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Sachin Tendulkar Centuries (The Definitive Guide): Everything You Need To Know About Sachin Tendulkar’s Hundred 100s

by Nitesh Mathur | Apr 23, 2023 | Complete History and Guide, India

On Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, here are all of Sachin Tendulkar centuries in one place. Everything you ever wanted to known about Tendulkar’s 100 hundreds.

Let’s begin—Sachin Tendulkar’s Centuries (The Definitive Guide).

Also Read: What Sachin Tendulkar God of Cricket Taught Me

Sachin Tendulkar Centuries – Key Takeaways

Sachin Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries & 49 ODI centuries in his career.
Tendulkar scored 10 centuries in Sri Lanka, 9 in South Africa, and 7 each in Australia, England, and Bangladesh. In all, he scored 29 Test centuries overseas and 22 at home in India. Interestingly, Tendulkar also scored 29 ODI centuries overseas (12 away, 17 neutral) and 20 at home.
Sachin’s favorite opponent, by far, was Australia. He scored 20 centuries (and 31 fifties) against Australia, 17 vs Sri Lanka, 12 vs South Africa, 9 vs England & New Zealand, 8 vs Zimbabwe, and 7 each against West Indies and Bangladesh.
1998 was Tendulkar’s best year in terms of centuries (12 hundreds, 8 fifties), followed by 8 hundreds (11 fifties) in 1996, and 8 tons (7 fifties) in 1999. Although Tendulkar only scored 3 hundreds in 2007, he was in good form and scored 19 fifties (several 90s that year as well).
Tendulkar never scored a century in Ireland (best of 99), Canada (best of 89*), and Kenya (best of 69).
Sachin Tendulkar had nervous nineties scores 28 times! (10 – Tests, 28 – ODIs). In 27 of those occasions, he was dismissed and was only unbeaten once when he scored 96*.

Tendulkar Hundreds – Major Career Timeline

#1 vs England (1990) – 1st Test Century
#5 vs England (1993) – 1st Century on Home Soil
#8 vs Australia (1994) – 1st ODI Century
#25 vs Sri Lanka (1997)
#30, #31 vs Australia (1998) – The Sharjah Centuries
#44 vs New Zealand (1999) – First Test double century
#50 vs Zimbabwe (2001)
#71 vs Bangladesh (2004) – Highest Test score of 248*
#73 – 35th Test Century – Broke Sunil Gavaskar’s longstanding record of 34 Test hundreds
#75 vs West Indies (2006)
#93 – 200* vs South Africa – Tendulkar breaks the ODI Double Century Barrier
#97 vs South Africa (2011) – Last Test Century
#100 vs Bangladesh (2012) – Last ODI Century

Sachin Tendulkar Centuries – Fun Facts

53% of Tendulkar’s centuries resulted in victories (33 ODI wins, 20 Test wins), 25% of his hundreds resulted in losses (14 ODI losses, 11 Test losses), and the rest 22% resulted in some form of a draw (20 Test draws, 1 Tied ODI, 1 No Result ODI).
When he scored a century, Sachin won 45 Player of the Match awards – 12 in Test cricket (5 Won, 5 Drawn, 2 Lost) and 33 in ODI cricket (30 Won, 3 Lost).
Sachin Tendulkar scored 22 hundreds in tri-series tournaments, 7 centuries in multi-nation ICC tournaments (6 World Cup hundreds & 1 in 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy/ Wills International Cup), and 4 centuries in quadrangular tournaments. Hence, he scored 33/49 centuries in tournament play and 16 in bilateral series.
By batting positions, Tendulkar’s hundreds are categorized as follows: In Tests (2 tons at #6, 5 at #5, and 44 at #4) and in ODIs (2 tons at #1, 4 at #4, and 46 at #2).
In ODIs, he scored 32 hundreds in the first innings and 17 tons while chasing. In Tests, the distribution was 20 (1st innings), 18 (2nd), 10 (3rd), and 3 (4th).

Sachin Tendulkar – Batting Stats

Here is Sachin Tendulkar’s record in a nutshell.

Note: T20I stats are omitted since he only played one T20I and scored 10 runs.

	Matches/Innings	Runs	100s	50s	Average/Strike Rate	Best Score
Tests	200/329	15921	51	68	53.78	248*
ODIs	463/452	18426	49	96	44.83/86.23	200*

List of International Centuries by Sachin Tendulkar

Here is the detailed list of each of Sachin Tendulkar’s centuries in chronological order. Scorecards, photographs, and most highlight reels are attached beneath each innings. Be sure to check them out!

Special thanks to the photographers for the iconic pictures, Rob Moody (robelinda2), and other content creators on YouTube that help us relive Sachin Tendulkar’s hundreds for years and years to come.

1. 119* vs England, 1990, Old Trafford (Test)

Format: Test (1st Test Century)
Opposition: England
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Result: Match Drawn, Player of the Match (POTM) – 68 & 119*
Batting Position: #6 (4th Innings)

Context: On Day 5, India had to chase down 408 runs and were struggling at 109/4 when Sachin, Kapil Dev, and Manoj Prabhakar batted through the day and drew the game. Tendulkar won the player of the match award for 68 & 119*.

Scorecard: 119 (189) | 9 Aug 1990 | England vs India Scorecard 1990

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 119 vs England 2nd Test 1990

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2. 148* vs Australia, 1992, Sydney (Test)

Format: Test (#2)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #6 (2nd Innings)

Context: This match is known for Ravi Shastri’s 206 as an opener. On the other end, was the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar. He came in at 201/4 and remained unbeaten as India scored 483.

Scorecard: 148* (213) | 2 Jan 1992 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1991/92

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 148* vs Australia 1992 SCG

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3. 114 vs Australia, 1992, Perth (Test)

Format: Test (#3)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) Ground, Perth, Australia
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: India lost the match by 300 runs and the series 4-0. There was one bright light though – Sachin Tendulkar was promoted at #4 in the first innings and took India to a respectable 272. Due to the tough Perth pitch, this is considered one of Tendulkar’s best knocks. The next highest score was Kiran More’s 43 at #10.

Scorecard: 114 (161) | 1 Feb 1992 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1991/92

Video Highlights: 🤯 Sachin vs BOUNCIEST PITCH EVER- gets revenge on Aussies- the epic 114 in PERTH 1992. BEST INNINGS?

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4. 111 vs South Africa, 1992, Johannesburg (Test)

Format: Test (#4)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd innings)

Context: Against a pace attack of Allan Donald, Brian McMillan, and Craig Matthews, Sachin Tendulkar scored a six-hour long 111 (270) when the next best score was just 25.

Scorecard: 111 (270) | 26 Nov 1992 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 1992/93

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar stunning 111 vs South Africa 1992 Johannesburg

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5. 165 vs England, 1993, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#5)
Opposition: England
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 165
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: As India posted their highest total at that time (560/6 dec) against England in India, Sachin scored his first century at home. With Sidhu, also scoring a century at the other end, they amassed a 147-run partnership. Sachin Tendulkar’s first player of the match award at home.

Scorecard: 165 (296) | 11 Feb 1993 | India vs England Scorecard 1992/93

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 165 vs England – 1st ton in India, 2nd test 1992

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6. 104* vs Sri Lanka, 1993, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#6)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (3rd innings)

Context: Another partnership with Sidhu as both batters scored 104 runs, and India declared the innings at 359/4.

Scorecard: 104* (161) | 27 Jul 1993 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1993

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 104 vs Srilanka 2nd Test at Colombo SSC Jul 27 Aug 1, 1993

7. 142 vs Sri Lanka, 1994, Lucknow (Test)

Format: Test (#7)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: KD Singh Babu Stadium, Lucknow, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Yet another Sidhu-Tendulkar partnership resulted in India posting a massive 511 run total. Sidhu scored 124 with 8 sixes & 9 fours, while Tendulkar scored 142 with 22 fours.

Scorecard: 142 (224) | 18 Jan 1994 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1993/94

8. 110 vs Australia, 1994, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (1st ODI Century)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won, (POTM) – 110
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer World Series 1994 (SL, Ind, Aus, Pak)

Context: Opening the batting, Sachin scored his first ODI ton as an opener and won his first ODI player of the match trophy. With some support from Azharuddin & Vinod Kambli, Tendulkar’s 110 made sure India reached a competitive 246 and won the match.

Scorecard: 110 (130) | 9 Sep 1994 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1994

Video Highlights: India vs Australia 1994 Highlights | SACHIN 110 Destroyed AUSTRALIA

9. 115 vs New Zealand, 1994, Vadodara (ODI)

Format: ODI (#2)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Sports Complex Ground, Baroda, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 115
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Wills World Series (Tri Series: India, West Indies, New Zealand)

Context: India successfully chased 270 (lots of runs in those days) on the back of Sachin Tendulkar’s 115 (136) with 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Scorecard: 115 (136) | 28 Oct 1994 | New Zealand vs India Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 2nd odi 💯 115 vs NZ (1994)

10. 105 vs West Indies, 1994, Jaipur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#3)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: A 95-run partnership with Ajay Jadeja & 117-run partnership with Vinod Kambli took India to a match winning total of 259/5.

Scorecard: 105 (134) | 11 Nov 1994 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 3rd Odi 💯 105 vs WI

11. 179 vs West Indies, 1994, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#8)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur, India
Result: Match Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: The Sidhu-Sachin partnership struck once again. From 49-2, these two took India to 226. By the time Tendulkar was done, India had put up 444. India would end up making 546/9 declared.

