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Indian cricket history is replete with batting legends, but two names stand out – Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. These two cricketers have not only left an indelible mark in terms of run-making but have also earned global adoration. While Tendulkar inspired a generation to embrace cricket as a profession, Kohli’s consistency has placed him in the league of legendary players. This has inevitably sparked a passionate debate among fans regarding who holds the title of the greatest Indian batters.
Nasser Hussain’s verdict
In the quest to determine the all-time great in One Day Internationals (ODIs) between Tendulkar and Kohli, former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has offered his perspective. Hussain, who has seen and played against some of the best in the game, declared Tendulkar as the greatest batter he ever witnessed or faced on the cricket field. However, when it comes to choosing between the two for different scenarios, Hussain has made a clear distinction.
Hussain opined that Tendulkar earns the title of the greatest batter when setting a target, referring to batting first. Tendulkar’s ability to amass runs and dictate the game from the outset is a quality that Nasser admires. However, when it comes to run-chases, Nasser unequivocally picked Kohli as the all-time great. Kohli’s impeccable skill in chasing down totals is a trait that has earned him high praise in the cricketing world.
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Nasser expressed his perspective on the matter during a discussion on Star Sports, saying, “Well, for me, Sachin was the greatest batter I ever saw or played against. Greatest batter in a run-chase is Virat. So, I’m gonna sit on the fence, batting first, I’m going with Sachin Tendulkar. Chasing, without a doubt, Virat Kohli.”
Statistical rivalry
Tendulkar, the cricketing maestro, still holds the record as the highest run-scorer in ODIs, accumulating an astounding 18,426 runs in 463 matches at an average of 44.83, with a strike-rate of 86.23. Meanwhile, Kohli is rapidly closing in on this illustrious record, with 13,437 runs in 286 ODIs, boasting an impressive average of 58.17 and a striking strike-rate of 93.70.
Furthermore, Kohli is tantalizingly close to surpassing Tendulkar in ODI centuries. Tendulkar’s remarkable record of 49 centuries in the 50-over format is under threat as Kohli stands just two centuries away from eclipsing this milestone, a feat he could potentially achieve in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
