(AP Photo)
Sir Curtly Ambrose, the renowned West Indies fast bowler, has placed Virat Kohli in the same esteemed category as batting icons Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Kohli, widely regarded as one of India’s finest batters, is nearing Tendulkar’s monumental world record for the most international centuries. Currently, Kohli has amassed 80 international hundreds, trailing the legendary Indian cricket icon Tendulkar by just 20 centuries.
Sir Curtly Ambrose has placed Virat Kohli in the esteemed company of legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Kohli, known for his dynamic batting, surpassed Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries, achieving his 50th century against New Zealand in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023 at home.
While comparisons between Kohli and Tendulkar have long been debated, Ambrose opted to avoid such comparisons, emphasizing the uniqueness of players across different cricketing eras. However, Ambrose praised Kohli’s exceptional skills and adaptability, suggesting that Kohli would have excelled regardless of the era in which he played.
Ambrose highlighted Kohli’s ability to dominate in various cricketing periods, placing the former Indian captain among the ranks of cricketing greats like Tendulkar and Australian legend Ponting. Kohli continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time with his remarkable performances across different formats of the game.
Sir Curtly Ambrose: Virat Kohli could dominate any era
Sir Curtly Ambrose said by Sports Tak: “Virat Kohli, the great man, someone who I admire as well, I love watching him. Don’t ask me to compare them (Sachin and Virat). I think I don’t think I know he’s a great player and how I judge players because people like to compare different eras. I don’t particularly like to do those things.”
The West Indian great further added, “But what I can say is when I look at great batsmen, how I judge them. Like presently Virat Kohli, is dominating today’s cricket, my question to myself is would he have done well during my era or before my era? I believe he would and because of that, that’s why I give him great. Sachin Tendulkar is the same thing, Ricky Ponting and these guys are great players because they can dominate any era.”
Meanwhile, Kohli has been experiencing a lack of form in the current T20 World Cup 2024, tallying only 66 runs from five innings at an average of 13.20 and a strike rate of 108.19. As an opener for India, Kohli has yet to produce a significant innings in this prestigious ICC tournament.
Recently, there was speculation in a report that Gautam Gambhir, if appointed as India’s new head coach after the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, might consider dropping Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammad Shami if they fail to perform. The report indicated Gambhir’s stance that India couldn’t win the tournament without improved performances from these players.
Next up, all eyes will be on Kohli and his teammates as they face Australia in their Super-8 clash scheduled for June 24.
