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The legendary Sunil Gavaskar placed Virat Kohli over Sachin Tendulkar, hailing the Team India superstar as the greatest ODI batter of all time. Gavaskar heaped praise on Kohli after the star batter notched up his 52nd ODI hundred with a magnificent 135-run knock in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Gavaskar said Kohli's record tally of centuries in ODIs highlights his unprecedented dominance in the format.
Kohli was at his vintage best against South Africa at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday as he slammed 135 runs off 120 balls to help India win the game by 17 runs. Kohli's splendid ton helped India post a big total of 349 runs on the board and the hosts defended it successfully to go 1-0 up in the three-match series against the Proteas.
It was yet another batting masterclass from the 37-year-old, who continues to remain an indispensable part of India's ODI setup despite questions over his future. Kohli was at his prolific best in Ranchi, scoring across all parts of the ground, displaying his class and range.
"I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. I mean, it’s not just me. I think those who have played with him and against him, they all agree that he is the greatest in the one-day format," Gavaskar said on Star Sports as he favoured Kohli over Tendulkar in the ODI GOAT debate.
With his 52nd ODI hundred, Kohli broke Tendulkar's record for most centuries in a single format of the game. He went past Tendulkar's tally of 51 centuries in Tests. Kohli had surpassed Tendulkar (49) to claim the record for the most centuries in ODIs with his 50th ton during the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the Master Blaster continues to hold the record for most tons by any batter in Tests with 51 centuries to his name in the longest format.
Highlighting Kohli's unprecedented feat of smashing 52 centuries in a single format, Gavaskar said it showcases the Team India's star's unmatched stature in ODIs. The legendary batter also pointed out how Ricky Ponting recently called Kohli the greatest ODI batter he has ever seen, stating that it's a rare thing to draw praise from a former Australian captain.
"Look, you scored 52 hundreds. That actually sets you up right up there in stratosphere, so to speak," said Gavaskar.
"I just heard that Ricky Ponting said that Kohli’s the best that he’s seen in one-day cricket. I mean, when an Australian captain says that -- and everyone will agree that it is rare, very rare to get praise from an Australian -- that Kohli was the best, then I don’t think there’s any argument with that," he added.
Gavaskar feels Kohli is in a league of his own after surpassing Tendulkar for most centuries in a single format in international cricket.
"Sachin has been absolutely right up there with 51 hundreds. But when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand,” said the former India captain.
A modern-day legend, Kohli has arguably been India's most prolific batter in ODIs in the past decade. He is the second-highest run-getter in the format with 14,390 runs to his name in 306 matches, only behind Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most runs in ODIs with a staggering 18,426 runs in 463 matches.
Kohli has the most number of tons in ODIs - 52, and has an enviable record for India while chasing in the format. The 37-year-old, who was part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning side, continues to go strong at 37 and is still one of the fittest cricketers in the world. Kohli, who only plays ODIs for India, will be hoping to continue his stellar run in the format as he targets the 2027 World Cup.