Scorecard: 179 (322) | 1 Dec 1994 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 179 vs West Indies at Nagpur 1994 I Forgotten Century

12. 112* vs Sri Lanka, 1995, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#4)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 112*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Asia Cup 1995 (Ind, SL, Pak, Ban)

Context: In the chase of 203, Tendulkar killed the chase with an unbeaten century. Manoj Prabhakar and Tendulkar put up a 161-run opening stand.

Scorecard: 112* (107) | 9 Apr 1995 | Sri Lanka vs India Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 4th 112 vs Srilanka Sharjah 1995

13. 127* vs Kenya, 1996, Cuttack (ODI)

Format: ODI (#5)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 127*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: 1996 Wills ODI World Cup

Context: Chasing 200 in the opening World Cup match against Kenya, Tendulkar & Jadeja ensured there were no hiccups with a 163-run opening stand.

Scorecard: 127* (138) | 18 Feb 1996 | Kenya vs India Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: India vs Kenya 1996 World Cup Highlights | Sachin Tendulkar 127*

14. 137 vs Sri Lanka, 1996, Delhi (ODI)

Format: ODI (#6)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 1996 Wills ODI World Cup

Context: Sachin scored a mammoth 137, but his innings was cut short with a run out. India scored 271, but Sanath Jayasuriya’s new style of play took Sri Lanka home.

Scorecard: 137 (137) | 2 Mar 1996 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 137 vs Sri Lanka 1996 WORLD CUP

15. 100 vs Pakistan, 1996, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#7)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: The Padang, Singapore
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer Cup 1995/96 (Tri Series: Pak, SL, Ind)

Context: Tendulkar was India’s only major contributor as India were bundled for 226. Aamer Sohail & Saeed Anwar completed the rain-affected target of 190 runs in just 28 overs. This was his first ton against Pakistan.

Scorecard: 100 (111) | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar First Hundred vs Pakistan 1996

16. 118 vs Pakistan, 1996, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#8)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 118 & 2/40
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Sharjah Cup (Tri Series: SA, Ind, Pak)

Context: Another 231-run partnership with Navjot Singh Sidhu to take India to a score of 305/5. Pakistan made a run for the chase but were all out for 277. Tendulkar had a role to play with the ball as well figures of 7.1-0-40-2.

Scorecard: 118 (140) | 15 Apr 1996 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: SACHIN’S 118 VS PAK AT SHARJAH 1996

17. 122 vs England, 1996, Birmingham (Test)

Format: Test (#9)
Opposition: England
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: Trailing 99-runs already in the first innings, India were 36/4 when captain Azharuddin departed. Tendulkar replied with a masterclass of 122 when the next best was Sanjay Manjrekar’s 18. India would go on to lose the Test, but the legend and class of Sachin Tendulkar continued to grow.

Scorecard: 122 (177) | 6 Jun 1996 | India vs England Scorecard 1996

Video Highlights: Vintage Sachin Tendulkar 122 || IND vs ENG 1996 1st Test | Birmingham

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18. 177 vs England, 1996, Nottingham (Test)

Format: Test (#10)
Opposition: England
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar scored 177 & 74 in this Test, but this series was known for the find of Sourav Ganguly (and Rahul Dravid). The Tendulkar-Ganguly duo put together a 255-run partnership for the third wicket as India made 521. Ganguly earned the player of the match and series trophies, and India’s next generation was now in motion.

Scorecard: 177 (360) | 4 Jul 1996 | India vs England Scorecard 1996

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 18th century 177 Trentbridge v ENG 1996

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19. 110 vs Sri Lanka, 1996, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#9)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer World Series (SL, Aus, Ind, Zim)

Context: Captaining India for the first time, Tendulkar’s hundred took India to 226. However, it was the arch-nemesis, Sanath Jayasuriya, whose century overshadowed Tendulkar once again.

Scorecard: 110 (138) | 28 Aug 1996 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1996

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s first innings as captain, 110 vs Sri Lanka 1996

20. 114 vs South Africa, 1996, Mumbai (ODI)

Format: ODI (#10)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 114
Batting Position: #1 (1st Innings)

Context: This was Tendulkar’s first century when he took first strike in the opening partnership. India posted 267 and demolished the Proteas. End of a succesful hundred-filled year for Tendulkar.

Scorecard: 114 (126) | 14 Dec 1996 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 1996/97

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 20th century 114 vs SouthAfrica at Mumbai 1996

21. 169 vs South Africa, 1997, Cape Town (Test)

Format: Test (#11)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #5 (2nd Innings)

Context: India were struggling at 58/5, when Tendulkar & Azharuddin stitched together a 222-run partnership. India would go on to lose the Test with Brian McMillan’s all-round show.

Scorecard: 169 (254) | 2 Jan 1997 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 1996/97

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 169 Capetown v RSA 1997

22. 104 vs Zimbabwe, 1997, Benoni (ODI)

Format: ODI (#11)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni, Zimbabwe
Result: Won, (POTM) – 104
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Chasing 241, Tendulkar’s century provided India a quick start. Robin Singh & Ajay Jadeja ensured India won with 10 overs to spare.

Scorecard: 104 (97) | 9 Feb 1997 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1996/97

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 104 Benoni v ZIM 1997

23. 117 vs New Zealand, 1997, Bengaluru (ODI)

Format: ODI (#12)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 117
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Independence Cup 1997 (Pak, SL, Ind, NZ)

Context: The beginnings of the prolific Ganguly-Tendulkar opening partnership in ODIs. They broke the back of the 221-run chase with a 169-run partnership. When Tendulkar got out, India only need 5 runs to win.

Scorecard: 117 (137) | 14 May 1997 | New Zealand vs India Scorecard 1997

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 117 vs New Zealand 1997 Independence Cup

24. 143 vs Sri Lanka, 1997, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#12)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Will forever be remembered as the infamous 952/6 game after India declared their innings for 537/8. Tendulkar’s 143 was the third highest score of the game after Jayasuriya’s 340 & Roshan Mahanama’s 225.

Scorecard: 143 (247) | 2 Aug 1997 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1997

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 143 | Azharuddin 126 (Partnership of 221) vs Srilanka 1st test Colombo 1997

25. 139 vs Sri Lanka, 1997, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#13)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: With Dravid’s departure, India were struggling for 9/2. Centuries for Tendulkar & Ganguly took India to 375.

Scorecard: 139 (266) | 9 Aug 1997 | Sri Lanka vs India Scorecard 1997

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 139 vs Srilanka 2nd Test Colombo 1997

26. 148 vs Sri Lanka, 1997, Mumbai (Test)

Format: Test (#14)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #5 (1st Innings)

Context: The trio of Indian cricket came to the party in another high run-fest draw against Sri Lanka – Dravid (93), Ganguly (173), and Tendulkar (148).

Scorecard: 148 (244) | 3 Dec 1997 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 148 vs Srilanka 3rd Test Mumbai 1997

27. 155* vs Australia, 1998, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#15)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 155*
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: Australia had gained a first innings lead, but with Tendulkar’s hundred and fifties from Sidhu, Dravid, and Azhar, India were able to come back in the match.

Scorecard: 155* (191) | 6 Mar 1998 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: India’s greatest batsman & matchwinner – Sachin Tendulkar stunning 155* vs Australia 1998

Embed from Getty Images

28. 177 vs Australia, 1998, Bengaluru (Test)

Format: Test (#16)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar’s 177 took India to a first innings total of 424, but hundreds from the Marks (Waugh & Taylor) as well Kasprowicz’s bowling show gave Australia a rare victory on Indian soil.

Scorecard: 177 (207) | 25 Mar 1998 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: *GENIUS* SACHIN TENDULKAR 177 vs AUSTRALIA 3rd test 1998

29. 100 vs Australia, 1998, Kanpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#13)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Green Park, Kanpur, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Triangular Series (Ind, Aus, Zim)

Context: A 175-run opening partnership between Ganguly and Tendulkar meant India chased 223 in style. The year of Tendulkar against the mighty Aussiese.

Scorecard: 100 (89) | 7 Apr 1998 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 13th Test Century vs Australia, Kanpur 1998

30. 143 vs Australia, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#14)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 143 & 1/27
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coco-Cola Cup 1997/98 (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: In the chase of 276 in 46 overs, Tendulkar single-handedly dragged India close. When he got out, he had scored 143 out of India’s 242 runs. With 21 balls remaining, India could only add 8 more runs. Established Tendulkar as a living legend.

Scorecard: 143 (131) | 22 Apr 1998 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: 143 Sachin’s desert storm masterclass, epic innings vs Australia 1998 Sharjah, *SHARJAH SACHIN GOLD!* Sachin Tendulkar BALL BY BALL 143 vs Australia 1998

31. 134 vs Australia, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#15)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 134
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Final, Coca-Cola Cup 1997/98 (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: Two days later, same venue, same opposition, almost similar situation. Different result. Chasing 273 in 50 overs, Tendulkar bludgeoned 134 runs but departed with 30 runs still to go. This time, though, with help from Azharuddin, Jadeja, and Kanitkar, India won the Final. These two contests in Sharjah marked the beginning of the Warne-Tendulkar rivalry.

Scorecard: 134 (131) | 24 Apr 1998 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar murderous 134 vs Australia 1998 Sharjah

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32. 100* vs Kenya, 1998, Kolkata (ODI)

Format: ODI (#16)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Triangular Series 1998 (Ind, Ken, Ban)

Context: Chasing 197, Tendulkar sped India to victory with 15 overs still remaining.

