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Indian cricket has been blessed with some of the finest batters in the history of the game. Among them, the two Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli stands out as the stalwart of batting prowess who defined their respective eras. With Kohli recently announcing his retirement from Test cricket after 123 matches, comparisons with Tendulkar, especially at the same stage of their careers are inevitable. Both players carried the weight of expectations on their shoulders and delivered memorable performances across the world.
Let’s take a deep dive into how these two legends compare statistically and in impact after playing 123 Test matches each.
Tendulkar-Kohli: Playing Style and influence
Sachin Tendulkar: Tendulkar was the embodiment of classical batting technique. His compact stance, flawless straight drive, and unparalleled judgment outside the off-stump were hallmarks of a player trained in the most disciplined school of cricket. He played with minimal flourish but maximum effectiveness, mastering the art of timing over power. Tendulkar rarely showed emotion on the field, letting his bat do the talking. He had an answer to every bowler negotiating express pace from the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee with calm assurance, and playing spin with surgical precision. His influence extended beyond statistics. For over a decade, Tendulkar was Indian cricket’s heartbeat, inspiring a generation to pick up the bat, and representing hope in a time when victories were rare and expectations immense.
Virat Kohli: Kohli, in contrast, brought with him a new-age approach. His playing style was assertive and driven by high intensity. He loved the battle, thrived in confrontations, and often raised his game when challenged. His cover drives are among the most visually striking strokes in modern cricket, and his footwork against spin is exemplary. Kohli’s approach is built on hunger and self-discipline often willing to sacrifice flamboyance to build long innings with grit and determination. His fitness and athleticism set a new benchmark in Indian cricket, influencing team culture and professionalism. Beyond the field, his energy, passion, and expressive demeanor made him a symbol of fearless cricket. Where Tendulkar inspired admiration through humility and craft, Kohli inspired belief through fire and intensity.
Also READ: Virat Kohli retires: Here’s the complete list of his Test centuries
Statistical comparison between Tendulkar and Kohli after 123 Test matches
After 123 Test matches, Tendulkar leads in total runs, average, and consistency, while Kohli stands out with more double centuries and a higher strike rate.
| Metric | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 123 | 123 |
| Innings | 210 | 198 |
| Runs | 9,230 | 10,134 |
| Batting Average | 46.85 | 57.25 |
| Centuries | 30 | 34 |
| Fifties | 31 | 41 |
| Highest Score | 254* | 248* |
| Double Centuries | 7 | 4 |
| Strike Rate (approx.) | 55.57 | 54.00 |
Kohli vs Tendulkar: Captaincy record
This is the only trait were Kohli surpasses his idol.
Virat Kohli: Kohli captained India in 68 of his 123 Tests, leading the team to 40 wins- the most by any Indian captain. His aggressive leadership style and focus on fitness and fast bowling revolutionised Indian cricket’s Test culture. Under his watch, India became the No. 1 Test side, and he guided the team to their first-ever series win in Australia in 2018–19 and many memorable overseas victory.
Sachin Tendulkar: Tendulkar, though a cricketing genius, had a modest run as captain. Leadership was never his strongest suit and after 25 Tests as skipper, he stepped down allowing others like Sourav Ganguly and later MS Dhoni to take over. In those 25 tests under Tendulkar, India only managed to win 4 matches with a poor win percentage of 16.
Who’s better – Kohli or Tendulkar?
Statistically, Tendulkar holds the edge over Kohli after 123 Tests in terms of runs, batting average, and overall consistency. However, Kohli’s leadership, success in overseas conditions, and his role in transforming India into a dominant Test force add significant weight to his legacy.
While comparisons are natural, it’s important to remember that both players belong to different eras, each with its own set of challenges and expectations. If Tendulkar was the master craftsman of Indian cricket’s golden age, Kohli has been the face of its bold and fearless modern identity.
Together, they represent two remarkable chapters in Indian Test cricket—icons in their own right, whose careers will continue to inspire future generations.
Also READ: Cricket fraternity hails Virat Kohli after his retirement from Test cricket
