Virat Kohli's Dream ODI Batter: A Shot-by-Shot Breakdown

Virat Kohli, the former captain of Team India, has crafted his ideal ODI batter by selecting shots from cricket's greatest players. His recent performance against the West Indies, where he scored 139 runs, adds to his legacy as he aims for the 2027 World Cup. Kohli's choices have sparked lively debates on social media, with fans weighing in on his selections. Discover the legends behind his picks and the reactions from cricket enthusiasts in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 17:45 IST

Kohli's Selection of the Ultimate ODI Batter

Virat Kohli, the former captain of Team India, has curated his ideal ODI batter by selecting shots from some of cricket's most iconic players.

Currently, Kohli is competing in the ODI series against the West Indies, where he recently scored an impressive 139 runs, marking his 15,000th run in ODIs during the first match at Greenfields International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.

This match was his first since the ODI series against England, where he accumulated 144 runs, averaging 48.00 across three games. His performance against the West Indies was pivotal in securing an eight-wicket victory for India.

Virat Kohli's Ultimate ODI Player Breakdown

In the ongoing ODI series, Kohli detailed his ultimate ODI player by selecting shots from seven legendary cricketers.

In a video shared by a sports channel on X (formerly Twitter), he chose Sachin Tendulkar for the straight drive, honoring his childhood hero. Kumar Sangakkara was selected for his exquisite cover drive.

Rahul Dravid was recognized for his flawless flick shot, while Virender Sehwag was picked for his signature cut shot. Matthew Hayden was chosen for his powerful sweep shot, Chris Gayle for his six-hitting prowess, and AB de Villiers for his exceptional running between the wickets.

Kohli's Experiences with Cricket Legends

Throughout his career, Kohli has faced off against Sangakkara, De Villiers, and Gayle, while also sharing the field with Tendulkar, Sehwag, and Dravid.

Notably, he played alongside De Villiers and Gayle during his time with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, creating memorable partnerships that solidified their status as modern cricket icons.

Social Media Reactions to Kohli's Selections

Kohli's choices for his ultimate ODI batter have ignited discussions on social media, particularly on X, where fans have shared their opinions on his selections.

Many praised his picks, while others suggested alternatives for specific shots. Some fans highlighted Kohli's 'insane ball knowledge,' while others questioned the omission of Yuvraj Singh in the six-hitting category.

Despite differing opinions, many agreed on Tendulkar's selection for the straight drive and Dravid's flick as noteworthy choices.

Kohli's Focus on ODIs Ahead of the 2027 World Cup

Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli is now concentrating on ODIs, aiming to extend his career until the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Since his Test retirement, he has played 13 ODIs, scoring 899 runs, including four centuries and five fifties, with an impressive average of 89.9 and a strike rate of 112.51, showcasing his continued dominance in the 50-over format.