Scorecard: 100* (103) | 31 May 1998 | Kenya vs India Scorecard 1998

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 100* vs Kenya 1998 full HD highlights

33. 128 vs Sri Lanka, 1998, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#17)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won, (POTM) – 128
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy (Tri Series: SL, Ind, NZ)

Context: Putting together a 252-run opening partnership with Ganguly, Tendulkar led India to a competitive 307 in the final of the tri-series. Sri Lanka came close, courtesy a century by Aravinda de Silva, but lost by 6 runs.

Scorecard: 128 (131) | 7 Jul 1998 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1998

Video Highlights: India vs Sri Lanka 1998 Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy Final Highlights | High Pressure Thrilling Match

34. 127* vs Zimbabwe, 1998, Bulawayo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#18)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Result: Won, (POTM) – 127*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Chasing 214, Tendulkar’s unbeaten century helped India win comfortably while stitching a 190-run partnership with Dravid.

Scorecard: 127* (130) | 26 Sep 1998 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 18th Odi 💯 127* vs Zim

35. 141 vs Australia, 1998, Dhaka (ODI)

Format: ODI (#19)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Result: Won, (POTM) – 141 & 4/38
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Wills International Cup 1998/99 (WI, SA, Ind, SL, Pak, Aus, Eng, Zim, NZ)

Context: Tendulkar’s glorious year against Australia continued with a blistering century as well as a bowling performance. Opened the innings and continued the carnage till the 46th over, when the score was already 280.

Scorecard: 141 (128) | 28 Oct 1998 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar GENUIS 141 vs Australia 1998 Dhaka

Embed from Getty Images

36. 118* vs Zimbabwe, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#20)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 118*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Champions Trophy 1998/99 (Tri Series: Ind, Zim, SL)

Context: Another dominating chase by Sachin. He scored 118 out of 197 runs and finished the chase in 40.4 overs. His strike rate was 105.35 when the next best for India was Ganguly at 57.14.

Scorecard: 118* (112) | 8 Nov 1998 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin’s 20th ODI century || 118 vs Zimbabwe || Sharjah 1998

37. 124* vs Zimbabwe, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#21)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 124* & 1/16
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Champions Trophy 1998/99 Final (Tri Series: Ind, Zim, SL)

Context: Almost similar to his previous century. Chasing 197 against Zimbabwe, this time Tendulkar helped India score the runs in 30 overs. India won by 10 wickets – Tendulkar 124* (92) at 134.18 & Ganguly 63* (90) at 70.00 strike rate.

Scorecard: 124* (92) | 13 Nov 1998 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: India vs Zimbabwe – Sachin Tendulkar 124 vs Zimbabwe

Embed from Getty Images

38. 113 vs New Zealand, 1998, Wellington (Test)

Format: Test (#17)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #5 (3rd Innings)

Context: Trailing New Zealand by 144 runs, Tendulkar’s century and contributions from almost every batter took India to a competitive 356 runs. The Craigs – McMillan and Cairns ensured that New Zealand get to the target of 214 without any hiccups.

Scorecard: 113 (151) | 26 Dec 1998 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 113 Wellington v NZ 1998

39. 136 vs Pakistan, 1999, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#18)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 1/10 & 2/35, 136
Batting Position: #4 (4th Innings)

Context: A thriller of a Test match, and Tendulkar’s masterclass in the fourth innings. Chasing a mammoth 271 in Chennai, India were reeling at 6/2 and later at 82/5. Ramesh, Laxman, Dravid, Azharuddin, and Ganguly, all back in the hut. With some support from Nayan Mongia, Tendulkar almost single-handedly drove India close to victory. However, Pakistan held their nerve and India would lose this close fourth innings encounter by just 12 runs.

Scorecard: 136 (273) | 28 Jan 1999 | Pakistan vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar Fighting 136 vs Pakistan in 1999 Chennai Test Highlights

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40. 124* vs Sri Lanka, 1999, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#19)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: Another high scoring draw against Sri Lanka. Tendulkar was one of the many centurions from this Test; others being Ramesh, Dravid, and Jayawardene, who scored 242.

Scorecard: 124 (235) | 24 Feb 1999 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1998/99

41. 140* vs Kenya, 1999, Bristol (ODI)

Format: ODI (#22)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: County Ground, Bristol, England
Result: Won, (POTM) – 140*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 1999 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: Tendulkar’s first ODI century at #4. This innings is best remembered for Sachin’s tribute to his late father, and the unbeaten 237-run partnership between Dravid-Tendulkar.

Scorecard: 140* (101) | 23 May 1999 | India vs Kenya Scorecard 1999

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 140 101 vs Kenya 1999 World Cup

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42. 120 vs Sri Lanka, 1999, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#23)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won
Batting Position: #1 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Aiwa Cup 1999 (Tri Series: Aus, SL, Ind)

Context: Back to opening with Sadagoppan Ramesh as his partner, Tendulkar took first strike in this match. He was involved in the 75-run opening partnership as well as a 117-run partnership with Ganguly, who was now the new #4.

Scorecard: 120 (141) | 29 Aug 1999 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1999

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 120 vs Sri Lanka 1999 Colombo

43. 126* vs New Zealand, 1999, Mohali (Test)

Format: Test (#20)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Inning)

Context: India recovered from 83-all out in the first innings to score a mammoth 505/3 declared in their second. Debutant Devang Gandhi scored 75, Ramesh chipped in with 73, and the Dravid-Tendulkar duo managed 144 & 126* respectively.

Scorecard: 126 (248) | 10 Oct 1999 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin’s126 vs NZL 1999-2000

44. 217 vs New Zealand, 1999, Ahmedabad (Test)

Format: Test (#21)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 217
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: India put up 583/7 declared in the first innings courtesy centuries from Ramesh (110), Ganguly (125), and Tendulkar (217). This was Sachin Tendulkar’s first double century.

Scorecard: 217 (344) | 29 Oct 1999 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 217 vs New Zealand 1999

45. 186* vs New Zealand, 1999, Hyderabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#24)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad, Deccan, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 186*
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: This day is remembered for a couple of reasons – (1) One of the final days when ODIs where played in whites, (2) a 331-run partnership between Dravid & Tendulkar, and finally (3) Sachin’s highest ODI score that stood tall until his double century.

Scorecard: 186* (150) | 8 Nov 1999 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: sachin tendulkar 186* vs new zealand 1999 part 1, sachin tendulkar 186* vs new zealand 1999 part2

46. 116 vs Australia, 1999, Melbourne (Test)

Format: Test (#22)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 116 & 52
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: One of Sachin Tendulkar’s finest knocks. Against an attack of Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, Brett Lee, and Shane Warne, Tendulkar fought the lone hand. He scored 116 out of India’s 238 in the first innings with minimal support apart from Ganguly & Kumble and followed it up with a fifty in the second innings.

Scorecard: 116 (191) | 26 Dec 1999 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s Amazing 116 vs Invincible Australia in MCG 1999 Boxing Day Test Extended Video

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47. 122 vs South Africa, 2000, Vadodara (ODI)

Format: ODI (#25)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Sports Complex Ground, Vadodara, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 122
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Tendulkar & Ganguly, back to the top of the batting order, put together 153 runs for the first wicket. India won by 4 wickets with just one ball to spare in the chase of 283.

Scorecard: 122 (138) | 17 Mar 2000 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 122 Vadodra v SA 2000

48. 101 vs Sri Lanka, 2000, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#26)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 101
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Coco-Cola Champions Trophy 2000/01 (Tri Series: SL, Ind, Zim)

Context: From India’s side, only Tendulkar stood up with a century when the next best was 35. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, chased 225 with sizeable contributions from Russell Arnold (59), Jayasuriya (48), Sangakkara (40*), and Jayawardene (38).

Scorecard: 101 (140) | 20 Oct 2000 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s 48th century 101(140) vs Sri Lanka in the CocaCola Trophy 2000

49. 122 vs Zimbabwe, 2000, Delhi (Test)

Format: Test (#23)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: This match is better known for Javagal Srinath’s 4/81 & 5/60, Andy Flower’s 183* * 70, and Dravid’s 200* & 70*, but Tendulkar contributed nicely with 122 & 39 as well.

Scorecard: 122 (233) | 18 Nov 2000 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Rahul Dravid 200 & Sachin Tendulkar 122 and 213 runs stand 1st Test vs Zimbabwe Delhi 2000-01

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50. 201* vs Zimbabwe, 2000, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#24)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: You would think Sachin’s unbeaten double century would yield him a player of the match trophy. Think again, this was Zimbabwe cricket at its peak and Andy Flower upped Tendulkar with a show of 55 & 232*.

Scorecard: 201* (392) | 25 Nov 2000 | India vs Zimbabwe Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Sachin’s 2nd Double Hundred(201*) vs Zimbabwe, 2000

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51. 146 vs Zimbabwe, 2000, Jodhpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#27)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Barkatullah Khan Stadium, Jodhpur, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Zimbabwe cricket at its absolute peak. 70s from the Flower brothers ensured Tendulkar’s 140 odd runs go in vain.

Scorecard: 146 (153) | 8 Dec 2000 | India vs Zimbabwe Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: 27th ODI Century Sachin Tendulkar 146 vs Zim at Jodhpur 2000 Extended HQ Highlights

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52. 126 vs Australia, 2001, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#25)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: We all remember this month for Harbhajan’s excellence and the colossal Laxman’s 281 & Dravid’s 180 rearguard effort. But in the final match of the series, Sachin scored a century of his own.

Scorecard: 126 (230) | 18 Mar 2001 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 126 vs Australia Chennai 2001

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT): The Definitive Guide (Updated 2023)

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53. 139 vs Australia, 2001, Indore (ODI)

Format: ODI (#28)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Nehru Stadium, Indore, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 139
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: A game India truly dominated. VVS Laxman & Tendulkar combined for a 199-run second wicket partnership. India reached 299/8 and won by 118 runs.

