli Mindset: Resilience Under Pressure

Kohli’s mental strength has defined his 2025 season. Despite scrutiny over his Test form, his rigorous fitness regime and work with sports psychologists have kept him sharp. His passionate celebration after a fifty in Manchester, fist-pumping to the crowd, went viral on X, amassing 50,000 likes. Former captain MS Dhoni praised Kohli’s “hunger to perform,” while Gambhir noted his ability to mentor young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, fostering team unity.

Challenges and Criticisms

Kohli’s occasional recklessness, like his dismissal chasing a wide ball in Manchester, has drawn flak. Critics on X question if age is impacting his consistency, with posts like “Is Kohli past his prime?” However, his IPL 2025 performance and leadership in RCB’s playoff push silenced many doubters. The Oval Test and Asia Cup will test his ability to convert starts into big scores, especially against England’s Mark Wood and Pakistan’s Haris Rauf.

Fan Buzz and Social Media Impact

Kohli’s massive fanbase drives engagement, with #ViratKohli trending during every match. Google Trends shows a 40% spike in searches for “Virat Kohli 2025 stats” post-Manchester. His Instagram posts, sharing training glimpses, garner millions of likes, amplifying his brand. Blogs can leverage this by embedding Kohli’s highlight clips or linking to live scorecards, boosting SEO and dwell time.

What’s Next for Kohli?

The Oval Test offers Kohli a chance to lead India to a series-leveling draw, while the Asia Cup 2025 is a platform to dominate T20 cricket. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Kohli’s form will shape India’s campaign. His pursuit of Tendulkar’s record remains a long-term goal, but 2025 could see him surpass Ricky Ponting’s 27,483 runs. Can Kohli break more records this year? Share your predictions in the comments below!