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Former England cricketer David Lloyd weighs in on the longstanding debate surrounding Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, two iconic figures in Indian cricket. Since Kohli emerged as a modern great, discussions have intensified regarding who holds the title of the greatest Indian cricketer of all time.
Record-breaking achievements
Kohli recently achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI hundreds. Kohli achieved this feat during the ODI World Cup 2023, where he notched up his 50th century in the format. This remarkable achievement further solidified Kohli’s stature as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
In addition to surpassing Tendulkar’s record, Kohli also etched his name in the annals of cricket history by amassing the most runs ever in a single edition of the World Cup. During the CWC 2023, Kohli showcased his batting prowess by accumulating a staggering 765 runs from 11 innings, boasting an impressive average of 95.62. This remarkable performance surpassed Tendulkar’s previous tally of 673 runs, highlighting Kohli’s unparalleled consistency and dominance on the cricket field.
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David Lloyd’s preference in Test cricket
When asked to choose between Tendulkar and Kohli for the ultimate Test-playing XI, Lloyd favoured Tendulkar, highlighting his prolific record and unmatched consistency in the longest format of the game. Despite Kohli’s remarkable achievements, Tendulkar’s legacy in Test cricket remains unparalleled.
“I did a bit of research, got on social media, and I threw it out there. You can only have one. 95 percent said Sachin. Some are telling me, criticizing me, some even asking the question. It’s ridiculous. There is only one answer. The one thing that kept coming up was that Sachin would leave his ego at home. I think the other guy is quite a personable chap, Virat Kohli,” Lloyd was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
All-format dominance and final thoughts on the debate
While Tendulkar holds numerous records in both Tests and ODIs, Lloyd acknowledged Kohli’s stellar performances in ODIs and T20Is. Kohli’s versatility and aggressive batting style have made him a standout performer across formats, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Lloyd emphasized the difficulty in choosing between two cricketing greats, acknowledging Tendulkar’s sublime skills and Kohli’s dynamic approach to the game. Despite differing opinions, both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, cementing their places among the greatest cricketers of all time.
“The other guy is incredible, Virat Kohli. Dangerous. Would take the game away. Exciting player. Sachin was sublime. All is right with the world, but I like a bit of rock and roll. We’re talking about two of the greatest players there’s ever been. We’re trying to look at T20Is and ODIs, you could easily go for Kohli,” Lloyd concluded.
