“Legends are not born. They are made by sweat, sacrifice, and pure, utter domination on the field“ India has been fortunate to witness the rise of two cricketing demigods: Sachin Tendulkar, known as ‘The God of Cricket,’ and the modern-day maestro, Virat Kohli.
With Virat Kohli’s retirement announcement from Test cricket, effective May 12, 2025, the debate is reignited: Who has had a more glorious Test career? Is it Kohli or Sachin?
Chapter 1: The Raw Numbers – Stats That Shock and Aw
Test Runs
- Sachin Tendulkar: 15,921 runs in 200 Tests
- Virat Kohli: 9,230 runs in 123 Tests
Final Finding: Sachin built an insurmountable mountain of runs, but Kohli played 77 fewer Tests and still reached over 9,000 runs in the modern era—a remarkable achievement.
Batting Average
- Tendulkar: 53.79
- Kohli: 46.85
Both were brilliant and consistent, but Sachin’s average stands superior. Kohli’s dip in form between 2020 and 2023 slightly impacted his career average.
Centuries in Test Matches
- Tendulkar: 51 centuries
- Kohli: 30 centuries
Cool Tidbit: Kohli has scored seven double centuries between 2016-2019, a feat that Sachin could not replicate in such a short span.
Double Centuries
- Tendulkar: 6
- Kohli: 7
Kohli edged ahead in the double-century department, showcasing his aggressive style in the modern era.
Chapter 2: Match-Winning Impact
Sachin played most of his career during an era when India was still learning to win overseas. In contrast, Kohli led one of India’s most dominant Test teams, renowned for its aggression, fitness, and elite pace attack.
Captaincy Record
- Kohli as Test Captain: 68 Tests | 40 Wins | India’s most successful Test captain
- Tendulkar as Test Captain: 25 Tests | 4 Wins
Captaincy Brilliance: Kohli revolutionized India’s fitness culture and made pace bowling a weapon of global dominance, while Sachin’s leadership was more about being a steady influence in a growing cricketing nation.
Chapter 3: Home vs Away – Who Owned Foreign Soil
Test Runs Abroad
- Tendulkar: 8,705 runs in 106 Tests
- Kohli: 4,451 runs in 56 Tests
Batting Average Abroad
- Tendulkar: 54.74 (29 centuries abroad)
- Kohli: 44.60 (15 centuries abroad)
Verdict: Statistically, Sachin dominated more abroad, but Kohli’s defining match-winning centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa, including a century at Centurion in his last overseas Test, show his ability to rise in the toughest conditions.
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Chapter 4: The Legacy Factor
Sachin Tendulkar
- First cricketer to score 100 international centuries
- Carried the hopes of a billion people during Indian cricket’s rise
- The perfect benchmark for consistency and longevity in the sport
Virat Kohli
- Revolutionized fitness standards in Indian cricket
- Led India to the No. 1 Test ranking and achieved significant victories abroad
- A true multi-format legend, built on passion, discipline, and aggression
Chapter 5: Intensity vs Grace
Sachin was the epitome of calm, unflappable, and humble—a perfect symbol of Indian cricket. In contrast, Kohli is fiery, intense, and thrives on challenges, making him an alpha leader who played with a relentless spirit. While their temperaments are different, both share an obsession with excellence and achieving greatness.
Final Verdict – Can They Even Be Compared?
In terms of raw numbers and a massive volume of runs, the final verdict leans toward Sachin Tendulkar. But when it comes to captaincy, influence, and modern cricketing fitness, Virat Kohli makes a strong case.
So, who is better?
- Sachin inspired Virat.
- Virat fulfilled the dream that Sachin had ignited.
From Sachin’s divine straight drive to Kohli’s fierce cover drive, the torch was passed, and Indian Test cricket remained in sacred hands.
Written by Ritesh Singh
