Cricket has been blessed with several batting maestros, but few names resonate as profoundly as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Virat Kohli. Sachin, known as ‘The Master Blaster’, has redefined the art of batting with his longevity and versatility. Lara, ‘The Prince of Trinidad’, enthralled fans with his flair and record-breaking innings.
Similarly, Kohli, the modern-day titan, brings unmatched energy, consistency, and adaptability across all cricket formats. The debate over who stands supreme among these legends has been reignited by none other than Justin Langer, a former Australian cricketer and coach, who has now weighed in with his personal choice.
Justin Langer picks the best batter he has seen
In a statement that has sparked a fresh wave of discussions, Langer has declared superstar Kohli as the best batter he has ever seen. Langer acknowledged the greatness of legends like Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Lara, even noting he would pay to watch Lara bat. However, the former Aussie coach emphasized that if it came to betting his life and last dollar on a batter, Kohli’s unmatched skill and composure under pressure would make him the ultimate choice.
“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,” said Langer while commentating on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India.
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The comparison of the trio
Sachin Tendulkar – With 100 international centuries, Tendulkar’s legacy is built on an incredible ability to adapt to any condition, making him a legend not just in statistics but in spirit. His influence extends beyond the game, inspiring countless cricketers, including Kohli himself.
Brian Lara – Lara’s contribution to cricket is often highlighted by his record-breaking 400 not out in Test cricket, showcasing his extraordinary talent and capacity for big scores. His elegance at the crease and ability to turn games around with his bat have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Virat Kohli – Kohli’s era is defined by his fitness, mental toughness, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His consistency across Test, ODI, and T20 cricket, combined with his aggressive captaincy, has set new standards. Langer’s preference for Kohli might be seen as an acknowledgment of how modern cricket values these attributes, especially in an age where players are expected to excel in all formats.