Queensland [Australia]: Former Australian captain Steve Waugh heaped high praise on Indian batting icon Virat Kohli, calling him the “greatest ODI player of all time” and a “once-in-a-generation” cricketer.
Kohli, who turned 37 on Wednesday, made his international debut in 2008 as a young talent from West Delhi. Over the years, he has risen to legendary status, redefining the standards of ODI cricket with his consistency, intensity, and unmatched chase mastery. With a World Cup and two ICC Champions Trophies to his name, Kohli’s legacy in the 50-over format remains unparalleled.
A true stalwart of the game, Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history and holds the record for being the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 runs. In 305 ODIs, he has amassed 14,255 runs, including a record 51 centuries—the most by any player in the format.
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two all-time great players. Virat is probably the greatest one-day player ever. People everywhere want to see them play, but of course, they can’t feature in every match,” Waugh said while speaking to reporters on Thursday.
During India’s third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month, Kohli once again showcased his class with a composed 74 off 81 balls*, guiding India to a nine-wicket victory alongside Rohit Sharma, who scored a magnificent 121 off 125 deliveries*.
Both Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals after leading India to their T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados last year. With the senior duo sitting out the current T20I series in Australia, Waugh expressed admiration for India’s evolving, youthful side.
“It’s fantastic that they’re still playing for India. The modern T20 team is full of exciting young stars, and the game continues to evolve. But players like Virat Kohli are once-in-a-generation talents—you never miss a chance to watch them play,” Waugh added.
