Virat Kohli has already shattered Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record with 54 centuries compared to Tendulkar’s 49, and now stands just 15 centuries away from matching the Master Blaster’s iconic tally of 100 international centuries.
Kohli recently notched his 85th international hundred, cementing his position as one of cricket’s greatest run-scorers. Tendulkar, revered as the “God of Cricket,” accumulated 34,357 international runs with 100 centuries across 24 years of classical elegance and unmatched consistency. Kohli, meanwhile, has amassed 28,215 runs with 85 centuries in just 17 years, displaying fierce aggression, superior fitness standards, and an extraordinary ability to chase down targets.
Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries seemed an untouchable milestone until Kohli emerged with his relentless hunger for runs. This comparison goes beyond statistics; it’s about how each player transformed Indian cricket, inspired millions, and redefined what it means to be a modern cricketer. Let’s delve into a comprehensive statistical analysis of these two legends.
Virat and Sachin Overall Career Comparison
When examining their complete international careers, Tendulkar’s longer 24-year span allowed him to accumulate more matches (664), runs (34,357), and a historic 100 international centuries, whilst Kohli’s superior average of 51.42 in 17 years demonstrates his remarkable efficiency and consistency across formats.
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 559 | 664 |
| Total Runs | 28,215 | 34,357 |
| Career Average | 51.42 | 44.83 |
| Highest Score | 254* | 248* |
| Centuries | 85 | 100 |
| Half-Centuries | 146 | 164 |
| International Debut | 18-09-2008 | 15-11-1989 |
| Career Span | 17 years (Active) | 24 years (1989-2013) |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed | Right-Handed |
| Bowling Wickets | 9 | 201 |
Despite playing 105 fewer matches, Kohli has amassed 28,215 runs with 85 centuries, reflecting his exceptional ability to dominate modern cricket, whereas Tendulkar’s versatility extended beyond batting with 201 international wickets compared to Kohli’s nine.
Virat and Sachin Test Cricket Comparison
In Test cricket, Tendulkar’s legacy towers with 15,921 runs at 53.78 across 200 matches, including 51 centuries, the format’s highest run-scorer. Kohli, despite fewer matches (123), has compiled 9,230 runs at 46.85 with 30 hundreds, showcasing modern excellence.
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 123 | 200 |
| Runs | 9,230 | 15,921 |
| Average | 46.85 | 53.78 |
| Highest Score | 254* | 248* |
| Centuries | 30 | 51 |
| Half-Centuries | 31 | 68 |
| Wickets | 0 | 46 |
| Best Bowling | – | 3/10 |
Their highest scores are remarkably close: Kohli’s 254* and Tendulkar’s 248*. Tendulkar’s part-time bowling added 46 wickets, while his consistency across eras and conditions remains unmatched. Both define their generations through technique, temperament, and match-winning performances.
Virat and Sachin ODI Cricket Comparison
In ODIs, Kohli presents a formidable challenge to Tendulkar’s legacy. Despite playing 152 fewer matches (311 vs 463), Kohli boasts 54 centuries, surpassing Tendulkar’s 49, making him the format’s leading century-maker. His extraordinary average of 58.71 dwarfs Tendulkar’s 44.83, reflecting superior consistency and match-finishing ability.
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 311 | 463 |
| Runs | 14,797 | 18,426 |
| Average | 58.71 | 44.83 |
| Highest Score | 183 | 200* |
| Centuries | 54 | 49 |
| Half-Centuries | 77 | 96 |
| Strike Rate | ~93 | ~86 |
| Wickets | 5 | 154 |
| Best Bowling | 1/13 | 5/32 |
While Tendulkar accumulated more total runs (18,426) and scored ODI cricket’s first double century (200*), Kohli’s higher strike rate (~93 vs ~86) epitomises modern aggression. Tendulkar’s bowling prowess, 154 wickets with a best of 5/32, adds invaluable all-round value. Both dominated their eras: Tendulkar through longevity and versatility, Kohli through ruthless efficiency and chase mastery.
