Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Surpassed in many areas, untouchable in a select few

Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: A look at their records (ICC Photo)

Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Ranchi witnessed a Virat Kohli classic on November 30, 2025, when India faced South Africa in the first match of the three-game home ODI series. India secured a 17-run win, and for his outstanding, fluent 135, Kohli received the Player of the Match award. His future in ODIs is still a major talking point, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching. But after an unbeaten and match-winning 74 in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney, Kohli moved one level higher in Ranchi by showing what he can still bring to the table.

With this century, Kohli now owns 52 ODI tons, adding another feather to an already remarkable career. And once again, the inevitable debate reopened: who stands taller — Team India legend Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar or Virat Kohli? Over the years, Kohli has already broken several major records held by his idol Tendulkar. After Kohli’s heroics in Ranchi, another Indian legend, Sunil Gavaskar, praised him and even called him the “greatest in the one-day format.”

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On air, Gavaskar said: “I think those who have played with him and against him, they all agree that he is the greatest in the one-day format. Look, you score 52 hundreds, that actually sets you up right up there in the stratosphere, so to speak. Sachin has been absolutely right up there with 51 Hundreds. But when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand.”

So, let’s dive into the records that Kohli has already broken and some that he may find tough to reach or surpass.

Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Records already broken

Most number of hundreds in ODIs – In Ranchi, Kohli brought up his 52nd ODI ton, while Tendulkar finished his career with 49 ODI hundreds.

Most number of hundreds in a single international format – Tendulkar earlier held this record with 51 Test centuries. But after the Ranchi knock, Kohli now has 52 centuries in ODIs, giving him the most tons in any single international format.

Runs in a single ODI World Cup edition – In the 2003 World Cup, Tendulkar scored 673 runs. Kohli went past that with a record 765 runs in the 2023 edition. Unfortunately, India ended as runners-up both times.

Double centuries in Tests – Kohli has seven Test double hundreds, surpassing Tendulkar’s six.

Beyond these, Kohli also holds the record for the most ODI hundreds in successful chases (28), most runs and most 50+ scores in successful ODI chases, and now has more 50+ scores at home in ODIs than Tendulkar.

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Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Records that may never be touched

Total international runs – Tendulkar’s tally of 34,357 runs across all formats remains untouched. Kohli currently has 27,808* runs, still a long way behind.

Total POTM awards in ODIs and across formats – After Ranchi, Kohli has 44 Player of the Match awards in ODIs, while Tendulkar leads with 62. Across formats, Tendulkar has 76 POTM awards, compared to Kohli’s 70 so far.

Overall matches played – Kohli has played 554 international games, including 306 ODIs. Tendulkar played 664 internationals and 463 ODIs. Matching these numbers seems tough at this stage of Kohli’s career.

ODI World Cup runs – Kohli has 1,795 World Cup runs in 37 innings, while Tendulkar leads with 2,278 in 44 innings. With uncertainty around Kohli’s participation in the 2027 World Cup, which would be his fifth, this record appears out of reach.

Test and ODI career runs – Kohli has retired from Test cricket and finished at 9,230 runs, far from Tendulkar’s 15,921. In ODIs, Tendulkar also leads with 18,426 runs, while Kohli currently has 14,390*.