Sachin Tendulkar, often revered as the ‘God of Cricket’, has left an indelible mark on the sport with records that stand as monuments to his unparalleled career. While Virat Kohli, the modern-day cricketing icon, has been inching closer to many of these feats, there are certain records of Tendulkar’s that Kohli might find insurmountable. Here’s a look at five such records:
1. Most Runs in Test Cricket:
Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs in Test cricket is not just a number but a testament to his longevity and consistency. Kohli, despite his incredible run-scoring ability, would need to play for several more years at his current rate to even come close. Given Kohli’s age and the evolving nature of cricket, where players tend to retire earlier, this record might remain untouched by Kohli.
2. Most International Appearances:
Sachin Tendulkar’s participation in 664 international matches (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is) speaks volumes about his durability and love for the game. Virat Kohli, having played significantly fewer matches due to the different era’s approach to player workload and the intensity of modern cricket, might not match this sheer volume of appearances. The physical demands on players today could limit Kohli’s total match count.
3. Most Centuries in International Cricket:
While Virat Kohli has already amassed 80 international centuries, reaching Tendulkar’s 100 is a monumental task. The pace at which Kohli scores centuries has slowed, and with the retirement age for cricketers reducing, Kohli might not play enough matches to catch up, especially considering the format-specific challenges and his reduced involvement in T20Is.
4. Most Runs in ODIs:
Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426 runs in ODIs is a record that stands out not just for the total but for the era in which it was achieved. Kohli, despite his high average and strike rate, would need to continue playing at an elite level for several more years to overtake this. The evolution of cricket towards T20 formats might divert Kohli’s focus, potentially leaving this record intact.
5. Double Centuries in ODIs:
Sachin Tendulkar’s two ODI double centuries are feats of endurance and skill in a format where such scores are rare. Kohli, known for his aggressive play, might not find the same opportunities or the patience required to achieve this in the modern game, where run rates are higher, and matches are often decided in fewer overs.
The challenge for Kohli in breaking these records isn’t just about talent or skill, which he undoubtedly possesses in abundance. It’s about the changing dynamics of cricket, including player management, format preferences, and the physical demands of the game. Tendulkar’s records, achieved over a career spanning from 1989 to 2013, benefited from an era where players had fewer international commitments, allowing for longer careers.
However, Kohli’s legacy is already cemented with his own set of records and achievements, particularly in the modern era’s context. His impact on cricket, through his aggressive batting style, leadership, and fitness regime, has transformed the game in ways that are equally, if not more, revolutionary than Tendulkar’s.
Virat Kohli might not break all of Tendulkar’s records, his contribution to cricket will be remembered for its own unique brilliance. The records that might remain unbroken by Kohli serve not just as a testament to Tendulkar’s greatness but also highlight the evolving nature of cricket, where new legends are made with different benchmarks.
