Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Surpass Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar as Cricket’s Most Enduring Indian Duo
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made history on Sunday in Ranchi, surpassing a significant milestone in Indian cricket. Their participation in the ODI against South Africa marked their 392nd international match together. This achievement allows them to surpass the legendary pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who played 391 matches together across formats.
Rohit and Kohli: A New Era in Indian Cricket
This latest record sets Rohit and Kohli apart as India’s most enduring duo in cricket history. Their journey has unfolded in a distinct cricketing landscape, characterized by the evolution of formats and styles. Prior to Rohit and Kohli, Tendulkar and Dravid held the record, combining for 146 Tests and 245 ODIs.
Breaking Down the Records
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: 392 matches
- Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid: 391 matches
The breakdown of matches for Rohit and Kohli includes:
- 60 Tests
- 226 ODIs
- 106 T20Is
Global Comparisons
While Rohit and Kohli have made remarkable strides, they still trail behind Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who hold the all-time record with 550 matches. The global leaderboard also includes:
| Pair | Matches Together |
|---|---|
| Jayawardene-Sangakkara | 550 |
| Jayawardene-Dilshan | 426 |
| Sangakkara-Dilshan | 418 |
| Jayasuriya-Muralitharan | 408 |
| Kallis-Boucher | 407 |
| Rohit-Kohli | 392 |
The timing of this achievement adds extra significance. Both players have stepped away from T20Is and Tests, focusing on their ODI careers with an eye towards the 2027 World Cup. If they continue to perform well, they have the potential to expand their partnership into the 400s. This milestone would symbolize their impact on Indian cricket, especially in the post-Tendulkar era.
For many fans, the sight of Rohit and Kohli on the team sheet remains an enduring image of Indian cricket. With their latest record, they not only celebrate a statistic but also a legacy that has redefined Indian batting for an entire generation.
