Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century in Ranchi didn’t just break records, it reignited one of cricket’s biggest debates. And according to Sunil Gavaskar, that debate might finally be over. During the mid-innings show of the first ODI against South Africa, Gavaskar spoke right after Kohli went past Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic tally of 51 ODI centuries, and he didn’t hold back while praising the modern-day great.
“No Doubt About That,” Says Sunil Gavaskar
“I don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” Sunil Gavaskar said on air. “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. Look, you score 52 hundreds, that actually sets you up right up there in the stratosphere, so to speak.”
Gavaskar highlighted three things that strengthen Kohli’s case: the respect he commands from opponents, his unbelievable consistency, and the sheer number of centuries he has scored at a time when ODI cricket isn’t played as frequently. Coming from someone who shaped an entire batting era, his words carried serious weight.
Ricky Ponting’s Praise Seals It Further
To make his point stronger, Sunil Gavaskar referenced praise from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. “I just heard that Ricky Ponting said that he’s the best that he’s seen in one-day cricket,” Gavaskar revealed. “So, I mean, when somebody, an Australian captain…they will agree that it is rare, very rare to get praise from an Australian. Very, very difficult. So, if an Australian says that, you know, he was the best, then I don’t think there is any argument for that.”
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For Gavaskar, Ponting’s words act like the final stamp of approval. If a World Cup-winning Australian captain believes Kohli is the best he has ever seen, then the debate around bias or home-country loyalty falls apart.
Tendulkar’s Aura Remains, but Kohli Has Moved Ahead
Gavaskar made sure his praise for Kohli didn’t take away from Tendulkar’s greatness. “Sachin has been absolutely right up there with 51 Hundreds. But when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand.”
His comment captured the emotion of the moment perfectly. Virat Kohli’s blistering 135 off 120 balls didn’t just shape the match; in Gavaskar’s view, it shaped his legacy too.
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ALSO READ: VIDEO – Gautam Gambhir Shares Heartwarming Hug With Virat Kohli After Iconic Ranchi Knock
