5 Indian batters with highest average after turning 35 in international cricket

Overview

• Modern day greats like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have averaged over 46 after turning 35 in international cricket
• Retired legends who debuted in the 20th century set a benchmark for the Indian batters with their longevity
• Sachin Tendulkar had the highest average for an Indian batter after turning 35 in the elite league which also featured Sunil Gavaskar

Longevity is one of the most important factors for an athlete in any sport. In cricket, there are many cricketers who have played the sport for over 15 years. Some pf the legends have played the sport well over 20 years, setting a benchmark to maintain consistency for a long period of time.

While consistency is a major factor for a player to be able to play for a long time, age becomes a huge factor. With each passing year, players tend to become lesser fitter and their reflexes can go bad. Hence, having good statistics as a batter after the age of 35 becomes a big deal.

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5 Indian batters with highest average after turning 35 in international cricket

Sunil Gavaskar (42.20)

Sunil Gavaskar played both Tests and ODIs even after turning 35. Interestingly, his prime in ODIs came when he was well over 35. The former Indian batter delivered a great performance in 1987, especially in the ODI World Cup.

Even in Tests, he was very good in the matches he played. Hence, it was a surprise for the fans and experts when he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. After turning 35, Gavaskar had an average of 42.20, which is the fifth highest for an Indian batter.

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Virat Kohli (46.85)

Virat Kohli has had a roller coaster of a ride after turning 35. The star player struggled to bat as well in Tests, which led to his retirement in May 2025. A year ago, Virat won the T20 World Cup and announced his retrement from the shorter format.

However, in ODIs, he has been brilliant even after turning 35. The star batter was one of the best players in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he played a key role in India's win. After 35, Virat averages 46.85, which is the fourth highest for an Indian batter.

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MS Dhoni (47.56)

MS Dhoni announced his retirement from Tests very early in his career when he was 31 years old. However, he continued to play in the shorter formats and had a lot to offer for the team. In ODIs, in particular, he had a good time after turning 35.

At the age of 37, Dhoni helped India to win its first-ever bilateral ODI series in Australia. The former Indian skipper got better in T20Is with age and helped them win multiple series. After 35, Dhoni had an average of 47.56, which is the third highest for an Indian.

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Rohit Sharma (49.15)

Rohit Sharma has continued to have a great time in international cricket even after turning 35.The star player helped India to win the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025 with his batting and captaincy after turning 35.

Additionally, he was brilliant as a batter in the ODI World Cup in 2023, where he scored 594 runs. Rohit won the Player of the Match Award in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the age of nearly 39. Since turning 35, he has an average of 49.15.

Sachin Tendulkar (49.16)

Sachin Tendulkar has the highest average for an Indian batter after turning 35 at the highest level. The legendary batter had an insane prime towards the twilight period of his career, where he became the first batter to score a 200 in ODI.

In 2010, Sachin scored 1578 runs in Tests, the only batter to score over 1500 runs in Tests after turning 35. In 2011, he was the second highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup. After turning 35, Tendulkar had an average of 49.16.