Steve Waugh Hails Virat Kohli as the Greatest ODI Player Ever
Waugh's Praise for Kohli
Steve Waugh, the former captain of Australia, has expressed high admiration for India's cricket superstar Virat Kohli, labeling him as the "greatest" player in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and a "once-in-a-generation" talent.
Virat Kohli: A Statistical Marvel
Celebrating his 37th birthday on Wednesday, Virat Kohli made his international debut in 2008 as a young talent from West Delhi. He has since ascended to remarkable heights in cricket, boasting a World Cup and two ICC Champions Trophy titles. Kohli has set new benchmarks in ODIs, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in the format's history. He is also the fastest player to reach significant milestones, including 8,000 to 14,000 runs. Over 305 ODIs, he has amassed 14,255 runs and holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs with 51.
Waugh's Thoughts on Kohli and Sharma
"Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are exceptional players. Kohli is arguably the best ODI player ever. Fans everywhere, including those on the Gold Coast, would love to see them play, but they can't participate in every match," Waugh remarked to the media on Thursday.
Kohli's Recent Performance
In his latest match, Kohli showcased his classic batting style during India's third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month. In a dominant performance, Rohit Sharma scored an impressive 121* off 125 balls, while Kohli contributed a steady 74* off 81 balls, leading India to a convincing 9-wicket victory by successfully chasing down a target of 237 runs.
Reflections on India's T20 Team
After winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados last year, both Kohli and Sharma stepped back from T20 internationals. Waugh expressed his admiration for the current Indian T20 squad, noting, "While they are still part of the team, it's wonderful. India now has a modern T20 side filled with exciting talent. The game must evolve, and it's always thrilling to witness legendary players like Kohli in action. He is truly a once-in-a-generation player, and if you have the opportunity, you should watch him play."