Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: What Stats Show After 500 International Matches

Virat Kohli recently played his 500th international fixture for India. His record after 500 matches has prompted comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar. Here is what stats say.

Recently, during the second Test match between India and West Indies, Kohli completed his 500th international fixture, providing an interesting opportunity to compare the numbers of Kohli (right) and Tendulkar at the same stage of their careers.

Source : Getty Images

In sports, certain individuals etch an indelible mark through their extraordinary prowess, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to admire. Sir Don Bradman, despite his absence from the cricketing stage for decades, continues to be revered for his remarkable average of 99.94 in Test matches -- a feat that remains unparalleled in the purest form of the sport. His cricketing brilliance stood the test of time, even in an era without the modern bowling limitations and rules.

In modern-day cricket, two batters stand out as unforgettable icons. One of them is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who was considered by Bradman himself as someone who played like him. The other is Virat Kohli, who came to the crease following Tendulkar's dismissal in his final Test innings, seemingly signaling a change of guard in Indian cricket.

Also on ABP LIVE | Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni Jump Onto NFT Bandwagon: All You Need To Know

Recently, during the second Test match between India and West Indies, Kohli played his 500th international fixture for India, providing an interesting opportunity to compare the numbers of these iconic batters at the same stage of their careers.

Kohli equalled Sir Don Bradman's record of 29 Test centuries with this ton. The hundred also ended his five-year-long drought for an international Test century outside India. 

Kohli has slightly better statistics to show than Tendulkar after 500 international matches, with the former accumulating an impressive total of 25,582 runs at an average of 53.48, including 76 centuries and 131 half-centuries. Meanwhile, at the same juncture, Tendulkar had scored 75 centuries and 114 half-centuries with an average of 48.48.

While Kohli has already achieved phenomenal heights in his career, there are two significant records that Indian fans hope he can break. The first is to surpass Tendulkar's overall tally of runs in international cricket, standing at a revered 34,357 runs. The second and perhaps the most coveted record is to achieve 100 international centuries, a milestone that the cricketing world eagerly anticipates.

Also on ABP LIVE | You Cheer On Great Cricketers Like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli: Trump At 'Namaste Trump' Event

As Kohli approaches his 35th birthday, the challenges of sustaining form and motivation will be crucial, especially should any lull in his career emerge, similar to the one he recently overcame. While fitness has never been a concern for Kohli, the next phase of his career will be a testament to his enduring greatness in the world of cricket. Indian fans eagerly await more spectacular moments as he continues his journey towards cricketing immortality.