When it comes to Indian cricket, the names Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar stand out as two of the greatest batsmen to have ever graced the game. Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” set numerous records, including being the highest run-scorer in both ODIs and Tests. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has carved his own path to greatness, holding the record for the most runs in T20Is and dominating modern cricket with consistency.
Both legends shared the field for the first time in 2009 during the Compaq Cup final against Sri Lanka, where Tendulkar’s 138 runs led India to a thrilling victory. Kohli also witnessed Tendulkar’s emotional farewell Test match in 2013. The constant comparison between these two icons has sparked many debates, but how do their international records actually compare?
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Overall International Records
Both players have had stellar careers across all formats, but Tendulkar’s 24-year career was unmatched in its longevity. Kohli, though younger, has already built an impressive legacy.
Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
Virat Kohli | 535 | 27,041 | 50.54 | 79.41 | 80 | 140 |
Sachin Tendulkar | 664 | 34,357 | 48.52 | 79.94 | 100 | 164 |
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar in T20Is
Sachin Tendulkar only played in India’s inaugural T20I in 2006 and did not focus on this format internationally. In contrast, Kohli made his debut in 2010 and has since become the highest run-scorer in T20Is, the first to cross 4,000 runs in the format.
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar T20I Records:
Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
Virat Kohli | 125 | 4188 | 48.69 | 137.04 | 1/38 |
Sachin Tendulkar | 1 | 10 | 10 | 88.83 | – |
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs
Sachin Tendulkar remains the undisputed king of ODIs, being the only cricketer to score over 15,000 runs in the format. Kohli, however, is renowned for his consistency and run chases, scoring over 13,900 runs with 50 centuries and an average of more than 58.
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar ODI Records:
Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
Virat Kohli | 295 | 13906 | 58.18 | 93.54 | 50/72 |
Sachin Tendulkar | 463 | 18426 | 44.83 | 86.23 | 49/96 |
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar in Tests
Sachin dominated Test cricket with 51 centuries and a massive 15,921 runs at an average of 53.79. Kohli, with 29 centuries and seven double centuries to his name, has also made his mark, scoring 8,947 runs and breaking several records in the longest format.
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar Test Records:
Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
Virat Kohli | 115 | 8947 | 48.89 | 55.78 | 29/30 |
Sachin Tendulkar | 200 | 15921 | 53.78 | – | 51/68 |