Kohli and Sharma Match Tendulkar and Dravid’s Record for India
Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have achieved a remarkable milestone by matching the record of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. They have both played together in 391 matches across all formats. This significant event occurred during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Kohli and Sharma Join Elite Company
This achievement sees Kohli and Sharma align with one of cricket’s most illustrious partnerships. However, they still trail behind the Sri Lankan duo of Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, who hold the overall record of 550 matches played together.
Match Details
The momentous match took place during Kohli’s 305th ODI and Sharma’s 276th ODI appearance. Their partnership reflects their immense contributions to Indian cricket over the last 15 years.
Comparing Partnerships
- Kohli and Sharma – 391 matches
- Tendulkar and Dravid – 391 matches
- Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly – 369 matches
- Tendulkar and Anil Kumble – 367 matches
- Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly – 341 matches
- Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja – 309 matches
The breakdown of their appearances is as follows:
| Format | Matches Played Together |
|---|---|
| Test Matches | 60 |
| ODIs | 225 |
| T20 Internationals | 106 |
In contrast, Tendulkar and Dravid had their innings predominantly in Test matches (146) and ODIs (245), with limited exposure in T20Is.
Historical Context
The partnership of Tendulkar and Dravid spanned from 1996 until 2012. Their collaboration ended with the conclusion of the 2011/12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking a significant era in Indian cricket.
Current Series Challenges
The ongoing series against Australia presents challenges for both players. Kohli faced a rare slump with consecutive ducks, while Rohit initially battled with his form. However, he posted a vital 73 runs in the second ODI, aiding India after early dismissals of Kohli and captain Shubman Gill.
Despite their efforts, India suffered a two-wicket defeat in that match, raising concerns about the possibility of a series whitewash against Australia. This situation has prompted discussions regarding the future of both Kohli and Sharma in the ODI format.
