Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar shared a compelling take on the long-standing debate over who is the greater cricketer: Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli. Known for his candid opinions, Akhtar firmly stated that Kohli could never surpass Tendulkar in greatness, citing the difference in the quality of bowlers each faced during their respective eras.
On the TNKS podcast, Shoaib Akhtar confidently dismissed the idea of Kohli being greater than Tendulkar. “Virat can never be a bigger player than Sachin. How can he be? Virat has never faced the quality of bowlers Sachin encountered. It’s not his fault, but it’s the reality,” Akhtar remarked. He further elaborated on the evolution of cricket, noting that changes in rules and conditions have made it easier for modern-day batters to pile up runs.
Akhtar highlighted how Tendulkar played in an era where reverse swing was a formidable weapon, and fast bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Allan Donald, Glenn McGrath, and Shoaib himself dominated the game.
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“Playing against the fast bowlers of that era was no joke. Hats off to Sachin for what he achieved against such talent,” Shoaib Akhtar said, also acknowledging Ricky Ponting as another batter who thrived under similar challenges. He contrasted this with today’s game, where the introduction of two new balls in ODIs and the rise of T20 cricket have shifted the dynamics.
Reverse swing, once a lethal skill, has largely diminished, and high scores have become the norm. Akhtar categorized Kohli as a player of the T20 era, emphasizing the commercialized nature of modern cricket. Despite his critique, Akhtar praised Kohli’s achievements, calling him a “perfect brand ambassador” for cricket.
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He lauded Kohli for his phenomenal consistency and his record-breaking tally of international centuries, which have elevated him as one of the greatest of his generation. Shoaib Akhtar also expressed regret over never bowling to Kohli, as their careers barely overlapped. While Akhtar’s fiery spells were a nightmare for batters in the 2000s, Kohli was just emerging on the international stage during Akhtar’s twilight years.
Ultimately, Akhtar’s take underscores the difficulty of comparing players across eras, each defined by unique challenges and contexts, making this debate a testament to the brilliance of both Tendulkar and Kohli.
