Aakash Chopra has stated that Virat Kohli’s excellence cannot be measured just by his 49 ODI centuries.
Virat Kohli matched Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI tons during India’s 2023 World Cup league match against South Africa on Sunday. He struck an unbeaten 101-run score. The victory was by a massive 243 runs in Kolkata, securing the Men in Blue as the table leaders.
On his YouTube channel, Chopra observed that Kohli’s extensive career adds to his greatness.
“I will not judge him with 49 centuries. In my opinion, there are four parameters to judge greatness. The first parameter is the longevity – 14-15 years and counting.
“The guy is not stopping because he is extremely fit. The dedication and discipline with which he has led his life, his career is getting prolonged because of that.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener remarked that the current batting great’s statistics are undeniable:
“After that, cold stats. Just check the number of runs or number of wickets, and the average. There is no doubt about that, sitting among the greatest to have played the game.
“If you see the greatest of any generation, you will find Kohli’s numbers are standing next to them or better than them.”
Aakash Chopra
In worldwide cricket rankings, Kohli stands fourth in terms of total runs. He’s scored 26310 runs, averaging 54.24, in 571 innings now. When it comes to total runs, only Sachin Tendulkar (34357), Kumar Sangakkara (28016), and Ricky Ponting (27483) are ahead of him.
“He is a three-format player” – Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli
Aakash Chopra praised Virat Kohli for his adaptability to all circumstances and formats:
“The third thing is the adaptability, whether the player can adapt to different situations. He is a three-format player.
“If he can play three formats with the same technique and style, score four centuries in an IPL season, score centuries in every format for India, score double centuries in Test cricket, he is adaptable.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator went on to say that the former India skipper produced game-winning efforts and had a generational influence on the game:
“Last but not the least is the impact. One is the impact on the game – how many matches you win.
“Most of his centuries come in winning causes, almost 100% while chasing. Then his impact on cricket, a generation is playing cricket because of what Virat Kohli has done.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra ended by noting that Kohli had checked every box. The 35-year-old is a genuine great of the game, and everyone is celebrating his 49th century because he has given them another chance to do so.
