In the ongoing debate about who is the greatest ODI batter between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has weighed in with his perspective. Both Kohli and Tendulkar are widely regarded as two of the greatest batters in ODI cricket history, having achieved unparalleled success and single-handedly winning many matches for their teams.
### Kohli’s Record-Breaking Feats
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” set numerous records in ODIs, which have long been considered insurmountable. However, Virat Kohli has not only matched but also surpassed many of these records. During the ICC World Cup 2023, Kohli broke Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in ODI cricket. Additionally, Kohli became the fastest player to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs, achieving this milestone in just 287 innings compared to Tendulkar’s 350 innings.
### Manjrekar’s Perspective
Sanjay Manjrekar, while discussing Kohli and Tendulkar, highlighted a key difference that he believes sets Kohli apart. Speaking to Star Sports, Manjrekar said, “One major difference between the two is that I think Virat Kohli is a better chaser than Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar liked batting first and was a certainty against the new ball, but it’s about winning matches.”
Manjrekar further elaborated on Kohli’s prowess in chasing targets, stating, “Virat will have a number of matches where he has chased down the target and stayed on till the end. Tendulkar has a few matches but not the numbers that Virat Kohli has. But apart from that, Tendulkar had everything. One area where Virat Kohli is better than the God of Cricket is chasing runs.”
### Chasing Statistics
In ODI chases, Sachin Tendulkar amassed 8,720 runs in 232 innings, with 26 not outs, at an average of 42.33. He also scored 52 half-centuries and 17 centuries. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has accumulated 7,979 runs in 158 innings while chasing, with 34 not outs, at an impressive average of 64.35, along with 40 half-centuries and 28 centuries.
### Conclusion
The debate between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar will likely continue for years to come, given their incredible contributions to the game. While Tendulkar’s legacy as the “God of Cricket” remains intact, Kohli’s remarkable achievements, especially in chasing targets, have solidified his place among the greatest ODI batters of all time. As both players continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts worldwide, the comparisons and discussions only add to the rich tapestry of the sport’s history.
