Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has joined the growing list of cricketing greats who have labeled Virat Kohli as the greatest One Day International (ODI) batter in history. Praising Kohli’s unmatched consistency, mental strength, and ability to perform under pressure, Zaheer stated that no one has dominated the ODI format for as long and as effectively as the Indian maestro. His comment once again reignites the conversation around Kohli’s place among the all-time legends of the game.
Speaking about Kohli’s impact, Zaheer emphasized that his records speak louder than any argument. “Virat Kohli is the greatest ODI batter ever,” he said, adding that Kohli’s remarkable adaptability across conditions and opponents makes him a once-in-a-generation player. For Zaheer, it is not just about the numbers but also the manner in which Kohli has carried the expectations of a billion fans while maintaining an extraordinary level of performance year after year.
Kohli’s ODI career is indeed a masterclass in consistency. With over 13,000 runs and an average hovering around 58, he has redefined what reliability at the top level means. His 50 ODI centuries, which surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record during the 2023 World Cup, remain one of the most iconic achievements in modern cricket. Kohli’s ability to chase targets, his calmness under pressure, and his unmatched hunger for runs have often turned improbable situations into victories for India.
Zaheer, who shared the dressing room with Kohli during the early stages of the latter’s international career, recalled the young Delhi batsman’s unrelenting drive and attention to detail. He noted that even as a newcomer, Kohli had a rare determination to improve after every match, something that distinguished him early on. That mindset, Zaheer explained, has been central to Kohli’s evolution into one of the greatest players of the modern era.
What makes Kohli stand out, according to Zaheer, is his ability to balance aggression with calculation. While many players have shown flashes of brilliance, very few have maintained Kohli’s level of discipline in shot selection and fitness. His commitment to physical conditioning and mental focus has set a new benchmark for cricketers worldwide. Zaheer also highlighted Kohli’s role as a leader and motivator, saying that his intensity has inspired an entire generation of Indian players to raise their standards.
Zaheer’s statement resonates with a broader sentiment across the cricketing world. Former players, coaches, and analysts frequently mention Kohli’s unmatched record in successful run chases — a statistic that has become synonymous with his career. Beyond the numbers, his presence at the crease has often given India a sense of assurance, as if the match is still within reach as long as he is batting.
At 36, Kohli continues to defy age and expectations, showing no signs of slowing down. His hunger for excellence remains as sharp as it was more than a decade ago. Zaheer’s praise, coming from one of India’s most respected cricketing minds, reinforces the belief that Virat Kohli’s legacy in ODI cricket is not just great — it’s timeless.