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Irfan Pathan: Virat Kohli Remains India's Best ODI Batter After Decade

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has declared Virat Kohli India's best ODI batter, a title he says Kohli has held consistently from 2013 to 2026. Pathan praised Kohli's remarkable longevity and his ability to score runs under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, himself, Rohit Sharma, and now Shubman Gill. Kohli reinforced this status by scoring his 54th ODI century, a 124-run knock, in the third match against New Zealand. However, his brilliant century came in a losing cause as New Zealand won the match and clinched the series 2-1.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Hails Virat Kohli as India's Best ODI Batter

  • Pathan lauds Kohli's decade-long dominance
  • Kohli scores 54th ODI century in Indore
  • Century comes in a series-deciding loss to NZ
  • Kohli's runs scored under four different captains
2 min read

Virat Kohli remains India's best ODI batter after over a decade, says Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan praises Virat Kohli's longevity and consistency, calling him India's best ODI batter for over a decade after his 54th ODI century.

"Now, 10 years later in 2026, people are still calling Virat Kohli the best batter in India's ODI side. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, January 19

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded the star batter Virat Kohli after his 54th ODI century in the third and final ODI of the recently-concluded three-match series against New Zealand on Sunday at Indore's Holkar Stadium, and called Kohli India's best ODI batter.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan praised Kohli's consistency and longevity, noting that for over a decade, from 2013 to 2026, he has consistently been regarded as India's best ODI batter. He highlighted that Kohli has scored runs under multiple captains, including MS Dhoni, himself, Rohit Sharma, and now Shubman Gill.

"Virat Kohli once again showed why he is such a great player. Back in 2013, when I was also playing, people used to say Virat Kohli is the best batter in the Indian team currently. In 2016, people also used to call him the best batter in the Indian team. Now, 10 years later in 2026, people are still calling Virat Kohli the best batter in India's ODI side. There's no doubt about it. He scored runs under MS Dhoni's captaincy, under his own captaincy, under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, and now under young Shubman Gill's captaincy too," Pathan said.

Pathan also praised Virat Kohli's enduring fitness and consistency, calling him a "Run Machine" and noting that he continues to score centuries.

"Another 100 for Virat 'Run Machine' Kohli. When we saw Virat Kohli's fitness, the way he runs, there's absolutely no change in his fitness. In fact, it looks like he has only gotten better. He plays, scores runs and repeats. Unfortunately, the century came in the losing cause, but it was a magnificent century, nonetheless," the former Indian cricketer said.

Kohli scored his 85th international century as he scored 124 runs off 108 balls while chasing the 338-run target, posted by New Zealand. Kohli's ton comes as his fourth hundred in his last eight 50-over innings, including one in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Unfortunately, Kohli's century came in the losing cause as New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the series-decider to clinch the series 2-1.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching Kohli bat is pure joy. His fitness at this stage of his career is an inspiration for athletes everywhere. That running between the wickets is still top-class!
R
Rohit P
While I respect Kohli's achievements, I feel we sometimes overlook the contributions of others. Players like Rohit Sharma have also been phenomenal in ODIs. Just a thought for balanced appreciation.
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Priya S
The man is a run machine indeed! 54 ODI centuries... that number itself gives me goosebumps. Hope he continues for a few more years. We are so lucky to witness his career.
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Vikram M
It's sad his century came in a losing cause. The team needs to support him better. One man can't win every match. Bowling and fielding let us down in that decider.
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Michael C
As a cricket fan from abroad, Kohli's longevity is remarkable. To be the best in your country for over a decade in such a competitive sport is a testament to his skill and dedication. Respect.

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