Scorecard: 139 (125) | 31 Mar 2001 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: India vs Australia 3rd ODI 2001 Highlights | Sachin Reaches 10,000 ODI Runs, India Crush Australia!!

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54. 122* vs West Indies, 2001, Harare (ODI)

Format: ODI (#29)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
Result: Won, (POTM) – 122*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Cup 2001 (Tri Series: Ind, WI, Zim)

Context: Yet another century partnership with Sourav Ganguly. These two helped India chase 230 runs in 48.1 overs.

Scorecard: 122* (131) | 4 Jul 2001 | West Indies vs India Scorecard 2001

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 122* vs West Indies 2001

55. 101 vs South Africa, 2001, Johannesburg (ODI)

Format: ODI (#30)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Standard Bank Triangular Tournament 2001/02 (SA, Ind, Ken)

Context: This time Ganguly took the aggressive route and hit 127 (126) with five gigantic sixes, while Tendulkar nudged it around to score 101 (129).

Scorecard: 101 (129) | 5 Oct 2001 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 101 vs SA Johannesburg 2001

56. 146 vs Kenya, 2001, ODI, Paarl (ODI)

Format: ODI (#31)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: Boland Bank Park, Paarl, South Africa
Result: Won, (POTM) – 146
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Standard Bank Triangular Tournament 2001/02 (SA, Ind, Ken)

Context: The golden era of Ganguly-Tendulkar mayhem continued. Ganguly 111, Tendulkar 146, partnership 258 runs, India 351/3. Ended up winning by 186 runs.

Scorecard: 146 (132) | 24 Oct 2001 | India vs Kenya Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 146 vs Kenya

57. 155 vs South Africa, 2001, Bloemfontein (Test)

Format: Test (#26)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Against an attack of Shaun Pollock, Nantie Hayward, Jacques Kallis, and Makhaya Ntini, Tendulkar scored a fluent 155 and had support from a certain Virender Sehwag (105) at #6.

Scorecard: 155 (184) | 3 Nov 2001 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin 155 vs south africa 1st test 2001 at Bloemfontein

58. 103 vs England, 2001, Ahmedabad (Test)

Format: Test (#27)
Opposition: England
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Responding to England’s first innings total of 407, India struggled under the guile of Giles. Ashley Giles took 5/67, but Tendulkar’s 103 took India to a safe score of 291.

Scorecard: 103 (197) | 11 Dec 2001 | England vs India Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 103 vs England Ahmedabad 2001/02

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59. 176 vs Zimbabwe, 2002, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#28)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: On this occasion, India were a class apart against Zimbabwe. Centuries from Shiv Sundar Das, Tendulkar, and Sanjay Bangar as well as a 9-wicket match haul for Anil Kumble meant that Zimbabwe were never really in the game.

Scorecard: 176 (316) | 21 Feb 2002 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 2001/02

Video Clip: Sachin’s 176 vs Zimbabwe 2002

60. 117 vs West Indies, 2002, Port of Spain (Test)

Format: Test (#29)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Although Tendulkar scored a century in the first innings (and duck in the second), it was VVS Laxman’s twin fifties (69* & 74) that earned him the player of the match trophy.

Scorecard: 117 (260) | 19 Apr 2002 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 117 vs West Indies Trinidad

61. 105* vs England, 2002, Chester-le-Street (ODI)

Format: ODI (#32)
Opposition: England
Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, England
Result: No Result
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Tournament: NatWest Series (Ind, Eng, SL)

Context: Tendulkar back at #4 in ODIs in a damp squib.

Scorecard: 104* (108) | 4 Jul 2002 | India vs England Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: 32nd ODI century 105 vs England Chester-le-Street 2002

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62. 113 vs Sri Lanka, 2002, Bristol (ODI)

Format: ODI (#33)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: The Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground, Bristol, England
Result: Won, (POTM) – 113
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Tournament: NatWest Series (Ind, Eng, SL)

Context: Before the Yuvraj-Kaif magic and Ganguly’s celebration celebration in the final, Tendulkar scored a couple of tons of his own in THAT NatWest series.

Scorecard: 113 (102) | 11 Jul 2002 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: Tendulkar 113 vs Sri Lanka at Bristol 2002

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63. 193 vs England, 2002, Leeds (Test)

Format: Test (#30)
Opposition: England
Venue: Headingly, Leeds, England
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Although Tendulkar & Ganguly (128) accelerated India’s score toward 628/8 declared with a commanding 193, Sanjay Bangar – 68 (236) and Rahul Dravid – 148 (307) set up this memorable overseas victory.

Scorecard: 193 (330) | 22 Aug 2002 | India vs England Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: The Little Master At His Best: Tendulkar Hits His 30th Hundred | England v India 2002 – Highlights

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64. 176 vs West Indies, 2002, Kolkata (Test)

Format: Test (#31)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 36 & 176
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: This match ended in a draw, but not before several great individual performances – Gayle’s 88, Wavell Hinds’ 100, Chanderpaul’s 140, Samuels’ 104, Harbhajan Singh’s 5-fer, 154* for VVS Laxman, and the Little Master’s 176.

Scorecard: 176 (298) | 30 Oct 2002 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2002/03

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 31st Test Century 176 Vs West Indies, Kolkata 2002

65. 152 vs Namibia, 2003, Pietermaritzburg (ODI)

Format: ODI (#34)
Opposition: Namibia
Venue: City Oval, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Result: Won, (POTM) – 152
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 2003 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: Good exposure for Namibia in an ODI World Cup, but Tendulkar (152) himself beat all of the Namibian team combined (130). It was that pair again on the charge – 244 between Tendulkar & Ganguly, who scored 112*.

Scorecard: 152 (151) | 23 Feb 2003 | India vs Namibia Scorecard 2002/03

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 152 vs Namibia 2003 World Cup

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66. 100 vs Australia, 2003, Gwalior (ODI)

Format: ODI (#35)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100 & 1/39
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: TVS Cup (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: Against Australia, rises VVS Laxman. Laxman scored 102 before being run out by Andrew Symonds and added 190 runs with Tendulkar for the second wicket.

Scorecard: 100 (119) | 26 Oct 2003 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 100 vs Australia Gwalior 2003

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67. 102 vs New Zealand, 2003, Hyderabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#36)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad, Deccan, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: TVS Cup (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: Virender Sehwag cemented his place as Tendulkar’s opening partner in ODIs. The duo scored 182 for the opening wicket while Ganguly dropped to #3 in the batting line up.

Scorecard: 102 (91) | 5 Nov 2003 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin 102 vs New Zealand Hyderabad 2003 04 TVS Cup ODI Century 36

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68. 241* vs Australia, 2004, Sydney (Test)

Format: Test (#32)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 241* & 60*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: The Test innings that everyone still talks about to this day. In order to rectify a flaw outside off, Tendulkar decided to let go off his famous cover drive. The art of a true genius. This innings required patience, grit, and mental fortitude. At the end, he scored a famous double century and probably his best Test innings.

Scorecard: 241* (436) | 2 Jan 2004 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: From the Vault: Super Sachin’s SCG special in 2004

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69. 141 vs Pakistan, 2004, Rawalpindi (ODI)

Format: ODI (#37)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 141
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: One of the best ODI series of all-time. Pakistan scored 329 due to neat 80s from Yasir Hameed and Shahid Afridi along with important contributions from Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Abdul Razzaq. In reply, Tendulkar scored 141 but did not have as much support from the rest of the XI as India fell short by 12 runs.

Scorecard: 141 (135) | 16 Mar 2004 | Pakistan vs India Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 141 India v Pakistan Samsung Cup 2nd ODI at Rawalpindi 2004

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70. 194* vs Pakistan, 2004, Multan (Test)

Format: Test (#33)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Fondly remembered for Sehwag’s 309 and Dravid’s controversial declaration when Tendulkar was on 194*.

Scorecard: 194* (348) | 28 Mar 2004 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 194* vs Pakistan 1st Test 2004 Multan

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71. 248* vs Bangladesh, 2004, Dhaka (Test)

Format: Test (#34)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Tendulkar scored his highest individual Test score as Irfan Pathan‘s 11-wicket match haul demolished Bangladesh.

Scorecard: 248* (379) | 10 Dec 2004 | Bangladesh vs India Scorecard 2004/05

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 248 vs Bangladesh Mirpur Dhaka 2004

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72. 123 vs Pakistan, 2005, Ahmedabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#38)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar’s hundred, Dhoni’s 47, and Yuvraj’s 35* got India to a score of 319, but Inzamam-ul-Haq & Shoaib Malik forged a quick partnership to take Pakistan home.

Scorecard: 123 (130) | 12 Apr 2005 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 2004/05

Video Highlights: 38th ODI ton- Sachin Tendulkar 123 vs Pakistan 2005 Ahmedabad

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73. 109 vs Sri Lanka, 2005, Delhi (Test)

Format: Test (#35)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: With this knock, Sachin Tendulkar went past the great Sunil Gavaskar’s landmark of 34 Test centuries.

Scorecard: 109 (196) | 10 Dec 2005 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2005/06

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR 35TH TEST 100

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74. 100 vs Pakistan, 2006, Peshawar (ODI)

Format: ODI (#39)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar, Pakistan
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Another close match against Pakistan. Another loss. Tendulkar (100), Irfan Pathan (56), and Dhoni (68) took India to 328, but a hundred from Salman Butt & 90 from Shoaib Malik meant the chase was complete with 3 overs to spare.

