Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Records That Changed Cricket History

Sachin Tendulkar set benchmarks in world cricket that were once considered untouchable. For decades, his records defined batting excellence. However, Virat Kohli, often regarded as the modern great of the game, has rewritten several pages of cricketing history by surpassing some of Tendulkar’s most iconic achievements.

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Below are Virat Kohli’s top records that went past Sachin Tendulkar’s milestones, marking a significant generational shift in Indian cricket.


1. Most International Centuries

One of the biggest records Virat Kohli surpassed is the total number of international centuries.

Virat Kohli: 80+ international centuries
Sachin Tendulkar: 100 international centuries
Kohli became the fastest player to reach 50 international centuries and later went past Sachin’s record in terms of centuries scored against stronger bowling attacks across formats in a shorter career span.

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2. Most ODI Centuries

Sachin Tendulkar retired with 49 ODI centuries, a record that stood tall for years.

Virat Kohli: Surpassed 49 ODI centuries
Sachin Tendulkar: 49 ODI centuries
Kohli broke this record during the ICC Cricket World Cup, cementing his status as the greatest ODI batter of the modern era.


3. Fastest to 8,000–13,000 ODI Runs

While Sachin was the quickest of his era, Kohli redefined consistency.

Virat Kohli holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 runs in ODIs, achieving each milestone in significantly fewer innings than Tendulkar.

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4. Most Centuries While Chasing in ODIs

Sachin Tendulkar scored many memorable centuries while chasing targets, but Kohli took this aspect to another level.

Virat Kohli: Holds the record for most ODI centuries while chasing
Sachin Tendulkar: Second on the list
Kohli’s ability to pace chases with precision has become one of his defining strengths.


5. Highest Average in Successful ODI Chases

Virat Kohli boasts a superior batting average in successful ODI run chases compared to Sachin Tendulkar, reflecting unmatched consistency under pressure.

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This record highlights Kohli’s reputation as one of the best finishers and chase masters in cricket history.


6. Most ODI Centuries Against Top Teams

Kohli has surpassed Sachin in terms of ODI centuries scored against top-ranked teams, including Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.

His performances have often come in high-pressure matches and ICC tournaments.

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7. Most Player of the Match Awards in ODIs

Virat Kohli overtook Sachin Tendulkar in the number of Player of the Match awards in ODIs, showcasing his match-winning impact across conditions and continents.


8. Most Runs in a Single ICC Men’s ODI World Cup Edition

Sachin Tendulkar held the record for most runs in a single World Cup for many years.

Virat Kohli: Surpassed the record with the highest run tally in a single World Cup edition
Sachin Tendulkar: Former record holder
This achievement underlined Kohli’s dominance on the biggest stage.

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9. Most International Runs as Captain (ODIs & Tests Combined)

As captain, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar in terms of international runs scored while leading the team, proving that leadership did not dilute his batting excellence.


Final Thoughts

Sachin Tendulkar will always remain the foundation of Indian cricket’s global dominance. Virat Kohli, however, represents evolution—fitness-driven consistency, mental strength, and adaptability across formats.

Surpassing Tendulkar’s records does not diminish his legacy; instead, it highlights how cricket continues to progress through generational greatness. Kohli’s achievements stand as a testament to carrying the baton forward and redefining excellence for modern cricket.

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