Statistically, Sachin Tendulkar can break Sunil Gavaskar's domestic record

Sunil Gavaskar has a mammoth 81 centuries and aggregated 25,483 runs in first class matches. Sachin Tendulkar though, may finally surpass this long-standing record after the 39-year-old decided to make step back into the domestic scene.

Tendulkar has hit 78 centuries - three short of Gavaskar - and is the second highest run-getter in first class matches. While time and age may not be on the side of the veteran batsman who last scored a domestic century in January 2009 - against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy semifinal - Tendulkar has the distinction of most Test and ODI records and is not short in experience and skill to overhaul this record as well.

Interestingly, Tendulkar has played 54 matches less than Gavaskar's 348 and it may not be fair to compare cricketers from two different eras in cricket. Statisticians though will be engrossed once Tendulkar does step into the domestic scene, regardless of how the legendary batsmen chooses to wield his willow.