In a bold declaration that has ignited passionate debate among cricket enthusiasts worldwide, Sunil Gavaskar has proclaimed Virat Kohli as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in One Day International (ODI) cricket. The declaration came moments after Kohli's record-shattering 52nd ODI century against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday.

Gavaskar, a legendary batter himself, didn't mince words while making his assessment during the mid-innings show of the match. He acknowledged the greatness of Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record with 51 centuries, but emphasized that Kohli's achievement elevates him to a different level. "Sachin Tendulkar has been right up there, but when you pass him…" Gavaskar stated, implying that Kohli's accomplishment transcends even the Master Blaster's illustrious career.

"I don't think there's any doubt about that," Gavaskar asserted, referring to Kohli's status as the GOAT. He further elaborated that his opinion isn't solely his own, but echoed by many who have played with and against Kohli. Gavaskar highlighted three key aspects of Kohli's claim to the title: the respect he commands from his peers, his remarkable consistency in scoring runs, and the sheer weight of 52 centuries in a format increasingly dominated by T20s and Tests.

To further bolster his argument, Gavaskar referenced a statement from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who reportedly called Kohli the best ODI player he has ever seen. Gavaskar emphasized the significance of such praise coming from an Australian, known for their fierce competitiveness and reluctance to সহজে bestow compliments on foreign players. "So, I mean, when somebody, an Australian captain...they will agree that it is rare, very rare to get praise from an Australian. Very, very difficult. So, if an Australian says that, you know, he was the best, then I don't think there is any argument for that,” Gavaskar said.

Kohli's journey to 52 ODI centuries has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has consistently broken records and set new benchmarks for excellence in the format. As of today, 30 November 2025, Kohli has amassed 14,390 runs in 306 matches, maintaining an astounding average of 58.02. In addition to his 52 centuries, he also has 75 half-centuries to his name.

Gavaskar had predicted Kohli's potential to break Tendulkar's record as early as 2013. Comparing Kohli's statistics after 112 ODI innings to those of Tendulkar, Gavaskar noted that Kohli was significantly ahead. He recognized Kohli's "insatiable" hunger for centuries and his ability to make every match count.

Kohli's achievement is even more remarkable considering the evolution of ODI cricket over the years. With the advent of T20 cricket, the 50-over format has become increasingly challenging for batsmen, demanding a blend of aggression and endurance. Kohli has adapted seamlessly to these changes, maintaining his prolific run-scoring form while also showcasing his power-hitting abilities.

While debates about the GOAT status are inherently subjective and often spark heated discussions, Gavaskar's endorsement carries considerable weight due to his vast experience and deep understanding of the game. Whether or not everyone agrees with his assessment, there is no denying that Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of ODI cricket history as one of the greatest ever to grace the field.