The memories of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly’s partnerships are everlasting. Two of the finest batters that India has produced, the duo redefined opening in the 1990s and 2000s. With 8,227 runs in 176 innings and 26-century stands, the duo sits right on top among all pairs who have batted in the 50-over format. No other pair has even aggregated 6,000. Out of the current lot, only the pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli pose a minuscule threat with 4,878 runs and 18-century stands.
Even when it comes to the opening stands, Tendulkar and Ganguly top the ODI charts with 6,609 runs and 21 century stands. The pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit are 1,808 runs and six-century partnerships away from overhauling this.
ICC acknowledged the most successful ODI batting pair with a tweet.
Tendulkar tagged his good friend and former captain as he shared the ICC tweet, saying, “This brings back wonderful memories Dadi. How many more do you think we would’ve been able to score with the restriction of 4 fielders outside the ring and 2 new balls?”
Taking a jibe at the batting-friendly modern laws, the BCCI President replied, “Another 4000 or so ..2 new balls..wow .. sounds like a cover drive flying to the boundary in the first over of the game.. for the remaining 50 overs.”
The advent of T20s, modern bats, smaller boundaries, two new balls, and with only four fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle, the ODI format has drastically transitioned into a batter’s friendly game. With both Tendulkar and Ganguly being great timers and clean-hitters of the ball, the latter’s estimate is certainly not an exaggeration. Despite the modern rules, Ganguly and Tendulkar’s numbers still standing tall is a testimony to their prowess.
Two of the most popular cricketers, the tweets won the fans, who recollected the famous acts performed by the duo. We leave you with a record partnership of the pair. This is the first time they went on to breach the highest opening partnership in ODIs. The feat came against the then World Champions Sri Lanka in the final of the 1998 Nidahas Trophy in Colombo.
