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Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli Created History, Broke Tendulkar-Dravid’s Record of Playing 392 Matches Together
Indian cricket is built not just on iconic partnerships between bat and ball, but also on players who shape generations. From Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, very few players have defined eras of dominance. But on a historic Sunday evening in Ranchi, a new chapter was written.
Legendary Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli surpassed Tendulkar and Dravid to create an all-time Indian record. And that record is for playing the most international matches together across all formats. Some of them came during the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium.
With 392 matches, Rohit-Virat became India’s most successful cricketing pair in terms of appearances.
A milestone built over 17 years of excellence
This record was achieved when both Rohit and Kohli were named in the playing XI for the match. South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, which led to the legendary pair coming together once again – this time. And it was not just to win the match but to rewrite cricket history.
Until now, the Indian record belonged to:
Sachin Tendulkar / Rahul Dravid in 391 matches (1996-2012)
Their partnership lasted 16 years and spanned two formats in dominance – Tests and ODIs.
The throne now belonged to:
Rohit Sharma / Virat Kohli: 392 matches and counting
The journey began in 2007, when Rohit made his debut for India. A year later, in 2008, Virat Kohli made his international debut, while Rohit was in the playing XI during Kohli’s ODI debut. What started as a young duo looking to make their mark in Indian cricket gradually turned into an era of dominance across all three formats.
Breakdown of Rohit-Virat Matches Together Across Formats
| Format | Matches Played Together |
|---|---|
| Tests | 60 |
| ODIs | 226 |
| T20Is | 106 |
| Total | 392* |
This milestone not only refers to longevity but also to consistency, fitness and excellence, and that too in an era of all-format scheduling, workload management and increasing competition.
Legendary Partnerships: Top Indian Pairs with Most International Matches Together
| Rank | Pair | Matches Together |
|---|---|---|
| 1️ | Rohit Sharma / Virat Kohli | 392 |
| 2️ | Sachin Tendulkar / Rahul Dravid | 391 |
| 3️ | Rahul Dravid / Sourav Ganguly | 369 |
| 4️ | Sachin Tendulkar / Anil Kumble | 367 |
| 5️ | Sachin Tendulkar / Sourav Ganguly | 341 |
| 6️ | Virat Kohli / Ravindra Jadeja | 309 |
If Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly ruled the 90s and 2000s, the Rohit-Virat era is definitely the era of modern cricket. It was best described by its batting, unmatched consistency and relentless pursuit of excellence.
What Makes the Rohit-Virat Partnership Iconic?
There have been great duos in world cricket, but Rohit and Kohli bring a unique blend of:
- Compatibility on the field.
- Mutual respect and leadership.
- High-impact performances in pressure matches.
- Shared chapters of Indian cricket’s golden phase.
Together they have:
- Inspired India’s white-ball dominance
- ‘Built’ one of the most successful ODI teams in the world.
- Played important roles in a number of major ICC tournament appearances
- Lifted the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after which both retired from the T20Is together.
It is not about competition; it’s about two greats lifting Indian cricket together to new dimensions.
From Rising Prospects to All-Time Legends
The image of a young Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma finding their place in the early 2010s now seems like another lifetime. Over the years, both have changed:
What really makes their partnership special is that:
- Star Players Both inspired and competed with each other without overshadowing the other.
- Both adapted their game across eras-from ODI anchoring to T20 power hitting to Test resilience.
- Both made India a powerhouse in world cricket
Their longevity is a story of fitness, focus, discipline, and fierce self-belief.
Where does this partnership stand in World Cricket?
In world rankings of most international matches together across formats:
| Rank | Pair | Matches Together |
|---|---|---|
| 1️ | Mahela Jayawardena / Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) | 550 |
| 2️ | Angelo Mathews / Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka)** | 503 |
| 3️ | Jacques Kallis / Mark Boucher (South Africa)** | 485 |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma / Virat Kohli (India) | 392* |
Sri Lanka’s pair Jayawardene-Sangakkara are still far ahead with 550 matches, but Rohit-Virat are comfortably ranked as India’s No. 1 and among the most respected players worldwide.
A Moment Engraved in Indian Cricket History
From Tendulkar-Dravid to Rohit-Kohli, the streak of greatness continues. Every era has its heroes. The 1990s and 2000s were not the “Fab Four“; the 2010s and early 2020s were not run-machines and hitmen.
Whether it was chasing totals, building partnerships or lifting trophies, the cricketing world will never forget the magic the two created together.
This record will only continue to grow, as there are many years of ODI and Test cricket left.
Conclusion
In a game where eras are defined by legends, Indian cricket has been blessed with two great players coming together. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not just symbols but symbols of a golden era that shaped the dreams of millions. The figure of 392 is just a milestone, not a finish line as they continue to play together in ODI and Test cricket. India now looks towards the future of this pair with pride, memories and hope. This is not just about runs or records, but to celebrate the legacy of unity and excellence that Rohit and Virat have given to the nation.
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which record did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli break in the 1st ODI against South Africa?
He broke the Indian record for playing the most international matches simultaneously across all formats. This will help him break the previous record of 391 matches held by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
Q2. When did Rohit and Virat first represent India together?
Their first match was played during Virat Kohli’s ODI debut in 2008 and Rohit Sharma was also part of the playing XI in that match. Since then, the pair have played together in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, shaping India’s modern cricket era.
Q3. Have Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli captained India together?
Yes. Both have led India in various formats. The change in leadership has been controversial over the years, but their mutual respect has remained strong. And both played a vital role in India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 and also retired from the format.
Hello readers! I am Riya Chandra, a content writer with over 3+ years of experience. I enjoy creating simple, clear and engaging sports content that helps readers understand cricket in an easy way. I love turning cricket moments into stories that everyone can enjoy. Did you like my articles? If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to comment. Thanks for reading!
