In a bold assertion, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has crowned Virat Kohli as the greatest Indian batter, placing him above cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and even the iconic Sir Viv Richards. In an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in, Sidhu expressed his conviction that Kohli stands as the pinnacle of Indian cricketing excellence.
The topic arose amidst discussions on Kohli’s batting position for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). With debates swirling around whether Kohli should adapt to batting at No.3, especially in anticipation of the T20 World Cup, Sidhu emphasized the importance of team needs over individual preferences. He argued that Kohli’s placement should align with the team’s strategy, especially given RCB’s history of not securing the IPL trophy.
Sidhu, returning to the commentary box for IPL 2024, reminisced about cricketing eras defined by different legends, from Gavaskar in the ’70s to Tendulkar, Dhoni, and finally Kohli. Through this journey across decades, Sidhu firmly believes that Kohli’s adaptability across formats, unparalleled fitness, and longevity elevate him above his predecessors.
Highlighting Kohli’s fitness as a distinctive edge, Sidhu noted that while legends like Tendulkar faced physical challenges in their later years, Kohli’s exceptional physical condition has been a key factor in his sustained performance. This, coupled with Kohli’s ability to excel in all forms of cricket, underscores Sidhu’s rating of Kohli not just as India’s best but as an all-time great in the sport.
Virat Kohli, after a break for personal reasons, returned to action, gearing up at the nets for the upcoming IPL season during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Unbox event on March 19, ready to prove yet again why he’s regarded as a cricketing legend.
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