Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma go level with Sachin Tendulkar-Rahul Dravid on big all-time record for India | Cricket News
Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have matched a significant milestone by equaling Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid‘s record of playing 391 matches together across all formats during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This achievement places them alongside one of cricket’s most celebrated partnerships, though they still trail behind the overall record held by Sri Lankan duo Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara who played 550 games together.LIVE: India vs Australia 3rd ODIThe achievement of matching the Tendulkar-Dravid record came during Kohli‘s 305th ODI appearance and Rohit’s 276th, highlighting their longevity in international cricket. Their partnership has been instrumental in Indian cricket’s success over the past decade and a half.
The partnership between Kohli and Rohit began when Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008, with Rohit already being part of the Indian team since 2007. Their journey together has spanned all three formats of international cricket until 2024, culminating in their joint retirement from T20Is following their victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.Most international matches together for India
- Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma – 391* matches
- Sachin
Tendulkar & RahulDravid – 391 matches - Rahul Dravid & Sourav Ganguly – 369 matches
- Sachin Tendulkar & Anil Kumble – 367 matches
- Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly – 341 matches
- Virat Kohli & Ravindra Jadeja – 309 matches
The breakdown of their appearances together shows 60 Test matches, 225 ODI games, and 106 T20 internationals. This distribution differs notably from the Tendulkar-Dravid combination, who played together in 146 Tests and 245 ODIs, with minimal T20I exposure.The Tendulkar-Dravid partnership extended from 1996 to 2012, beginning when Dravid made his India debut with Tendulkar already established in the team. Their partnership ended with Dravid’s retirement after the 2011/12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Tendulkar continued playing until November 2013.Both pairs represent different eras of Indian cricket, with Tendulkar and Dravid playing primarily in Tests and ODIs, while Kohli and Rohit’s partnership reflects the modern era’s emphasis on all three formats. Interestingly, Tendulkar and Dravid played just one T20I each – Tendulkar in 2006 and Dravid in 2011.The current Australian tour has presented challenges for both Kohli and Rohit in the ODI format. Kohli experienced consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide for the first time in his career, while Rohit struggled initially before finding form in the second ODI.Rohit’s performance in Adelaide showed resilience as he scored his slowest fifty since 2014, eventually making 73 runs. This innings proved crucial for India after early dismissals of Kohli and captain Shubman Gill, helping the team post a total of 264 runs.Despite Rohit’s efforts, India suffered a two-wicket defeat in that match, putting them at risk of their first-ever ODI series whitewash against Australia. This situation has raised questions about both players’ future in the 50-over format.
