Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya are two of the most respected cricketers in the world. The two legends made a name for themselves with their excellent performances for the Indian cricket team and the Sri Lankan cricket team respectively. Tendulkar and Jayasuriya had almost similar roles in their team.
Tendulkar generally opened the batting and bowled leg-spin for India, whereas Jayasuriya opened the batting and bowled left-arm spin for Sri Lanka. Both legends even played for Mumbai Indians together. In this article now, we will look at six unnoticed similarities between their careers.
(Stats Credit: Shebas)
1. Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya played international cricket in 4 decades
To play international cricket 4 decades is a big thing. Both Tendulkar and Jayasuriya started their careers in late 1980s and continues to play until early 2010s.
2. Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya batted at number 5 in their debut innings
Although Tendulkar and Jayasuriya achieved a lot of success as openers, they batted at number five in their debut innings. It is a startling coincidence that both debuted in this way.
3. Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya scored maiden ODI hundred in 1994
Both Tendulkar and Jayasuriya debuted in late 1980s. However, the maiden ODI ton of both the batters came in the year 1994.
4. Played 2 World Cup Finals and won 1
Jayasuriya played in 1996 and 2007 Cricket World Cup Finals. He won the 1996 one. Tendulkar played in 2003 and 2011 Cricket World Cup Finals. He won the 2011 one.
5. Scored 1 IPL Hundred for MI
As mentioned ahead, both players batted together for Mumbai Indians in IPL. They even registered one century each for the Mumbai team.
6. Only captains to score 180+ in both Test and ODI
Notably, Tendulkar and Jayasuriya are the only captains in cricket history who have scores of 180+ while leading their nation in a Test match as well as an ODI match.
