Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli: AB de Villiers ends GOAT debate with clear-cut answer

Virat Kohli's exceptional prowess as an ODI batsman has solidified his status as one of the greatest the cricketing world has ever witnessed. His remarkable consistency and insatiable hunger for runs have set him apart. Kohli's ability to chase down targets under pressure has become legendary, often leaving opponents helpless in the closing stages of a game. Moreover, his fitness, work ethic, and leadership on the field have inspired a new generation of cricketers. 

3 things you need to know

• Virat Kohli recently became the fastest batsman to complete 13,000 ODI runs
• Kohli has scored 47 ODI centuries and is just 3 tons away from breaking Tendulkar's record
• Tendulkar currently holds the record for scoring most runs in ODI cricket

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AB de Villiers declares Virat Kohli the greatest ODI batsman

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has expressed his opinion that Virat Kohli is the greatest ODI batsman of all time. AB de Villiers, who played for the same team as Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade, voiced his opinion on his YouTube channel. "Virat Kohli is the greatest ODI batsman of all time," De Villiers said.

In a span of 268 innings, Kohli has amassed an impressive total of 13,027 runs at an average of 57.38. Kohli's remarkable form was evident in the Asia Cup 2023, where he secured the Player of the Match award by scoring a century in the clash against Pakistan during the Super Four round. In the same tournament, Kohli became the fastest batsman in the world to complete 13,000 runs in ODI cricket. 

It's worth noting that AB de Villiers retired from all forms of cricket in November 2021, marking the end of his IPL journey. Notably, AB de Villiers' declaration places Virat Kohli ahead of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest ODI batsman of all time. Sachin Tendulkar, who represented India from 1989 to 2012, holds the record for the highest run tally in the format.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav's Brutal Hitting Prowess Sees Him Go Past Virat Kohli's Unique Record

Sachin Tendulkar vs. Virat Kohli: A never-ending debate

Tendulkar participated in 463 ODI matches during his illustrious career, amassing 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. He also notched 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries in ODIs. In comparison, Virat Kohli has 47 centuries and 65 fifties in ODIs, and he is just three centuries away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most number of ODI centuries.

Image: BCCI