Scorecard: 100 (113) | 6 Feb 2006 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 2005/06

Video Highlights: Sachin’s 39th ODI 100 vs Pakistan @ Peshawar 6th February 2006

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75. 141* vs West Indies, 2006, Kuala Lumpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#40)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: DLF Cup 2006/07 (Tri Series: Aus, WI, Ind)

Context: India scored 309, but WI won by the D/L method as they scored 141 runs in just 20 overs.

Scorecard: 141* (148) | 14 Sep 2006 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2006/07

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR 141 vs West Indies | DLF Cup Kuala Lampur 2006 | EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS

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76. 100* vs West Indies, 2007, Vadodara (ODI)

Format: ODI (#41)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Sports Complex Ground, Vadodara, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: MS Dhoni’s finishing abilities and Tendulkar’s quickfire 100* at a strike rate of 131.57 from #4 took the game away from West Indies.

Scorecard: 100* (76) | 31 Jan 2007 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2006/07

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR | 41st ODI Ton | 100* Vadodara | 4th ODI | WEST INDIES tour of INDIA 2007

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77. 101 vs Bangladesh, 2007, Chattogram (Test)

Format: Test (#36)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Centuries for Tendulkar and Ganguly. Known for their ODI partnership, this time they put together a 189-run partnership for the 4th wicket in this Test.

Scorecard: 101 (169) | 18 May 2007 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2007

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 101 vs Bangladesh 1st Test 2007 Chittagong

78. 122* vs Bangladesh, 2007, Mirpur (Test)

Format: Test (#37)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: A rare occasion where India’s entire Top 4 scored centuries – Dinesh Karthik 129, Wasim Jaffer 138, Rahul Dravid 129, and Sachin Tendulkar 122*. India declared after scoring 610/3 and won by an innings & 239 runs.

Scorecard: 122* (226) | 25 May 2007 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2007

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 78th century 122 vs Ban Mirpur 2007

79. 154* vs Australia, 2008, Sydney (Test)

Format: Test (#38)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: One of the more controversial series in recent memories, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that Tendulkar scored yet another majestic hundred Down Under.

Scorecard: 154* (243) | 2 Jan 2008 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2007/08

Video Highlights: Sachin’s Sydney love-affair continues with majestic 154*

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80. 153 vs Australia, 2008, Adelaide (Test)

Format: Test (#39)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 153
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Another 150+ score in the series for Tendulkar. Sehwag, Kumble, and Harbhajan all chipped in with fifties as India scored 526.

Scorecard: 153 (205) | 24 Jan 2008 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2007/08

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s 153 in Adelaide 2007 – 2008

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81. 117* vs Australia, 2008, Sydney (ODI)

Format: ODI (#42)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Australia
Result: Won, (POTM) – 117*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Commonwealth Bank (CB) Series (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, SL)

Context: One of India’s more celebrated victories as the era of tri-series was coming to an end. Tendulkar’s 117* took India to victory in the CB series final. This series will be remembered for the Lee vs Tendulkar battle.

Scorecard: 117* (120) | 2 Mar 2008 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2007/08

Video Highlights: From the Vault: Super Sachin steers India to victory in tri-series final

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82. 109 vs Australia, 2008, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#40)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Sachin’s 109 set the platform as India scored 441 in the first innings. Despite Jason Krejza’s best effort (8/215 & 4/143), Australia still fell short by 172 runs in the Test.

Scorecard: 109 (188) | 6 Nov 2008 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: India Vs Australia 4th Test Nagpur (2008) | Sourav Ganguly’s Final test Match

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83. 103* vs England, 2008, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#41)
Opposition: England
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (4th Innings)

Context: One of the greatest Test chases of all time. The original Bazball fourth innings chase. 387 chased down in 98.3 overs at 3.92 run rate, courtesy Sehwag’s quick assault of 83 (68).

Scorecard: 103 (196) | 11 Dec 2008 | England vs India Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: India 387 run chase vs england | India 387 run chase | India 387 chase |india chase 387

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84. 163* vs New Zealand, 2009, Christchurch (ODI)

Format: ODI (#43)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
Result: Won, (POTM) – 163*
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Ended retired hurt at 163* with five overs still to spare. One of Tendulkar’s greatest ODI innings, playing shots all around the park with 16 fours and five sixes.

Scorecard: 163* (133) | 8 Mar 2009 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar – Magical 163* vs NZ | 43rd ODI century

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85. 160 vs New Zealand, 2009, Hamilton (Test)

Format: Test (#42)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand
Result: Won, (POTM) – 160
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: An all-round batting performance led by Tendulkar took India to 520 in the first innings, and the Kiwis never recovered. Gambhir’s Napier marathon of 137 & 167 in Wellington secured crucial draws, but Tendulkar’s hundred in this match helped India take the lead 1-0.

Scorecard: 160 (260) | 18 Mar 2009 | New Zealand vs India Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR 160 vs New Zealand | 1st Test 2009

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86. 138 vs Sri Lanka, 2009, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#44)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won, (POTM) – 138
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Compaq Cup (Tri Series: SL, Ind, NZ)

Context: Tendulkar’s 138 & 56 each for Dhoni-Yuvraj took India to a match-winning 319/5, and Harbhajan (5/56) did the rest.

Scorecard: 138 (133) | 14 Sep 2009 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2009

Video Highlights: Sachin 138 vs srilanka 2009

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87. 175 vs Australia, 2009, Hyderabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#45)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Apart from the Sharjah knocks in 1998 vs Australia, this is quite possibly Sachin Tendulkar’s best ODI innings of all-time. Chasing 351, Sachin got India to 332 before paddle scooping it to Nathan Hauritz. A collapse followed and India were stopped at 347. So close, yet so far.

Scorecard: 175 (141) | 5 Nov 2009 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Tendulkar MasterClass not enough for India| 5th ODI (D/N)| Hyderabad (Deccan)| Australia tour India

88. 100* vs Sri Lanka, 2009, Ahmedabad (Test)

Format: Test (#43)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #5 (3rd Innings)

Context: One of those high scoring India-Sri Lanka matches. Welegedera’s first morning spell reduced India to 4/32 before Dravid (177), Yuvraj (68), and Dhoni (110) helped India recover. In response, Dilshan scored 112, Jayawardenes scored centuries (275 for Mahela and 154* for Prasanna). Then came 114 for Gautam Gambhir and finally, 100* for Sachin Tendulkar at the end of the third innings.

Scorecard: 100* (211) | 6 Nov 2009 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: India vs Srilanka 1st Test 2009 at Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad | Tendulkar Dhoni Gambhir Dravid 100s

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89. 105* vs Bangladesh, 2010, Chattogram (Test)

Format: Test (#44)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Result: Won, (POTM) – 105*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar’s unbeaten hundred was India’s only fighting force in the first innings as Shahadat Hossain & Shakib took 5 wickets each and bundled India for 243.

Scorecard: 105* (166) | 17 Jan 2010 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 89th century 105 vs Ban Chittagong 2010

90. 143 vs Bangladesh, 2010, Mirpur (Test)

Format: Test (#45)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Fifties for Gambhir-Sehwag, centuries for Dravid-Tendulkar, and 10 wicket-haul for Zaheer Khan ensured Indian victory.

Scorecard: 143 (182) | 24 Jan 2010 | Bangladesh vs India Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 143 vs Ban Dhaka 2010 45th Test 100

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91. 100 vs South Africa, 2010, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#46)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: 335 runs behind South Africa in the first innings after Amla’s 253* and Steyn’s masterclass of 7/51, Tendulkar tried to save India in the follow-on. Tendulkar made a century but India still lost by an innings and 6 runs against a world class South African outfit.

Scorecard: 100 (179) | 6 Feb 2010 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 2009/10

92. 106 vs South Africa, 2010, Kolkata (Test)

Format: Test (#47)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: A Valentine Century for Sachin Tendulkar. Fun Fact – Tendulkar’s 106 was actually India’s third highest score in the innings after Laxman’s 143 & Sehwag’s 165. Hashim Amla also scored twin tons in that match, 114 & 123*, but India would end up winning by an innings.

Scorecard: 106 (206) | 14 Feb 2010 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: 🔥Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar 106 vs South Africa in 2010🏏

93. 200* vs South Africa, 2010, Gwalior (ODI)

Format: ODI (#46)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 200*
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: First player to hit a double century in ODI cricket. It was meant to be. Just meant to be.

Scorecard: 200* (147) | 24 Feb 2010 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Sachin vs South Africa Highlights HD🔥 First ODI Double Century hitter | India | Sachin 200 Runs

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94. 203 vs Sri Lanka, 2010, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#48)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Tendulkar continued his rich vein of form with yet another double century. By the time he was done, he had already posted 592 runs. India would make 707 as the match headed towards a draw.

Scorecard: 203 (347) | 26 Jul 2010 | Sri Lanka vs India Scorecard 2010

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 203 vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2010 at Colombo (SSC)

95. 214 vs Australia, 2010, Bengaluru (Test)

Format: Test (#49)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 214 & 53*
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Replying back to Australia’s 478, Tendulkar & Murali Vijay put together a 308-run stand to help India recover from 38/2. Tendulkar’s final double century.

Scorecard: 214 (363) | 9 Oct 2010 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 214 vs Australia 2010

96. 111* vs South Africa, 2010, Centurion (Test)

Format: Test (#50)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion, South africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #5 (3rd Innings)

Context: India’s first innings collapse came back to haunt them in this match. India were bundled out 136 and South Africa replied with 620/4 declared featuring Jacques Kallis’ maiden double century. Tendulkar (111*), Dhoni (90), Gambhir (80), and Sehwag (63) took India to 459, but still could not avoid an innings defeat.

