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Top five Indian cricketers to play most international matches

With an incredibly long history, the Indian cricket team is a major force in the world of cricket. The Asian Giants have produced a number of legendary players who have raised their nation's standing in international sports.

There have been many exceptionally gifted and skilled cricket players from India. Some of these managed to maintain a consistent presence on the national team for over a decade, which led them to play a huge number of games.

In light of this, let's examine the five Indian players who have played the most international cricket matches for their country.

5. Rohit Sharma – 486 matches

Rohit Sharma - Top five Indian cricketers to play most international matches
Rohit Sharma (Credits - BCCI)

Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest openers across formats. Sharma has played 486 international matches till date. The 37-year-old has accumulated 19278 runs at a respectable 42.93 average. He has smashed 48 centuries and 106 half-centuries so far. Before leading the team to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, Sharma was a player who won the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

4. Rahul Dravid – 504 matches

Rahul Dravid - Top five Indian cricketers to play most international matches
Rahul Dravid (Credits - ESPN)

Hailed as a true gentleman of the game, Rahul Dravid is one of the most legendary cricketers ever. During his remarkable career, Dravid accomplished numerous milestones. The former captain represented his country in 504 games in various formats. At an impressive average of 45.57, the right-handed batter scored 24064 runs, including 48 hundreds and 145 half-centuries.

3. MS Dhoni – 535 matches

MS Dhoni - Top five Indian cricketers to play most international matches
MD Dhoni (Credits - BCCI)

MS Dhoni is considered one of the best captains in cricket history and certainly the most successful Indian skipper in limited-overs cricket. Apart from his outstanding batting and wicket-keeping abilities, Dhoni led the Men in Blue to three ICC titles: ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC ODI World Cup 2011, and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

Dhoni, also known as "Captain Cool," held the third-highest number of international appearances for his nation with 535 matches. With a fantastic average of 44.74, the keeper-batter amassed 17092 runs, including 108 half-centuries and 15 hundreds.

2. Virat Kohli – 536 matches

Virat Kohli - Top five Indian cricketers to play most international matches
Virat Kohli (Credits - ICC)

The modern-day icon Virat Kohli has played the second-most Indian international games for India. Kohli has appeared in 536 international matches across formats so far. He has shattered and piled up many historic milestones. He has notched up more than 27000 runs in international cricket at a remarkable average of 53.12. 

The 35-year-old is also India’s second-highest run-getter across formats. In his legendary career, Kohli has won three ICC titles: ICC ODI World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 664 matches

Sachin Tendulkar - Top five Indian cricketers to play most international matches
Sachin Tendulkar (Credits - BCCI)

When discussing the majority of cricket records, there is a particular person who holds the top spot in numerous records. It’s none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Throughout his career, the Indian cricketing legend played 664 matches in all formats, which is not only the most for India, but also across all the nations.

From 1989 to 2013, Sachin played in 200 tests, 463 ODIs and a sole T20I. He tallied 18426 runs in ODIs, 15921 runs in tests, and 10 runs in the sole T20I he was involved in. With 100 centuries to his name, he also holds the record of most centuries in international cricket. 

Cover Credits - BCCI Official

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