Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli chase Sachin Tendulkar's record in Asia Cup 2023

Kunal

The highly anticipated Asia Cup is on the horizon, set to kick off on August 30th with a clash between designated hosts Pakistan and Nepal in Multan. Team India's campaign will ignite on September 2nd in a face-off against their arch-rivals, Pakistan. The resumption of the ODI Asia Cup format after a hiatus since 2018 places India as the defending champions, having clinched victory five years ago by triumphing over Bangladesh in the final.

As India takes the field against Pakistan, the spotlight will shine on the eminent duo of captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are poised to challenge Sachin Tendulkar's enduring legacy in Asia Cup history. Tendulkar's distinction as India's highest run-scorer in ODI Asia Cup encounters is notable. He amassed an impressive 971 runs across 23 matches, maintaining an exceptional average of 51.10, adorned with two centuries and seven fifties.

Rohit Sharma, the current captain in ODIs, trails Tendulkar by a mere 226 runs in this category. With a tally of 745 runs in 21 innings, Sharma holds an average of 46.56. He has etched one century and six half-centuries to his name, and his aspirations of further enriching his scorecard in this year's tournament are palpable. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli ranks as the fourth highest run-scorer among Indian players in this context. His 613 runs were garnered across a mere 10 innings, last participating in the ODI Asia Cup back in 2014.

Kohli's prowess shines through with a remarkable average of 61.30 and a striking rate of 97.14. Accompanied by three centuries and a fifty, his zenith in ODI cricket, an unforgettable 183-run innings, was crafted in the Asia Cup against Pakistan. To etch his name as the premier run-scorer among Indian cricketing greats in the Asia Cup 50-over format, Kohli stands 358 runs behind Tendulkar.

Team India's expedition in the tournament spans five matches (if they advance to the Super Fours) and possibly six, should they secure a berth in the final. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli radiating exceptional form, the stage is set for Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record to be potentially eclipsed in the forthcoming Asia Cup spectacle.