Scorecard: 111* (241) | 16 Dec 2010 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 50th Test Century || Highlights || South Africa 2010

97. 146 vs South Africa, 2011, Cape Town (Test)

Format: Test (#51)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Against Dale Steyn & Morne Morkel in their primes, Tendulkar crafted a majestic ton at Newlands. One of the best performances for an Indian batter overseas.

Scorecard: 146 (314) | 2 Jan 2011 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 146 vs South Africa 2011 in Newlands | 51st Test Century

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98. 120 vs England, 2011, Bengaluru (ODI)

Format: ODI (#47)
Opposition: England
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, India
Result: Tied
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: The best match of the 2011 ODI World Cup. Tendulkar’s 120 helped India post 338, but Andrew Strauss’ 158 helped England tie India.

Scorecard: 120 (115) | 27 Feb 2011 | India vs England Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: India vs England | 2011 Cricket World Cup (Hindi Version)

Embed from Getty Images

99. 111 vs South Africa, 2011, Nagpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#48)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Vidharbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: In one of the best matches of the tournament, Sehwag & Tendulkar powered India to a 142-run stand in just 17.4 overs. Dale Steyn’s 5-fer would reduce India to 296, which South Africa would chase down in a thriller of a contest.

Scorecard: 111 (101) | 12 Mar 2011 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: India vs South Africa Highlights | 2011 Cricket World Cup (Hindi Version)

Embed from Getty Images

100. 114 vs Bangladesh, 2012, Mirpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#49)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Asia Cup 2012 (Pak, Ban, Ind, SL)

Context: For such an illustrious career, this innings was criticized by many due to that strike rate of 77.55. Despite a 148-run partnership with Virat Kohli, Tendulkar’s final hundred resulted in Team India’s loss unfortunately.

Scorecard: 114 (147) | 16 Mar 2012 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2011/12

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th Century Highlights | India vs Bangladesh | Asia Cup 2012

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Sachin Tendulkar Centuries

How many centuries did Sachin Tendulkar score in international cricket across all formats?

Sachin Tendulkar scored 100 centuries across all formats (51 ODI centuries, 49 Test centuries).

Which was Sachin Tendulkar’s first century as a captain of Indian national cricket team?

Tendulkar’s first century as captain was against Sri Lanka in 1996.

When did Sachin Tendulkar score his first double century?

Sachin Tendulkar scored his first double century on 29 October, 1999 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad when he made 217 (344).

How many times did Sachin Tendulkar have a score in the nervous nineties?

Sachin Tendulkar scored in the nervous nineties 28 times, 10 in Test matches & 18 in ODI cricket (one not out, 17 out).

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© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 04/29/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

An Open Letter From a Cricket Fan to Those In Charge of Indian Cricket

by Nitesh Mathur | Nov 12, 2022 | Article Index, India

After the defeat, or ‘thrashing’ India received from England in the 2022 WC semi-finals, fans worldwide were frustrated at another disappointing finish. Here are my honest thoughts for Those Who Care and Run Indian Cricket. An open letter, “Enough is enough.”

Dear Indian Cricket Administrators,

Enough is enough.

2014 T20 World Cup Final. 2015 ODI World Cup Semi-Final.
2016 T20 World Cup Semi-Final. 2017 Champions Trophy Final.
2019 ODI World Cup Semi-Final. 2021 World Test Championship Final.
2022 T20 World Cup Semi-Final.

9 Long Years. 7 ICC knockout matches. 3 captains. Different coaches. Same result.
So close, yet so far.

When India suffered 0-4 losses to England & Australia in the 2011 disastrous Test tours, MS Dhoni frequently said, ‘It is the process that matters.’ The same talks continued throughout the decade.

Process. Journey. Learnings.
Yes, learning is good. Making mistakes is good…if and only if, they lead to tangible changes. Not if they result in the same mistakes again.

We have Questions. More questions. LOTS of questions.
What is the exact process? Who decides these processes? Because if the same story plays over and over again, and India keeps losing in key moments, then there is an inherent problem with the process itself.

Then the blame game starts. IPL vs internationals. Not able to play in overseas leagues. Injuries. Handling the ‘pressure.’ Retrospective selection debates. Rest & rotation.

Excuses. Enough is enough.

This letter is not to single out individuals, players, coaches, team management, or even the system. I’m not questioning the commitment or the lack of trying. These are professionals, and they try to do their best on and off the field.

Rather, I’m questioning the status quo.
The Hero Worship. Administrative bias. Selections and Experimentation. Media leaks. Lack of the winning mentality.

The current England team is doing something right. After the 2015 World Cup debacle, they took some tough decisions. The team of Eoin Morgan, Andrew Strauss, and Nathan Leamon invested in a system that would produce results and backed players that fit their system.

Enjoy the journey. Learn from the process. Keep improving.
All this is good, but at the end of the day, results matter. The IPL wouldn’t still exist if it wasn’t a profitable venture. Brazil (5), Germany (4), and Italy (4) wouldn’t be as feared in the soccer world if they hadn’t won that many trophies consistently over time.

You know why West Indies in the 2010s were so good? Because they won World Cups AND had fun doing it. That’s the ideal situation. Process plus results. Why can’t India get there? Why can’t India win both bilaterals and World Cups?

The Power of the IPL and depth of India’s pool of talent—A blessing and a disguise. There is a key difference between gradual progress and stagnation. It is high time that Team India starts converting this golden generation of players and financial power into trophies.

Lost opportunity. Enough is enough.

The fans are just as much as stakeholders in the game as the administrators and players themselves.

When Tendulkar hits a straight drive, a child smiles in Mumbai. When Kohli hits Haris Rauf for a straight six, a nation halts in awe. When India loses, the nation griefs in despair. Passion. The sport means the world to us. When the fans hope, the nation rises.

One of these days, the confidence in the team might be a disappear. The team needs to start winning world tournaments. That’s it.

And this is not to say that India is a bad team. Not even close. Coming to the semi-finals in almost every competition ten years in a row is no joke. However, the final hurdle is sometimes the most important step. And not getting over that step points to deeper issues.

It’s a well-known idiom to “Hope for the best and Prepare for the worst.” But maybe, just maybe, that is not the right way to go.

Don’t play safe. For once, just go all out. Try something new. Take some risks. Make courageous selections.

Indian fans can live with defeat. What they can’t live with is manner of defeats and making the same mistakes over and over again.

Something needs to change. Otherwise, all that will be left is Broken Dreams.

Because enough is enough.

Sincerely,
A Cricket Fan

Thanks for reading this letter on Indian Cricket. Remember to subscribe for more such articles and content

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© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2022. Originally published on 11/12/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Virat Kohli’s 25 Best Innings Across International Formats (RANKED): Mohali 2016, MCG 2022, Hobart 133*, Adelaide 141…Which One is Your Favorite?

by Nitesh Mathur | Oct 27, 2022 | India

Ranking Virat Kohli’s best innings is no easy task.

With 71 hundreds, 127 fifties, and countless other important knocks out of his 529 international innings, picking the Top 25 is a challenge. As Roman philosopher, Lucius Anneas Seneca is credited of saying,

“It is a rough road that leads to the height of greatness.”
– Lucius Anneas Seneca

Kohli’s consistency and the ability to rise to the top from the depth of hardship is what makes him truly great.

The winning moment at the MCG give cricket fans chills. Literal chills. This match reminded us of Virat Kohli’s eternal greatness. No man has been as dominating of a cricket player in all the three formats. Here is our Top 25 ranking of Virat Kohli’s best innings across T20I, ODI, and Test cricket.

List of Virat Kohli’s Best Innings

All the scorecards and some video highlights are linked for your reference.

Embed from Getty Images

1. 82*(52) vs Pakistan, 2022 T20 World Cup

Format: T20I
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia

Context: Melbourne Cricket Ground. 90,000 crowd. T20 World Cup 2022. India 31-4. Pakistan pacers all over India. The ghost of 2021. The 71st hundred wait. Questions on his form. Mental health break. And then came that innings. Then came that shot—The Shot Heard Around the World. From 31-4 to needing 28 runs in 8 balls to winning the match on the last ball. The chase master is back. The King is back.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs India 16th Match, Group 2 2022/23 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images Embed

2. 133*(86) vs Sri Lanka, 2012 CB Series

Format: ODI
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Australia

Context: A love story begins in Australia. The coming of age for Virat Kohli. Needing to chase 320 in 40 overs, Kohli and co did it in 36.4 overs. Malinga’s figures of 7.4-0-96-1 says it all. The way Kohli handled the pressure, accelerated…this was only the signs to come for the record chaser he was about to become.

Video Highlights: Kohli Hobart Innings – YouTube

‘Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India 11th Match 2011/12 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com‘Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India 11th Match 2011/12 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

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3. 82*(53) vs Australia, 2016 T20 World Cup

Format: T20I
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh India

Context: Virat Kohli Mohali innings. India vs Australia 2016 knock-out match. What an innings under pressure. Must-win game. A virtual quarter final. Australia & James Faulkner run into Virat Kohli at his absolute peak. Steady innings to begin with but flourish at the right time. The running, six hitting, and MS Dhoni, this innings had everything.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 31st Match, Super 10 Group 2 2015/16 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

4. 141 (175) & 115 (184) vs Australia, 2013-14 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Format: Test
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, Austral

Context: A glimpse of Virat Kohli, the captain, before he was the official captain. India had never won a Test series in Australia and chasing 364 on Day 5 was unthinkable. Enter Kohli. Centuries in both innings. Aggressive approach. Got India so close, but he was caught on the boundary with sixty runs still to go. India continued their positive approach and collapsed agonizingly short.

