First Indian Cricketer to Reach 10,000 Runs: In the history of Indian cricket, reaching the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test matches is a significant achievement that highlights a player’s skill, consistency, and longevity in the game. The first Indian cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat was the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Little Master” or “Master Blaster,” made his Test debut for India in 1989 at the tender age of 16. Over the course of his illustrious career, which spanned 24 years, Tendulkar redefined batting and set numerous records, many of which remain unmatched.
He reached the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket on March 10, 2008, during a match against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Tendulkar’s achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also served as an inspiration to countless aspiring cricketers in India and around the world.
Other Notable Cricketers Who Followed
Following Tendulkar, several other Indian cricketers have also reached the prestigious 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. Here are a few notable names:
1. Rahul Dravid
Known as “The Wall” for his solid technique and reliability, Rahul Dravid reached 10,000 Test runs on March 9, 2006, against Pakistan. His contributions to Indian cricket were immense, both as a batsman and a leader.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 164 | 286 | 32 | 13288 | 270 | 52.31 |
| ODI | 344 | 318 | 40 | 10889 | 153 | 39.17 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 31 | 31.0 |
| IPL | 89 | 82 | 5 | 2174 | 75 | 28.23 |
2. Sourav Ganguly
The charismatic left-hander, who played a crucial role in transforming Indian cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s, crossed the 10,000-run mark on November 20, 2008, during a Test against Australia.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 113 | 188 | 17 | 7212 | 239 | 42.18 |
| ODI | 311 | 300 | 21 | 11363 | 183 | 40.73 |
| IPL | 59 | 56 | 3 | 1349 | 91 | 25.45 |
3. VVS Laxman
Renowned for his elegant stroke play, VVS Laxman achieved the milestone of 10,000 Test runs on October 28, 2011, during a match against the West Indies.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 134 | 225 | 32 | 8781 | 281 | 45.5 |
| ODI | 86 | 83 | 7 | 2338 | 131 | 30.76 |
| IPL | 20 | 20 | 1 | 282 | 52 | 14.84 |
4. Virat Kohli
The modern-day batting sensation, Virat Kohli, reached this landmark on October 30, 2016, becoming one of the fastest players to achieve 10,000 runs in Test cricket, doing so in just 119 matches.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 116 | 197 | 12 | 9017 | 254 | 48.74 |
| ODI | 295 | 283 | 44 | 13906 | 183 | 58.18 |
| T20I | 125 | 117 | 31 | 4188 | 122 | 48.7 |
| IPL | 252 | 244 | 37 | 8004 | 113 | 38.67 |
5. Cheteshwar Pujara
Another cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup, Pujara reached the 10,000-run milestone on February 23, 2023, solidifying his status as one of the leading Test batsmen of his era.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 103 | 176 | 11 | 7195 | 206 | 43.61 |
| ODI | 5 | 5 | 0 | 51 | 27 | 10.2 |
| IPL | 30 | 22 | 3 | 390 | 51 | 20.53 |
Sachin Tendulkar’s achievement of being the first Indian cricketer to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of cricketers in India and beyond. With players like Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Kohli, and Pujara following in his footsteps, the tradition of excellence in Indian cricket continues, with each player adding their unique chapter to this storied sport.
