Ravichandran Ashwin believes the debate between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli needs to be viewed through the lens of the different eras in which the two Indian batting legends played.
Virat Kohli’s recent form has once again brought comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar into focus. The debate has become even bigger as Kohli gets closer to Sachin’s world record of 100 international centuries, a mark that remained unmatched for more than a decade. Kohli recently scored a sensational unbeaten 139 off 88 balls against the West Indies on Sunday, taking his international century tally to 86.
However, Ashwin believes Sachin Tendulkar should still be considered ahead when their careers are compared. He said his view is influenced not only by his admiration for Sachin but also by the conditions and expectations the former India batter faced during his career. Ashwin stressed that Virat Kohli’s ability is not in question. He believes Kohli would have been a champion batter in any generation if he had played at No. 3 for India.
At the same time, Ashwin pointed out that several changes in white-ball cricket make direct statistical comparisons between players from different eras difficult. These include the introduction of two new balls, changes in fielding restrictions and differences in how the white ball behaves during a match.
According to Ashwin, Sachin Tendulkar also played a large amount of 50-over cricket during the daytime. Under those conditions, the ball could become considerably older and softer, making batting more difficult. The older ball could also create challenges because of reverse swing and its changing behaviour.
Ashwin noted that modern ODI conditions are different. He referred to a recent match in which the West Indies were batting and a single ball had to be used after 34 overs, pointing out that the ball could become completely old while the match was still being played in daylight. He therefore argued that comparing players from two different generations purely through statistics can be misleading. In his view, the rules, playing conditions and circumstances surrounding their careers must also be taken into account.
Ashwin also spoke about his personal relationship with Virat Kohli. He revealed that their bond has improved significantly over the last five, six or seven years. Before that, their relationship was not as strong, which he suggested was partly because of the competitive nature of both the players.
The former India spinner also addressed the possibility of Virat Kohli eventually reaching Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries. Ashwin said it is logically possible and acknowledged that the race could be close.
He added that if Kohli does reach the landmark, he would consider it a remarkable achievement and would have immense respect for the accomplishment. More importantly, Ashwin said achieving 100 international centuries would change his assessment of Sachin Tendulkar-Virat Kohli debate.
In that situation, he would regard both the Indian batting greats as being on the same level, without any doubt. What is your take on this matter? Let us know.
