Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has heaped massive praise on Virat Kohli, calling him the greatest ODI player of all time and a “once-in-a-generation” cricketer whose presence alone elevates any contest. Waugh, known for his sharp cricketing intellect and ability to judge big-match players, said Kohli’s consistency, hunger and ability to deliver under pressure place him in a league of his own.
Kohli, who celebrated his 37th birthday on November 5, made his India debut 17 years ago as a fiery youngster from West Delhi. Since then, he has transformed into one of world cricket’s biggest icons, rewriting batting records at a pace rarely witnessed before.
With over 13,000 ODI runs, Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in the format and the fastest to every milestone between 8,000 and 14,000 runs—numbers that continue to strengthen his GOAT claim.
ALSO READ: Adani Group and Adar Poonawalla Emerge As Leading Contenders In Race To Buy RCB
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two all-time great players,” Steve Waugh said while addressing the media. “Virat is probably the greatest ODI player ever. Fans everywhere want to watch them. Even people on the Gold Coast would love to see them, but they obviously cannot play every match.”
Kohli’s most recent ODI outing only reinforced Waugh’s words. During India’s third ODI against Australia in Sydney, Kohli produced a classic, finishing unbeaten on 74 off 81 balls, a knock that reflected his trademark composure. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, hammered a sublime 121* off 125 deliveries as India cruised to a nine-wicket victory while chasing 237.
ALSO READ: Pratika Rawal Secures Her World Cup Medal After Jay Shah’s Intervention
Both stalwarts stepped away from T20Is after India’s triumphant run at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, but their presence in ODIs continues to be a treasure for fans and a learning experience for younger players.
Waugh concluded by saying that players like Kohli come once in a generation, and whenever fans get the chance to watch him live, “you simply don’t miss it.”
