Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set record with 400th match together

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scripted history at Lord's on Sunday, becoming the first Indian pair to play 400 international matches together. The milestone came during the third and final ODI against England, marking another chapter in one of cricket's most enduring partnerships.

What happened at Lord's?

The iconic Lord's Cricket Ground witnessed a historic moment as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped onto the field for their 400th international match as a pair. This achievement surpassed the previous Indian record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who played 391 matches together. The duo has been a cornerstone of India's batting lineup for nearly two decades, with their careers running almost in parallel since the late 2000s.

Why this milestone matters

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's partnership has been instrumental in India's success across all formats. They played pivotal roles in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and their Champions Trophy victory. Kohli, with 14,867 ODI runs, and Rohit, with 11,757, are India's second and third highest run-scorers in the format. Their consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made them one of the most formidable pairs in cricket history.

The road to 400 matches

Rohit Sharma made his international debut in 2007, followed by Virat Kohli in 2008. Since then, they have been the bedrock of India's batting lineup, playing across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Their partnership has seen numerous highs, including record-breaking performances and match-winning innings. The duo has also been central to India's success in major tournaments, including the 2024 T20 World Cup.

What's next for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

The milestone comes at a time of speculation about Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket. Reports suggest that the selectors have decided to move on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 World Cup, leaving the 39-year-old to weigh up his future. Virat Kohli's position appears more secure, with Shubman Gill confirming that there is no doubt about his place in the 2027 plans. However, the treatment of Rohit means Kohli must now stay at the top of his game, as the partnership that has defined Indian cricket for 18 years is being unpicked one player at a time.

The duo's record of 400 matches together is a testament to their consistency and longevity. However, the timing of this milestone is bittersweet, as it may have arrived on the very day one half of the partnership plays his final match. The future of this iconic pair remains uncertain, but their legacy in Indian cricket is already cemented.