Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has lauded Virat Kohli as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in One Day Internationals (ODIs), emphasizing his exceptional discipline and match awareness. Kohli’s illustrious ODI career boasts 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, including a record 51 centuries, underscoring his dominance in the 50-over format.
In the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, Kohli has showcased his enduring class, notably with a century against Pakistan and a pivotal 84-run performance in the semi-final against Australia. Shastri, reflecting on these feats, highlighted Kohli’s return to his foundational strengths—accumulating singles, grounding his shots, and judiciously opting for big hits. He noted that such an approach alleviates pressure, especially when complemented by aggressive partners like Shreyas Iyer.
Drawing parallels with sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, Shastri emphasized that Kohli’s infectious energy and charisma make him a magnet for fans, enhancing the sport’s appeal.
Shastri also reminisced about Kohli’s relentless commitment to improvement, recalling an instance from India’s 2018 South Africa tour. After early dismissals in Cape Town, Kohli dedicated extra hours post-play to refine his technique, leading to a commanding 150 in the subsequent Centurion Test. Such dedication, Shastri observed, mirrors the sacrifices made by legends like Sachin Tendulkar, further cementing Kohli’s status among cricket’s elite.
As India prepares to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, Kohli stands on the brink of adding another accolade to his decorated career, aiming to become a two-time Champions Trophy winner.
