Cricket has witnessed many legendary batters over the years, but when it comes to Virat Kohli in ODIs, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes there is no one better. Ponting, who himself was one of the finest ODI batters of his time, has hailed Kohli as the greatest one-day international player he has ever seen. He also backed the Indian cricket star to potentially surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket.
Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best in the format by smashing an unbeaten 100 in a crucial Champions Trophy match against Pakistan. His 51st ODI century not only secured a comfortable six-wicket victory for India but also reinforced his dominance in the 50-over format.
Kohli Joins the 14,000-Run Club
With this spectacular knock, Virat Kohli in ODIs reached another rare milestone—crossing 14,000 runs in the format. This achievement places him in an elite club alongside cricketing icons Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Currently, Kohli’s total stands at 14,085 runs, but he still needs 4,341 more runs to break Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 18,426 runs in ODIs.
Despite the significant gap, Ponting does not rule out the possibility of Kohli achieving this feat. “Virat has always been an exceptional player, and his hunger for runs sets him apart. Given his fitness levels and determination, he has what it takes to keep performing at the highest level,” Ponting told ICC Review.
Can Kohli Surpass Tendulkar’s Record?
At 36 years old, time is not entirely on Kohli’s side, but his unparalleled commitment to fitness and batting excellence keeps the door open. Ponting acknowledged the enormity of the challenge but insisted that Kohli remains a serious contender for breaking the ODI run record.
“It’s inexplicable when you think about it. Virat has been dominant for so long, yet he is still 4,000 runs behind Sachin. That just shows how great Tendulkar was and how long he played,” Ponting said. However, he added, “But with Virat Kohli in ODIs, you can never say never. If his hunger for runs continues, I wouldn’t be surprised if he overtakes Sachin’s record one day.”
The Legacy of Virat Kohli in ODIs
Whether or not Kohli surpasses Tendulkar’s monumental record, his impact on ODI cricket is already historic. His consistency, ability to chase down targets, and knack for scoring centuries in pressure situations make him one of the greatest batters of all time. Kohli’s aggressive yet calculated approach has redefined modern-day ODI batting, inspiring countless young cricketers around the world.
As long as Kohli continues playing with the same passion and intensity, the possibility of him rewriting history remains alive.
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