Chasing Kohli’s Record: Mathews’ Final Shot at Galle
As the sun sets on Angelo Mathews’ illustrious Test career, the cricketing world gathers in Galle to witness the Sri Lankan stalwart’s final stand against Bangladesh in June 2025. With 8,167 runs in 118 Tests, Mathews stands as Sri Lanka’s third-highest Test run-scorer, a beacon of resilience in an era of transition for his nation’s cricket. Yet, as he strides onto the Galle International Stadium for his 119th and final Test, whispers of a monumental challenge echo: can Mathews, in his swan song, close the gap on Virat Kohli’s record for the most Test runs scored at home? With Kohli’s recent Test retirement leaving his home tally at 4,690 runs, Mathews, at 4,558, is just 133 runs shy. This article explores Mathews’ pursuit of history, his legacy, and the emotional weight of his farewell in the context of Sri Lanka’s cricketing narrative.
The Record in Sight
Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in May 2025, left an indelible mark with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 4,690 scored on Indian soil. His home record, bolstered by 17 centuries and an average of 55.17, set a towering benchmark. Mathews, with 4,558 runs in 64 home Tests at an average of 46.51, needs a significant performance in Galle to surpass Kohli. Posts on X have fueled the narrative, with one user noting, “Mathews has a golden chance to eclipse Kohli’s home Test runs in his final match”. Another highlighted the poetic symmetry: “Kohli’s retired, but Mathews could steal his record in Galle’s fortress”.
The chase is not just about numbers. Kohli’s home dominance was built on technical prowess and mental fortitude, traits Mathews mirrors. Both players have thrived in subcontinental conditions, mastering spin and pacing innings on turning tracks. Mathews’ 11 Test centuries, including a memorable 160 against India in 2010, showcase his ability to anchor and accelerate. Yet, surpassing Kohli’s tally in a single Test—or the potential second Test in Kandy—demands a near-miraculous knock, especially against a disciplined Bangladesh attack led by Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed.
Mathews’ Test Legacy
Mathews’ 17-year journey, beginning in 2009 against Pakistan, is a tale of grit and versatility. With 8,167 runs, 40 fifties, and 11 centuries, he trails only Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814) among Sri Lankans. His 99 in India in 2017, recalled in an X post as a “moment that could’ve been historic”, epitomizes his knack for big scores under pressure. Beyond batting, Mathews contributed 2,197 ODI runs and 1,287 T20I runs, alongside 33 Test wickets, cementing his all-round legacy.
His leadership—captaining Sri Lanka in 34 Tests—navigated turbulent times. Taking over from Jayawardene in 2013, Mathews led with stoicism, guiding Sri Lanka to a series win in England in 2014, highlighted by his 160 at Headingley. However, inconsistent team performances and injuries tested his tenure. An X user celebrated his “centuries in 7 countries against 9 opponents,” calling him “the biggest Test legacy ending this year”. His farewell, marked by a guard of honour at Galle, underscores his stature.
Mathews’ critique of Sri Lanka’s Test schedule—only six matches in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle—reflects his passion for the format. In a recent interview, he lamented the lack of red-ball opportunities, arguing it stifles emerging talent. This sentiment resonates on X, where fans echoed his call for more Tests to preserve Sri Lanka’s cricketing heritage.
The Galle Farewell: A Stage for History
Galle, Sri Lanka’s fortress, is a fitting stage for Mathews’ final Test. The venue has been kind to him, with 1,209 runs at an average of 50.37, including three centuries. Facing Bangladesh, who have grown into a competitive unit under Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mathews must contend with spin-heavy conditions and a pace attack bolstered by Taskin. Bangladesh’s recent Test upset against Pakistan in 2024 signals their intent, making Mathews’ pursuit of 133 runs a daunting task.
To break Kohli’s record, Mathews needs a century-plus score, a feat he’s achieved five times at home. His highest Test score, 200 not out against Zimbabwe in 2020, showcases his capacity for big innings. However, recent form—averaging 32.14 in his last 10 Tests—suggests rustiness. An X post framed the challenge: “Mathews at 37, chasing Kohli’s 4,690 in his last Test—can he pull off a miracle?”. A second Test in Kandy, if played, could offer another shot, but Mathews has confirmed Galle as his likely curtain call.
Emotional and Cultural Context
Mathews’ farewell carries profound emotional weight. Sri Lanka’s cricketing landscape has shifted since the golden era of Sangakkara and Jayawardene. With diminishing Test fixtures and economic challenges limiting infrastructure, Mathews has been a bridge to that storied past. His guard of honour, captured in viral X posts, symbolizes respect from peers and fans. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who retired from Tests earlier in 2025, paid tribute, calling Mathews “a true warrior who carried Sri Lanka through tough times”.
The Kohli comparison adds intrigue. While Kohli’s aggression redefined Indian cricket, Mathews’ calm resilience anchored Sri Lanka. Both faced pressure as captains in transitional eras, with Kohli’s 40 Test wins outpacing Mathews’ 13. Yet, Mathews’ ability to perform against top sides—centuries against England, India, and Australia—mirrors Kohli’s global impact. Surpassing Kohli’s home runs would be a symbolic triumph, placing a Sri Lankan icon alongside one of cricket’s modern greats.
Challenges and Opportunities
Bangladesh poses a stern test. Their spinners, Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, thrive on Galle’s turning tracks, while Taskin’s pace could exploit early moisture. Mathews’ experience against spin, honed over years, gives him an edge, but his recent struggles against pace—evident in a duck against New Zealand in 2024—raise concerns. Sri Lanka’s batting, reliant on Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal, needs Mathews to anchor the middle order.
A century would not only chase Kohli’s record but also boost Sri Lanka’s World Test Championship hopes. With only six Tests scheduled, every match is critical. Mathews’ leadership off the field, mentoring youngsters like Kamindu Mendis, could inspire a collective lift. An X user noted, “If Mathews fires, Sri Lanka might just start WTC 2025-27 with a bang”.
The Bigger Picture
Mathews’ pursuit transcends personal milestones. It highlights the plight of smaller Test nations like Sri Lanka, where limited fixtures stifle growth. His call for more Tests aligns with sentiments on X, where fans argue that players like Mathews deserve bigger stages. Kohli, too, benefited from India’s robust schedule, playing 123 Tests to Mathews’ 119. A record-breaking knock could amplify Mathews’ advocacy, pressuring the ICC to rethink Test cricket’s structure.
For fans, the chase is a celebration of Mathews’ legacy. His 99 in India, where he fell agonizingly short of a century, remains a poignant memory. A ton in Galle could redeem that moment, etching his name alongside Kohli and Tendulkar, who also feature in X discussions about Mathews’ final Test. Even if he falls short, his 17-year contribution—marked by consistency and class—secures his place in cricket’s pantheon.
Conclusion
As Angelo Mathews walks out in Galle, the weight of history rests on his shoulders. Chasing Virat Kohli’s 4,690 home Test runs is a tall order, but Mathews has defied odds before. Whether he scores the 133 runs needed or not, his farewell encapsulates a career of quiet strength and unyielding commitment. Sri Lanka’s cricketing soul, battered by systemic challenges, finds expression in Mathews’ final shot at glory. As X posts proclaim, “A true legend signs off”. Win or lose, Mathews’ last Test is a testament to his enduring impact, a reminder that records are fleeting, but legacies endure.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 7:17 pm by Charan Sai Reddy | Published by: Charan Sai Reddy on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 7:17 pm | News Categories: Sports
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