Image: Virat Kohli is being hailed as the greatest one-day batter / © Hindustan Times
In the wake of Virat Kohli’s record-extending 51st ODI century, the debate about the greatest one-day batter has reignited, with many experts now placing Kohli above legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and AB de Villiers. Former England captain Michael Atherton praised Kohli’s unmatched prowess in run-chases, highlighting that Kohli’s 28 centuries while chasing is the highest in ODI history, far ahead of Tendulkar’s 17 and Rohit Sharma’s 16.
Kohli achieved his 51st ton during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan, where he remained unbeaten and also became the fastest batter to surpass 14,000 ODI runs. He accomplished this milestone in 60 fewer innings than Tendulkar and nearly 90 fewer than Sangakkara.
Nasser Hussain further fueled the debate, acknowledging the greatness of Tendulkar, Sangakkara, and de Villiers but placing Kohli “right at the top of the tree”. With 51 centuries, dominant run-chase performances, and record-breaking achievements, Kohli’s ODI legacy continues to soar, strengthening the argument that he might indeed be the greatest ODI batter of all time.