Ravichandran Ashwin considers Sachin Tendulkar greater than Kohli, but he suggests that if Virat achieves his 100th international century, he could reach the same level of greatness as the “Master Blaster” Tendulkar.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who has played alongside both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, has no doubt about who the superior batsman is. The Indian spinner believes the reason Tendulkar holds the edge is simple: the era in which he played and his immense significance to the nation. Comparisons between Kohli and Tendulkar have never ceased, and this debate is destined to endure long after Kohli retires. While Kohli has the upper hand in One Day Internationals (ODIs)—surpassing his idol in the number of centuries—Tendulkar remains far ahead in Test cricket, keeping the debate alive.
In terms of pure technique, no Indian has yet surpassed Tendulkar; however, when it comes to fitness, consistency, and the ability to repeatedly score centuries, Kohli reigns supreme. Yet for Ashwin, the answer is clear-cut, for two reasons: first, he is a devoted fan of Tendulkar; and second…
“There shouldn’t even be a comparison between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli; I would say without hesitation every time: Sachin Tendulkar is a cut above. There are two reasons for this. First, I am a die-hard fan of his. Second, look at the magnificent innings he played. He was the hope of Indian cricket. This is not Virat Kohli’s fault. Had Kohli batted at number three in any era, he would undoubtedly have been a champion player. But look at the rules: in the first ODI against the West Indies, after 34 overs of the first innings, they were supposed to use only one ball, because the ball would age during the day. Sachin Tendulkar often played 50-over matches during the day. We don’t play those kinds of matches anymore. Five fielders inside the circle. Two new balls. These are crucial factors. In my view, comparing players from two different eras is done with ulterior motives,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show, Ash ki Baat.
However, there is another way for Kohli to win Ashwin’s approval: achieving a milestone that people have dreamed of for 14 years—equaling or even surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries. Kohli has currently scored 86 centuries, leaving him 14 short. Given that the Indian team is expected to play over 30 more One Day Internationals—including next year’s World Cup in South Africa—Kohli’s current fine form suggests that, barring any unforeseen setbacks, this milestone is well within reach.
Ashwin is willing to put Kohli in the same league as Tendulkar, but with one condition.
Kohli has already declared that this will be his final World Cup, and Ashwin also believes the former captain will not continue playing; thus, the feat of marking his 100th match with a victory remains a distinct possibility. Ashwin believes that only in this way can he place Kohli in the same league as the pioneer who paved the way for an entire generation of Indian cricketers.
“As a fan, I sincerely hope he retires before the 2027 World Cup, given that he has already committed to making it his last. Maintaining such a high level of fitness and batting form requires immense effort, and I am certain he is continuing to work hard behind the scenes. He has no intention of playing beyond that point. Logically speaking, considering all these factors, it is entirely possible for him to achieve the feat of scoring 100 centuries; if he actually pulls it off, I would be absolutely in awe of him. It would be a remarkable achievement. If he manages to do that, I would unhesitatingly say that the two of them are on par with each other,” Ashwin added.