Virat and Sachin T20I Cricket Comparison
The T20 International format came into existence during the latter stages of Tendulkar’s career, giving Kohli a significant advantage in this comparison. Kohli has been instrumental in establishing India as a T20 powerhouse with his adaptability and consistency in the shortest format.
| Aspect | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 125 | 1 |
| Runs | 4,188 | 10 |
| Average | 48.69 | 10.00 |
| Highest Score | 122* | 10 |
| Centuries | 1 | 0 |
| Half-Centuries | 38 | 0 |
| Strike Rate | ~137 | ~83 |
| Wickets | 4 | 1 |
| Best Bowling | 1/13 | 1/12 |
Major Awards and Honours Comparison
Both cricketers have been showered with prestigious awards and honours, reflecting their immense contributions to Indian cricket and their status as national icons. The accolades they’ve received span sporting excellence, national recognition, and global acclaim.
| Award/Honour | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| ICC ODI Player of the Year | 4 times (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023) | – |
| ICC Cricketer of the Year | 2 times (2017, 2018) | 1 time (2010) |
| ICC Test Player of the Year | 1 time (2018) | – |
| Arjuna Award | 2013 | 1994 |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna/Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna | 2018 | 1997 |
| Padma Shri | 2017 | 1999 |
| Padma Vibhushan | – | 2008 |
| Padma Bhushan | 2024 | – |
| Bharat Ratna | – | 2014 (First sportsperson) |
| ICC Spirit of Cricket Award | 2019 | – |
| ICC Player of the Decade | Yes (2011-2020) | – |
| BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award | – | 2025 |
The awards comparison showcases both players’ dominance in their respective eras, whilst highlighting the unique honour bestowed upon Tendulkar. Kohli has won the ICC ODI Player of the Year award four times, demonstrating his sustained excellence in limited-overs cricket, whilst his two ICC Cricketer of the Year awards (2017, 2018) and ICC Player of the Decade (2011-2020) cement his status as the modern era’s finest.
Both have received India’s highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna Award, and prestigious civilian awards, including the Padma Shri. However, Tendulkar stands alone in receiving the Bharat Ratna in 2014, becoming the first sportsperson to receive India’s highest civilian honour, an achievement that transcends cricket and reflects his unparalleled impact on Indian society and culture.
Key Records Highlights
Check the key records highlights of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar’s careers.
Virat Kohli’s Standout Records
- Most ODI centuries: 54 (1st overall)
- Highest ODI career average: 58.71 (3rd overall)
- Fastest to 14,000 ODI runs: 287 matches
- Most T20I half-centuries: 38 (1st overall)
- Most hundreds against a single team: 10 vs Sri Lanka
Sachin Tendulkar’s Standout Records
- Most international runs: 34,357
- Most international centuries: 100
- Most Test runs: 15,921 (1st overall)
- Most ODI runs: 18,426 (1st overall)
- Most Test matches: 200
- First player to score an ODI double century: 200* vs South Africa
Playing Styles: A Contrast in Approach
Sachin Tendulkar embodied classical technique combined with attacking brilliance. His compact stance, impeccable timing, and ability to judge length early made him technically flawless. The iconic straight drive became his trademark—a perfect blend of elegance and power. He redefined ODI opening with risk-free yet explosive batting and excelled against both pace and spin across all conditions.
Virat Kohli represents modern cricket’s evolution—aggressive, fit, and relentlessly competitive. His bottom-hand dominance generates tremendous power whilst maintaining technical soundness. Kohli’s greatest strength lies in run chases, where he thrives under pressure with intelligent pacing and clinical finishing. His fitness revolution and emphasis on running between wickets have set new standards for contemporary cricketers.
Net Worth and Commercial Appeal
Net Worth:
- Sachin Tendulkar: $170 million
- Virat Kohli: $127 million
Brand Endorsements:
- Tendulkar: MRF, Adidas, BMW, Pepsi, and numerous other premium brands
- Kohli: Puma, Audi, One8, Too Yum, and a vast portfolio of endorsements
Both cricketers transcended the sport to become global icons, with their commercial appeal matching their on-field achievements.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: Sachin vs Virat, A Contest Of Greats
Comparing Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli is like comparing different eras of excellence. Tendulkar’s 24-year career, 100 international centuries, and status as cricket’s highest run-scorer establish him as the benchmark against which all batsmen are measured. His Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, reflects his unparalleled impact on Indian society.
Kohli, whilst still active, has already surpassed Tendulkar in several ODI metrics, including centuries and average. His dominance in the modern era, particularly in limited-overs cricket, and his transformation of fitness culture in Indian cricket mark him as a worthy successor to Tendulkar’s throne.
