Virat Kohli has long been the heartbeat of Indian cricket, a player whose passion, discipline and hunger for excellence have redefined modern batting. Over the past 17 years, he has transformed from a fiery teenager from West Delhi into one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. His name has become synonymous with consistency, class and an unwavering will to win.
As he turned 37 this November, tributes poured in from across the globe and among them came a glowing one from former Australian captain Steve Waugh.
Steve Waugh, one of the most respected figures of cricket, called Virat Kohli the greatest One Day International (ODI) player of all time. Speaking to the media, he described Virat Kohli as a “once-in-a-generation” cricketer whose sheer skill and intensity have left an indelible mark on the game. He also acknowledged Rohit Sharma as another all-time great, adding that both the players have thrilled audiences around the world. According to Steve Waugh, fans everywhere would love to watch Kohli and Rohit in action, though he admitted it’s impossible for such players to feature in every match given the demands of modern cricket.
Virat Kohli’s numbers back Steve Waugh’s words. The Indian star is the second highest run-scorer in the ODI history and the fastest ever to reach every major milestone between 8,000 and 14,000 runs. His ability to adapt, chase under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has made him a benchmark for excellence.
In his most recent ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month, Virat Kohli showed once again why he remains the gold standard. Playing alongside Rohit Sharma, he produced a composed unbeaten 74 off 81 balls to guide India to a nine-wicket win while chasing 237. Rohit, on the other hand, dazzled with a fluent century, and together the duo reminded fans of their unmatched chemistry at the crease.
Steve Waugh also reflected on the next phase of Indian cricket, noting that even as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20Is after lifting the World Cup in Barbados in 2024, their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players. He said that it was always a privilege to watch such greats play, adding that while the game keeps evolving, players like Virat Kohli come only once in a generation and when they do, the world stops to watch.
