Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli — three names that define Indian cricket’s golden batting legacy — share more than just their extraordinary records. They symbolise three eras of excellence, each carrying forward the torch of dominance and discipline that has shaped India’s cricketing identity.
What makes their stories even more fascinating is a remarkable connection that ties all three legends to the month of November — a month that has witnessed turning points in Indian cricket history.
1) Sunil Gavaskar’s Last International Match – November 5, 1987
Sunil Gavaskar, India’s first true batting superstar, made his debut in March 1971 against the West Indies and went on to become the first cricketer to surpass 10,000 Test runs. A key member of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning team, Gavaskar’s consistency and calmness at the crease redefined batting for an entire generation. On November 5, 1987, he played his final international match — an ODI against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, marking the end of a glorious era in Indian cricket.
2) Virat Kohli’s Birth – November 5, 1988
Exactly a year after Gavaskar’s farewell, Virat Kohli was born — destined to carry India’s batting legacy forward. Known for his aggressive intent, unmatched fitness, and passion, Kohli has rewritten record books over the past decade. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries, becoming the leading century-maker in the format. Though he has retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli remains a vital part of India’s ODI setup and continues to inspire the next generation.
3) Sachin Tendulkar’s Debut – November 15, 1989
A year and ten days after Kohli’s birth, Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan at just 16 years old. Over the next 24 years, he became the game’s most prolific run-scorer with 100 international centuries and 34,357 runs in 664 matches. Fittingly, Tendulkar’s final international appearance also came in November, closing the circle on a month that has witnessed the rise, reign, and rebirth of Indian batting greatness.
