Virat Kohli better than Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara?

Former Australia cricketer and head coach Justin Langer has come forward to reaffirm his belief that Virat Kohli remains the best batter in world cricket, despite the star player's recent struggles in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Langer's remarks come amidst mounting criticism of Kohli, who has faced a lean patch following his brilliant century in Perth during the first Test of the series. Since that sparkling performance, Kohli has failed to make a significant impact with the bat in the second and third Tests, leaving fans and experts questioning his form. The scrutiny intensified during the fourth Test when Kohli was dismissed after scoring just 36 runs in the first innings, further amplifying the chatter around his perceived decline.

Despite the noise, Langer stood firm in his admiration for the Indian batting maestro, emphasizing that a few underwhelming innings do not diminish Kohli's stature or abilities. Langer highlighted Kohli's proven track record and ability to perform under pressure, which has consistently set him apart as one of the greatest batters in the modern era. Kohli's recent form may have raised eyebrows, but Langer's comments serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of cricket, where even the best players face periods of struggle. With the series delicately poised, Kohli will look to silence his critics and rediscover the rhythm that has made him one of the most feared batters in international cricket.

While providing commentary during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Justin Langer addressed an intriguing query posed by fellow commentator Mark Waugh. Waugh asked Langer why he would place his life and last dollar on Virat Kohli, despite having had the privilege of playing alongside or competing against legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara during his illustrious career.

Langer responded with unwavering conviction, highlighting Kohli's unmatched skill set, competitive spirit, and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. He emphasized that while Tendulkar and Lara were undisputed icons of the game, Kohli’s consistency across formats, combined with his ability to inspire his team, makes him a standout in the modern era. Langer also pointed out Kohli's relentless work ethic and mental toughness, which have played a crucial role in his evolution as a batter capable of delivering match-winning performances on the global stage.

“You asked me Mark why I said yesterday that Virat Kohli is the best player that I have ever seen. There were a few raised eyebrows, but he actually is. We talk about Sachin, what a player. It was one of the privileges of my life to play against Sachin Tendulkar and, of course, with Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. If I had my last rupee or my last dollar, I would pay to watch Brian Lara bat, but if I had my life and my last dollar, and both of them together, I would have Virat Kohli batting for me,” former Aussie cricketer Justin Langer said while commentating on air.

Justin Langer further elaborated on his reasoning by emphasizing Virat Kohli’s extraordinary arsenal of shots and technical brilliance. The former Australian cricketer pointed out that Kohli’s ability to dominate bowlers across all formats stems from his remarkable skill set, which includes a wide range of strokes executed with precision and elegance. Whether it's his textbook cover drive, powerful flicks, or audacious lofted shots, Kohli’s batting repertoire is as diverse as it is effective.

Langer also highlighted Kohli’s supreme fitness and mental resilience, which enable him to maintain peak performance even under intense pressure. Beyond his prowess with the bat, Kohli’s leadership qualities further set him apart as one of the most influential cricketers of the modern era. His ability to inspire and rally his team during challenging situations speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game. Kohli’s work ethic and focus on physical and mental discipline have not only elevated his own game but also set a benchmark for younger players to follow. For Langer, these attributes make Kohli a complete package—a player who combines talent, determination, and leadership to consistently excel at the highest level of cricket.

“The reason why I say that is not because of the expansive shots, his cover drives or his hook shots. But you just saw, the way he is watching the ball, his running between the wicket, his fielding, his gladiatorial style of leadership,” Langer concluded.