Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, two of India’s most celebrated cricketers, formed an iconic opening partnership that dominated ODI cricket for over a decade. Their chemistry at the top of the order was remarkable, and they set numerous records together during their playing days.
Tendulkar and Ganguly were effective in both home and away conditions, providing solid starts for India across different formats and tournaments. They shared 26 century partnerships, the most by any pair in ODIs, a record that still stands. Together, they scored 8,227 runs in 176 innings, at an average of 47.55.
Their understanding and communication while running between the wickets made them a formidable pair. Tendulkar’s technical brilliance and flair meshed well with Ganguly’s aggression, especially against spin and in off-side play.
However, it was rare that both Tendulkar and Ganguly scored hundreds in the same ODI. One such instance occurred on India’s tour to South Africa in 2001. In the first ODI of the series at Johannesburg on October 5, 2001, Tendulkar and Ganguly put up a 193-run opening stand. Ganguly hit 127 off 126 balls, while Tendulkar notched up his 30th ODI hundred.
Despite their impressive partnership, India lost the match by 6 wickets. South Africa, riding on Gary Kirsten’s unbeaten 133, overhauled the target in 48.2 overs.
Tendulkar and Ganguly’s partnership was not just about statistics but also about the trust they had in each other. Their understanding and communication on and off the field helped India dominate world cricket for over a decade.