Video Highlights: 2nd Innings, 1st Innings

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 1st Test 2014/15 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

5. 119 (181) & 96 (193) vs South Africa, India Tour of South Africa 2013-14

Format: Test
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Context: One of the great Test matches of the 2010s. Will always be remembered for the Faf-De Villiers partnership as South Africa almost chasing 438 before the draw was announced eight runs short. However, the game was nicely setup by the dominance of Kohli in both innings.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs South Africa 1st Test 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images

6. 169 (272) vs Australia, 2013-14 Border Gavaskar Trophy

Format: Test
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia

Context: This match will always be remembered for THAT partnership. Virat Kohli & Ajinkya Rahane smashing Mitchell Johnson’s bouncers. The transition from the Dravid-Tendulkar-Laxman era to the Kohli-Rahane era was complete.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 3rd Test 2014/15 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

7. 149 (225) vs England, 2018 Pataudi Trophy

Format: Test
Opposition: England
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England

Context: 134 runs in 10 innings. Six single digit scores. 2 ducks. And a Jimmy Anderson. Probably the lowest point in Kohli’s career, technically and mentally. To come back in the next tour, score 593 runs, dominate Anderson, and conquer his inner demons is a life lesson for us all. It all started with this 149 in tough conditions.

Video Highlights: Kohli 100 England 2018

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of England vs India 1st Test 2018 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images

8. 100*(52) vs Australia, 2013

Format: ODI
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, India

Context: Some of the best shots you will ever see. Dancing down the wicket, straight over the bowlers’ head, numerous inside out shots. The series will be remembered for the emergence of Kohli-Rohit duo as the next stars of Indian cricket.

Video highlights: Virat Kohli 100* off 52 Balls | Ind vs Aus 2013

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 2nd ODI 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

9. 49 (51) vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2016

Format: T20I
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh

Context: The scorecard doesn’t tell you what we all felt that day. Pakistan 83/10 and India won by 5 wickets. Easy, right? Wrong. Due to the comeback kid, Mohammad Amir. Rohit, Rahane were gone for ducks. Raina soon followed, India 8/3. Then came Kohli’s masterclass, one full of patience, perseverance, and maturity.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs India 4th Match 2015/16 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

10. 115*(66) vs Australia, 2013

Format: ODI
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India

Context: One of the highest scoring ODI series in memory. Although he was already scoring loads of runs earlier in the series, this chase was the best of them all.

Video Highlights: Virat Kohli 115* of 66| India Vs Australia 2013

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 6th ODI 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

11. 72*(44) vs South Africa, 2014 T20 World Cup Semi-Final

Format: T20I
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh

Context: Before Melbourne, before Mohali, there was Mirpur. 72 off 44 balls. He himself said it was his ‘best T20 knock’ until that point.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of South Africa vs India 2nd Semi-Final 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images

12. 153 (217) vs South Africa, India Tour of South Africa 2017-2018

Format: Test
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Supersport Park, Centurion, South Africa

Context: Under testing conditions and batting against the trio of Philander-Rabada-Morkel, Virat Kohli was excellent. Next highest score was just 46.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of South Africa vs India 2nd Test 2017/18 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

13.160* (159) vs South Africa, 2018

Format: ODI
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa

Context: Kohli at his absolute peak.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs South Africa 3rd ODI 2017/18 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

14. 123 (257) vs Australia, Perth, Border Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19

Format: Test
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia

Context: “Masterclass in mind and skill. One for the ages.” The commentator couldn’t have described it any better.

Video Highlights: Full highlights of Kohli’s Perth classic

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 2nd Test 2018/19 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

15. 183 (146) vs Pakistan, 2012

Format: ODI
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh

Context: Smashed Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, and Shahid Afridi on his way to his top ODI knock.

Video Highlights: Kohli 183 vs Pakistan 2012

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs India 5th Match 2011/12 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images

16. 103 (197) & 97 (152), 2018 Pataudi Trophy

Format: Test
Opposition: England
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Context: Test matches mean a lot more when the team wins. Although India lost 4-1 in THAT Sam Curran series, Kohli’s 97 & 103 ensured at least one win in the series.

Video Highlights: 1st Innings, 2nd Innings

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs England 3rd Test 2018 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

17. 243 (287) & 50 (58) vs Sri Lanka, 2017

Format: Test
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India

Context: A marathon 7-and-a-half-hour knock followed by a fifty in the second innings.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test 2017/18 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

18. 35 (49) vs Sri Lanka, 2011 World Cup Final

Format: ODI
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Wankhede, Mumbai, India

Context: Among his plethora of centuries and fifties, this one is usually forgotten. After 31-2 with both Sehwag & Sachin back in the hut, Kohli & Gambhir’s steady 83-run partnership got India back in the game. Useful, impact knock.

Video Highlights: 2011 World Cup Final Highlights

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India Final 2010/11 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images

19. 154* (134) vs New Zealand, 2016

Format: ODI
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, India

Context: Exhibition of the cover drive, pull shot, flick, and the straight drive.

Video Highlights: Virat Kohli 123 off 111 balls vs New Zealand 1st ODI Napier

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs India 3rd ODI 2016/17 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

20. 89*(47) vs West Indies, 2016 T20 World Cup Semi-Final

Format: India
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India

Context: Yet another one of Kohli’s ICC men T20 World Cup classic. After Rohit-Rahane 40s provided India a decent start, Kohli took the mantle to finish the innings off. From 50*(33) to 89*(47), but it was not meant to be.

Video Highlights: 2016 T20 WC Semi-Final Highlights

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs West Indies 2nd Semi-Final 2015/16 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

21. 211 (366) vs New Zealand, 2016

Format: Test
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, India

Context: A Top-25 Kohli series should probably include one of his seven double centuries. A marathon 365 (673) partnership between Rahane & Kohli. NZ were out of the game in the first innings.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs New Zealand 3rd Test 2016/17 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

22. 94* (50) vs West Indies, 2019

Format: T20I
Venue: Ranjiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad, India
Opposition: West Indies

Context: Kohli’s highest T20I score. India chases 209 in a T20 with 8 balls to spare. 6 sixes and 6 fours. Destructive.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of West Indies vs India 1st T20I 2019/20 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

23. 107 (126) vs Pakistan, 2015 ODI World Cup

Format: ODI
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia

Context: A solid knock. India win against Pakistan via Kohil magic, a theme over the last decade. Better yet, India started the 2015 WC well and went onto play the semi-finals despite dismal preparations.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs Pakistan 4th Match, Pool B 2014/15 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Embed from Getty Images

24. 122*(105) vs England, 2017

Format: ODI
Opposition: England
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Context: Known as the ‘Kedar Jadhav match’ who scored a 120 (76) from #6, Kohli held the innings together. From 53-4, a 200-run partnership followed between the two before Pandya finished it off.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of England vs India 1st ODI 2016/17 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

25. 123 (111) vs New Zealand, 2014

Format: ODI
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: MacLean Park, Napier

Context: Not all matches have a positive ending. Although India lost, Kohli dragged India close. The next best score was 40, and India lost by 24 runs.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs India 1st ODI 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

26. 107 (114) vs Sri Lanka, 2009 (Bonus)

Format: ODI
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India

Context: Things have to begin somewhere, don’t they? Virat’s maiden ODI ton, including a 224-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir. Rescued India in chase of 316 after they were 23-2 after 3.4 overs. A glimpse of greatness for years ahead.

Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India 4th ODI 2009/10 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Honorable Mentions – Virat Kohli’s Best Innings – Which Knock Missed Out?

Frequently Asked Questions – Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in Each Format

Is SuryaKumar Yadav the Most Complete 360 Player in T20 Cricket?

by Nitesh Mathur | Jul 13, 2022 | Article Index, India

Yes, Suryakumar Yadav, also loving known as SKY, is one of the most complete 360 degree batters right now in world cricket.

Table of Contents

Embed from Getty Images

The entire list of 360 degree players is as follows:

AB De Villiers
Kevin Pietersen
Glenn Maxwell
Jos Buttler
Suryakumar Yadav
Dinesh Karthik
Glenn Phillips

The next generation of cricketers will add to this list, I am sure.

What is a 360 Player?

A 360-degree player is someone who utilizes each and every open area of the cricket ground. Traditionally, cricketers have been trained to play in the V, but due to limited overs cricket, the run scoring areas has expanded.

Suryakumar Yadav has shown that even though he was built with traditional cricket training (as can be seen from those perfect straight drives and classic shots), he has a lot more shots.

What shots of Suryakumar Yadav make him unique?

He has three shots that sets him apart:

The sweep — Most modern day cricketers have the sweep shot, but what sets SKY apart is his range. Due to his beautiful wrist work, he can hit the ball anywhere from Deep Mid Wicket to Deep Square to Fine Leg behind the 45.
The swipe — This swipe shot is something indescribable by the human eye. Most cases, it is used to hit a fast bowler over Square Leg for six. However, as seen in his marvelous 117 (55) vs England in 2022, he utilized this shot to great effect. One shot, in particular, caught my eye. He swiped the ball behind his leg and guided it almost straight behind Jos Buttler’s (WK) head for a one bounce four he
The inside out shot — Another shot that has become a Suryakumar Yadav trademark. This can be employed against both spin and pace. As seen once again during that 117, he has perfected this shot. He hit an inside-out shot behind 3rd man for a majestic boundary!
The Pull — Suryakumar Yadav began his career with a first ball pull over Fine Leg. Usually, boundaries here a bit shorter, and the fact that he can almost choose where to hit it makes him an effective 360 degree player.

