In cricket, comparisons between batting greats are inevitable, often sparked by milestone achievements. Recently, as Virat Kohli notched up his 500th match for India, broadcasters couldn’t resist comparing his statistics with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar at the same landmark. The numbers favored Kohli, but to truly assess the greatness of these cricketing icons, one must consider various other factors.
Moreover, the question arises whether it’s fair to compare players from different generations who faced different circumstances and represented India with immense pride. Curtly Ambrose, the West Indies legend who faced Tendulkar in intense duels and witnessed Kohli’s rise, firmly advocates against such comparisons.
Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar belong to different cricketing eras and traversed unique paths. Their careers overlapped for about five years, and they sporadically played different formats. Tendulkar’s career was winding down as Kohli’s rapid ascent began, ensuring a seamless transition in the Indian batting lineup after Tendulkar’s retirement in November 2013. This makes a direct statistical comparison between the two challenging and perhaps unjust.
While Kohli’s Test cricket returns slightly dipped between 2019 and 2022, his overall record still surpasses Tendulkar’s when playing the same number of matches. Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy in cricket is undeniable. He captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide with his mesmerizing batting prowess. His impact on the game and his status as a cricketing legend cannot be undermined. The aura surrounding Tendulkar’s achievements and his ability to unite fans transcended mere statistics, making him a cricketing icon for generations.
Curtly Ambrose, who faced Tendulkar in intense battles, refuses to indulge in comparisons. He recognizes Tendulkar’s greatness and all he achieved throughout his illustrious career. Ambrose also commends Kohli’s abilities, acknowledging his contributions to the sport and how he has led the Indian team.
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In an interview with Rev Sports, he firmly stated, “I wouldn’t want to compare both players.” And he’s right; Tendulkar and Kohli’s cricketing paths crossed for only about five years. Tendulkar played different formats sporadically, while Kohli primarily focused on white-ball cricket until the end of 2011. As Tendulkar’s career approached twilight, Kohli’s rapid ascent began, ensuring the Indian batting line-up remained strong even after Tendulkar’s retirement in November 2013.
Ambrose said, “Sachin Tendulkar was a great player and achieved almost everything in cricket. You can’t take away from his cricketing knowledge and the way he played. I’m not the kind of guy who would like to compare.”
