5 batsmen of the world who played the most international matches, Sachin Tendulkar’s great record could not be broken for 13 years

New Delhi. The cricket field is not just a 22-yard strip, but a theater of history and passion where every record tells a great story in itself. When one looks at the long history of international cricket (Test, ODI and T20), some names shine who have not only played matches, but have ruled the world of cricket for decades. There are 5 great batsmen of the world who have registered their names in the pages of history by playing the maximum number of international matches.

In 1989, when a skinny 16-year-old boy wore the Indian jersey for the first time, no one thought that he would become the ‘God’ of cricket. Sachin Tendulkar carried the burden of Indian cricket on his shoulders for 24 years between 1989 and 2013. Sachin played a record 664 international matches in his career, which is still the biggest peak in sports history. He scored a record 34,357 runs at an impressive average of 48.52, which included 100 centuries. A figure which is like a dream for any modern batsman to touch. His highest score was 248 runs not out. Sachin became the team’s shield not only with the bat but also with the ball. With his magical spin bowling, he took 201 wickets, in which taking 5 wickets for 32 runs was his best performance. The career of Sachin, who took 256 catches on the field, is a story of immense dedication towards cricket.

Mahela Jayawardena, one of the most intelligent and graceful batsmen of Sri Lankan cricket, mesmerized the world with his delicate batting between 1997 and 2015. Mahela played a total of 652 matches for Sri Lanka and Asian XI, which places him second in the list of players who played most matches. He scored 25,957 runs at an average of 39.15, which included 54 centuries. His marathon innings of 374 runs played against South Africa is still counted among the most historic innings in Test history. Jayawardene’s biggest specialty was his slip catching. Showing leopard-like agility on the field, he took 440 catches, which is a world record without keeping wickets.

Kumar Sangakkara’s unmatched skill in 594 matches
If there was a definition of class and consistency in cricket, then its name would be Kumar Sangakkara. This brilliant batsman, who was the backbone of Sri Lankan cricket between 2000 and 2015, created history both in front and behind the wicket. Sangakkara scored 28,016 runs in 594 matches at an excellent average of 46.77. He scored 63 centuries with his bat, and his highest score was 319 runs. But Sangakkara was not only a great batsman, he was also an amazing wicketkeeper. Wearing gloves, he took 609 catches behind the stumps and made 139 stumpings. Sangakkara, who took a total of 748 dismissals, is considered one of the most complete players in the history of cricket.

Sanath Jayasuriya storm of 586 matches and all-round glory
The name of Sanath Jayasuriya, who changed the definition of the first 15 overs in ODI cricket in the 1990s, comes fourth in this list. Long-serving ‘Matara Hurricane’ Jayasuriya represented Sri Lanka in 586 international matches from 1989 to 2011. Jayasuriya, with his aggressive style, scored 21,032 runs at an average of 34.14, which included 42 centuries (highest score 340 runs). But Jayasuriya’s real strength was his being an all-rounder. With his accurate left arm spin, he baffled the giants and took 440 wickets. His best performance in bowling was 29 runs giving 6 wickets. With 205 catches, he was truly an ‘impact player’ on the cricket field.

Virat Kohli is the legend of modern era of 562 matches.
Only one player of the modern era is included in this list, and that is India’s ‘King’ Virat Kohli. Kohli, who started his career in 2008, has played 562 international matches till 2026 and he is still taking this legacy forward. Virat Kohli’s career is a story of passion beyond statistics. Despite playing more than 500 matches, he has scored 28,359 runs at an unimaginable average of 52.71. In modern cricket where all three formats are extremely tiring, scoring 85 centuries is the biggest proof of Kohli’s fitness and consistency. His highest score has been 254 runs unbeaten. Kohli, who took 344 catches with his extraordinary fielding on the field, has left an indelible mark as the second Indian in this great list after Sachin Tendulkar.