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Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has included two Indians—Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, one Pakistani, one South African, and one West Indies great in his list of top-5 ODI batters.
Virender Sehwag picks his top-5 ODI batters. (Picture Credit: AFP, AP)
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has included legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in his list of top-5 ODI batters. According to Sehwag, who played 104 Tests, 251 ODIs, and 19 T20Is at the highest level from 1999 to 2013, Kohli is the best ODI batter of all time, followed by Tendulkar. Since making his international debut for India against Sri Lanka in August 2008, Kohli has scored 13,963 runs in 297 ODIs played so far. On the other hand, Tendulkar finished his career with 18,426 runs in 463 50-over matches for the Men in Blue.
In addition to Sachin and Kohli, Sehwag also included former Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, South Africa’s Ab de Villiers, and West Indies’ legend Chris Gayle in his list.
“Chris Gayle was a great batsman and opener. I remember India came to the West Indies in 2002-03, and Chris Gayle hit three centuries in a six-match series. He was the first player I saw at the international level who used to hit sixes from the back foot to fast bowlers,” Sehwag said on Cribuzz.
“No. 4 is AB de Villiers. I really liked the way he used to play. He’s the only batsman who can hit sixes off-balance. No. 3 is Inzamam-ul-Haq. He’s one of the best ODI players from Asia. Inzamam used to come out to bat at No. 4 and used to control the match. So, I learnt from him how to take the match to the end. How you can control the match. At that time, it was very difficult to chase seven or eight runs in an over. But Inzamam used to do it with a smile. Because he used to calculate when and who to hit sixes,” Sehwag added.
Speaking about his long-time opening partner and idol Tendulkar, Sehwag said, “Everyone’s favourite and my role model, Sachin Tendulkar. You know how it feels to walk on the ground with him? You’re going to the jungle with a lion. Everyone’s eyes are on the lion. And I used to quietly make my runs.”
“Virat Kohli is at number one. Virat Kohli jaisa khiladi shayad he aane wale samay mein aisa consistent player aaye jisko ek tag diya gaya hai—Chasemaster. In the beginning, he wasn’t the Virat Kohli who he is today. He also took his time and learnt a lot. And after 2011-12, he has changed a lot. In his fitness and in his consistency. He has played amazing innings,” he added.
