Virat Kohli is Greater Than Sachin, Brian Lara: Reasons Shared by Former Australian Cricketer

Amid ongoing criticism of Indian star batter Virat Kohli due to his lackluster performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the preceding Test series against New Zealand, former Australian cricketer and IPL Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer has praised Kohli lavishly. Langer has declared Kohli as the greatest batter in cricket history, surpassing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.

"If asked to name the best batter in my lifetime, I would undoubtedly say Virat Kohli. Playing against legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Brian Lara has been a privilege for me. If I had one last dollar, I would spend it to watch Brian Lara bat. But if I had plenty of money, I would spend it watching Virat bat for the rest of my life," Langer said, showering Kohli with high praise.

Langer justified his admiration by noting that his appreciation is not limited to Kohli’s elegant cover drives, hook shots, or overall stroke play. Instead, he emphasized Kohli’s ability to read the ball, his running between the wickets, fielding prowess, and leadership qualities. Langer also lauded Kohli’s unparalleled fitness levels, asserting that no player matches his dedication in this aspect.

"The statistics he has achieved speak volumes about the kind of player he is. No one can argue with his numbers. This is why I consider him the greatest player I’ve ever seen," Langer added.

These comments were made during the second day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Langer served as a commentator. Despite his previous century in the Perth Test, Kohli has yet to deliver another notable innings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.