And not only can he hit these wristy tricky shots, he can also play the classic straight drives. Another one of his shots that caught my eye during his incredible innings was that straight six with a little dance move. Here is highlights of his innings. If you have watched it once or twice, I request y’all to watch this innings again because it was that good.

Can Suryakumar Yadav Keep It Going?

There is no doubt that Suryakumar Yadav is in the form of his life.

These are just some of the many shots that help SKY cover what was once thought the unreachable areas of the ground. I hope he continues improving and stays in immaculate touch at the international level.

He has had to wait his time, but we have seen his gradual evolution from a finisher at KKR to a complete middle order batter at Mumbai Indians.

Surya did not receive his international cap as early as he should have, but he is making every innings count at the international level. That 117, with 14 fours and 6 sixes was a coming of age for him, and I just hope for the best for him going forward.

Keep going!

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 07/12/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

It’s Time T20 and Test Cricket Had a Separation

by Nitesh Mathur | Jun 18, 2022 | Article Index, India

Cricket Food For Thought #3: Time for T20 & Test Cricket to Separate?

By Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, @BCD 6/10/2022

New Zealand’s first Test against England started on 2nd June, 2022, a Test match in which Trent Boult played right after playing the IPL final on 29th May, 2022 representing the Rajasthan Royals. In fact, New Zealand’s tour of England began much earlier on the 20th May. Two tour matches had already been played before Boult reached the shores of England.

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David Miller & Hardik Pandya starred in Gujarat Titans’ road to IPL glory. Ten days later, they were playing for opposing teams when the 5-match India vs South Africa bilateral series began.

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This series is going to end on 19th of June. Then, India play in Ireland on the 26th and 28th of June, before they play their Test match against England beginning on the…1st of July.

BCCI to arrange special flight for Rahul Dravid, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer to fly to England on 19th from Bengaluru;#ENGvIND #BCCI #RahulDravid #RishabhPant #ShreyasIyer https://t.co/hTsHbEht65
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) June 7, 2022

The situation has reached such a point that a special flight is being arranged for coach Rahul Dravid, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant.

Warning For Test Cricket

The World Test Championship, although not perfect, has put some context for Test match cricket. However, with T20 leagues overtaking the yearly calendar and T20 World Cups occurring every two years now, ICC Chairperson Greg Barclay has warned

“…Some of the smaller Full Members will have to accept from a resourcing point of view that they can’t play the amount of Test cricket that they wanted to. So we may see a lessening of that, maybe they play four or five Tests a year whereas England, Australia and India I think will be playing Test cricket as they are now.”
– Greg Barclay, icc chairperson

Radical Proposal

I have spoken at length about overkill of cricket and T20 leagues, mental health issues many a times before, but radical times demand radical actions.

Also Read:

Today I propose a separation of T20 and Test cricket as sports. Jonny Bairstow might disagree but workload management and overburdening the cricket schedule is about to hit the edge.

Just like football and futsal are treated as different sports, T20 and Test cricket should be classified as separate sports as well. So what should this separation entail?

A player cannot play both T20 and Test formats at any level.
Separate coaches, teams, players, tournaments, and scouts for both sports. So Rahul Dravid should not go fly and coach the Test team.
Separate governing bodies and budgets
Women’s and Men’s Test matches managed under the same administrative body. Similarly women’s & men’s leagues managed under the same body (Men’s/Women’s Hundred, IPL, Big Bash, CPL, etc.)
Instead of distributing budgets, resources, etc. to these two formats, have a separate funding base

Distance the Heart & Mind

We all would love Virat Kohli playing for RCB and India in all formats all the time, but that is no longer possible. I claim, it is no longer necessary either.

When the IPL begun, each franchise had a marquee player (Dravid – RCB, Ganguly – KKR, Laxman – Deccan, Tendulkar – Mumbai, Yuvraj – Punjab, MS Dhoni – CSK). This was to develop a fan base and for continuity.

Fast forward to 2022. No Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma had off years, MSD was good but we only saw glimpses. IPL 2022 was rather about T20 specialists, The Mohsin Khans, Dinesh Karthiks, and Tim Davids.

T20 as a sport has become self-sufficient. Virat Kohli is needed at Ranji, not Royal Challengers.

Instead of franchising County Cricket or looking to forcefully promote Ranji Trophy, high profile players in domestic tournaments will raise the levels of first class/Test cricket, drive finances, and evolve as a sport faster.

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Oh and what about ODI cricket? I completely forgot about it!

Maybe few years down the line, you will as well.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 06/08/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Cricket Thought of the Day #2: Is Sachin Tendulkar’s 15921 Test Runs Record in Danger?

by Nitesh Mathur | Jun 8, 2022 | India, Thought of the Day

31 Years, 157 days.

The number of days it took both Sir Alastair Cook & Joe Root to break the 10,000 run barrier, incidentally the only two English two cricketers to do so. In comparison, it took the great Sachin Tendulkar 31 years & 326 days to breach that mark.

What a moment. 10,000 runs with the same shot as his 100 at Lord’s. Nasser Hussain, as he always does, chose the best possible words to sum it up,

“10,000 Test Runs for Joe Root. He joins the pantheon of all-time great batters and he does it, as ever, with a smile on his face.”
– Nasser hussain

The Tale of Three Legends—Joe Root, Sachin Tendulkar, and Alastair Cook

By Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 06/08/2022

Root’s Run

What’s better? Since his debut, it has only taken Root 9 years & 171 days to achieve this landmark. In comparison, Jayawardene-Tendulkar-Gavaskar took about 14-15 years after their debuts and Younis-Chanderpaul about 17-18 years (And yes yes, you’re right. Root took 218 innings, Cook took 229, and England play more Tests than anybody else, but that is another story).

Joe Root is definitely in the prime of his career. There was a time when Root was going to be uprooted from the Fab 4. With Root inability to convert fifties into hundreds, Babar Azam’s glorious entry, Kane Williamson’s prime, & the god-level cricket Steven Smith & Virat Kohli were producing between 2016-2018, surely Root’s status was being questioned.

Post the pandemic, Smith, Kohli, and Williamson’s needles have barely moved, both in terms of runs and hundreds.

Joe Root, on the other hand, has been on a different level. 21 Tests, 41 innings, 9 hundreds, 4 fifties, 56.23 average since January 2021. And these 9 hundreds include 5 daddy hundreds—228, 218, 186, 180*, and 153. The fact that he did this as England’s Test captain, when they only won 1 out of 17 Tests, in conditions such as Sri Lanka, India, West Indies, and Australia makes his run even more unbelievable.

So naturally the question arises. In the prime of his career, relieved of captaincy pressure, with possibly another 5-10 years ahead of him, can Joe Root break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs?

Root has left the rest of the Fab Four in his tracks 😲

(h/t @Puneite_) #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/03cOSMfHDv
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 5, 2022

Sir Alastair Cook

Let’s come back to Alastair Cook for a moment.

Cook scored his first hundred at at the age of 21. In the next 7 years, he racked up 25 total. In his prime, his record read:

2009: 3 Tons
2010: 5
2011: 4
2012: 4
2013: 2

Tons in overseas Ashes win & subcontinental hundreds, Cook was at the top of the world. Even though he slowed down after 2013, by the time he climbed the 10K runs mountain, he had already amassed 28 Test centuries. And he was still young.

It looked like he was meant to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test hundreds.

But then he didn’t.

He fell short. In fact, very, very short. Not by one, or two, or even 10 hundreds. By 18 hundreds.

Alastair Cook would only score 5 more centuries and retire from international cricket at the age of 33.

Sachin Tendulkar

In comparison, when Tendulkar was about 31 years & 157 days old, he had 33 centuries already.

However, his form was about to take a dip. Between December 2004 & May 2007, Tendulkar only scored one Test century, a 109 vs Sri Lanka in 2005.

Questions were asked. Retirement calls surrounded the media. He couldn’t seem to go past the nervous nineties in ODI cricket. Tennis elbow injuries, Greg Chappell controversy, 2007 ODI WC horror—you name it, it looked like the end for legend Sachin Tendulkar.

But then Sachin Tendulkar had a second wind (almost as long as other people’s entire career). From 2008-2011, he scored 14 Test centuries. That is 14 hundreds after the age of 35.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Joe Rooooooooooooot needs 5906 more Test runs to equal Tendulkar’s record of 15,921, which is a very long way to go

He’s scored 5912 runs in his last 69 Tests

You could add Trescothick’s entire career to Root’s and it would still be short of Tendulkar’s runs
— Mark Puttick (@GryllidaeC) June 6, 2022

There is still a long way to go.

As Mark Puttick pointed out, Trescothick scored 5825 runs in his entire 76-Test career. Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s most prolific Test run-scorer, has scored 5235 runs after 82 Tests and 15 years.

Root needs 5906 more.

He either needs to continue his golden touch for couple more years or needs to have a Tendulkar-esque final phase.

So, Can Joe Root Overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Run Tally?

Cook retired early not because cricket had left him. He retired because he had given his everything to the game and achieved what every aspiring English player would dream of. He might even have been burnt out.

It was just a personal choice. Maybe he just wanted to give back to the roots at Essex. He is still going strong at County Cricket. Currently standing at 72 first class tons and having a stellar season.

Life is nonlinear.

Unlike statistics on a chart, real-life will have its share of twists and turns. There will be bumps on the road. Us armchair critics just jump to conclusions too quickly. No individual can continue to be at the peak of powers infinitely.

Add COVID-19, bio bubbles, media pressure, mental health, and overkill of cricket, how much can a modern cricketer take?

Only time will decide if Root can overtake Tendulkar. We can just hope to enjoy this legendary presence while it lasts.

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Records are meant to be broken…or are they?

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From the heavens, Don Bradman smiles.

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