Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: Sunil Gavaskar ends the debate on ODI supremacy

Sunil Gavaskar hails Virat Kohli as greatest ODI batter ever. (Photo: X)

Sunil​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Gavaskar has always been known for his comments, especially when it comes to comparing cricket figures of the past to the modern era players. However, Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI century in Ranchi was such a spectacular incident that the ex-India batter felt quite impressed. For Gavaskar, it is a very simple and clear matter, Kohli has gone to a place where very few have been in one-day cricket and maybe nobody has been beyond that place.

The evidence of this remark is his 52 ODI hundreds which is clearly no joke. Gavaskar called it a number that puts Virat Kohli "right up there in the stratosphere", a place that is only occupied by legendary figures of the sport. Kohli’s incredible consistency, sustained brilliance, and ability to always find a way under pressure are some of the things that have been his hallmark and therefore his legacy is beyond time now.

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Looking back on Kohli’s latest landmark, Gavaskar noted that the admiration for him extends far beyond his own views. “It’s not just me. Those who have played with him and against him all agree that he is the greatest in the one-day format,” he said on JioHotstar during the mid-innings show.

Gavaskar also referred to the opinion of one of the harshest critics of cricket, Ricky Ponting. The former Australian captain, who is known for his thoroughness and for not giving praises easily, has recently said that Kohli is the best one-day batter he has ever seen.

“It is rare—very rare—to get praise from an Australian,” Gavaskar remarked. “So if an Australian says he’s the best, then there’s no argument.”

The comparison with Sachin Tendulkar was inevitable and thus the writers did not beat around the bush. Tendulkar’s record of 51 ODI centuries used to be considered impossible, a summit no player would climb again. Now, Kohli has gone beyond ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

“Sachin has been right up there with 51 hundreds, but when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand,” Gavaskar said. “It’s almost lonely at the top at the moment.”