Bails and Banter EP 7: Atul Wassan weigh in on timeless debate of Sachin vs Virat

The Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli debate has become a permanent fixture in cricketing circles, evoking passionate discussions among fans and experts alike. With both icons representing different eras of Indian cricket, comparisons are often drawn based on records, impact, and their contributions to the game. Recently, former Indian pacer Atul Wassan offered a fresh perspective on this enduring discussion during the seventh episode of Bails and Banter, a cricket talk show presented by OTTplay and powered by Dafanews.

Not just about records, but the stature: Wassan

When asked whether Virat Kohli managed to fill the void left by Sachin Tendulkar after his retirement in 2013, Wassan provided a nuanced view. While acknowledging the enormous legacy Tendulkar left behind, he emphasised that stepping into Sachin’s shoes wasn’t about matching his records but rather about shouldering the expectations that come with being India’s premier batsman.

“In terms of records, it’s tough to say, but the way Virat took charge of Indian batting was excellent. Filling up the shoes isn’t specific to chasing the records; it’s about handling the pressure of batting, which Virat did,” Wassan said.

While Tendulkar's legacy is punctuated by 100 international centuries and an unparalleled 24-year career, Kohli carved his own path, dominating across formats and setting new standards for consistency, intensity, and fitness. His ability to chase down big targets and lead India through transitions earned him widespread respect, even if some of Tendulkar's records remain untouched.

Wassan also delved into the mindset of elite players and the role of personal milestones. According to him, true champions focus on the team’s success rather than chasing numbers.

“If a player only plays to chase milestones, then he isn’t actually a player. Records get achieved automatically when a player focuses on playing well for the team,” he remarked.

This insight mirrors the philosophies often shared by both Tendulkar and Kohli—two players who, while accumulating staggering personal achievements, repeatedly stressed the importance of team victories.

A critical element in the Sachin vs Virat debate is the quality of bowling both players encountered during their peaks. Atul Wassan weighed in on this, stating that both faced formidable attacks but underlined the psychological toughness required in previous generations.

“Virat also faced quality bowlers like Jimmy Anderson, Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Johnson, and more. However, in Gavaskar’s era, there used to be actual fear among players. Hence, I would rather say that there is no bigger batsman than Sunil Gavaskar.”