Virender Sehwag ranks Virat Kohli above Sachin Tendulkar in list of top 5 ODI batters, explains why

Virat Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008.

Over its existence of more than 50 years, ODI cricket has witnessed many batting greats. While picking the greatest ODI batsman is subjective and personal, there have been endless debates on the topic in the past.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has now revealed his list of top five ODI batsmen, where he has placed Virat Kohli above Sachin Tendulkar. While Sachin still tops the run-scoring charts, Kohli surpassed his record of scoring most centuries in the format by scoring his 50th ton against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Virender Sehwag picks Virat Kohli as the best ODI batter over Sachin Tendulkar

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag named his top five ODI batsmen of all time. He placed Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Inzamam-Ul-Haq at No. 5, 4, and 3 respectively, while ranking Sachin Tendulkar at the No. 2 spot.

Sehwag said that walking out to bat with Sachin felt like walking in a jungle alongside a lion.

Sehwag said, “Everyone’s favourite and my role model, Sachin Tendulkar (No. 2 spot). You know how it feels to walk on the ground with him? You’re going to the jungle with a lion. Everyone’s eyes are on the lion. And I used to quietly make my runs.“

The former Indian opener placed Virat Kohli at the top spot, explaining his choice by praising Kohli’s consistency in the format. He added that Virat was not the same player when he made his debut.

He added, “Virat Kohli is at number one. Virat Kohli jaisa khiladi shayad he aane wale samay mein aisa consistent player aaye jisko ek tag diya gaya hai-Chasemaster. (A player like him may rarely come in the future, someone so consistent who has been given the title of “Chasemaster).“

“In the beginning, he wasn’t the Virat Kohli who he is today. He also took his time and learned a lot. And after 2011-12, he has changed a lot. In his fitness and in his consistency. He has played amazing innings.“

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