The long-standing debate over Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar in ODI cricket has finally been addressed by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. With Kohli still trailing Tendulkar by 4,341 runs, the question remains—can he surpass the legendary batsman and claim the top spot in ODI cricket?

Ricky Ponting’s Take on the Kohli-Tendulkar Comparison

Ponting, a three-time World Cup winner, recently weighed in on this debate. He declared Virat Kohli as the best-ever ODI cricketer he has seen, a statement that sparked widespread discussions among cricket fans worldwide. While many believe that Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy is unparalleled, Ponting thinks that Kohli’s consistency, adaptability, and hunger for runs make him the greatest.

“I doubt I’ve ever seen a better ODI player than Virat Kohli. Now that he’s gone past me (on the all-time runs list) and only two batters are ahead of him, he would surely want to finish as the leading run-scorer in history,” said Ponting on ICC Review.

Kohli’s Performance in the Champions Trophy

Virat Kohli’s brilliance was once again on display in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, where he led India to a convincing victory against Pakistan. His unbeaten 100-run knock played a crucial role in securing a six-wicket win. With this, Kohli registered his 51st ODI century, bringing him even closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 tons in the format.

Kohli’s Chase for the Record

Kohli currently sits at 14,085 runs in ODIs, a remarkable feat. However, with Tendulkar’s mammoth total of 18,426 runs, Kohli still has a steep mountain to climb. At 36 years old, time may not be on his side, but his fitness and determination remain unmatched.

Factors That Favor Kohli:

• Consistency in Run-Chases: Kohli has earned the reputation of being the ‘Chase Master’ with his ability to perform under pressure.
• Modern Cricket’s Fast-Paced Approach: With more ODIs scheduled and better fitness standards, Kohli has opportunities to close the gap.
• Adaptability Across Conditions: Unlike many, Kohli thrives in different conditions, making him an asset to Team India.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Legacy Remains Intact

While Ponting’s verdict favors Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar’s records and impact on cricket remain unparalleled. Having played across three generations of cricket, Tendulkar set milestones that seemed unbreakable at one point. His influence on young cricketers and the game itself is unmatched.

“Numbers don’t lie, but greatness isn’t just about stats. Kohli is a legend, but Sachin will always be the God of Cricket,” remarked former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

The Final Word

Whether Kohli surpasses Sachin’s records or not, the debate will continue for years. But for now, Ricky Ponting’s opinion has added a new perspective, strengthening Kohli’s case as the greatest ODI player ever.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Ponting’s verdict? Let us know in the comments below!

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