Cricket has been blessed with several batting masters, but few names resonate as deeply as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Laraand Virat Kohli. Sachin, known as ‘The Master Blaster’, has redefined the art of batting with his longevity and versatility. Lara, ‘The Prince of Trinidad’, wowed fans with his style and record-breaking entrances.
Similarly, Kohli, the modern titan, brings unmatched energy, consistency and adaptability across all formats of cricket. The debate over who is supreme among these legends has been reignited by none other than Justin Langerformer Australian cricketer and coach, who has now weighed in on his personal choice.
Justin Langer picks the best hitter he’s ever seen
In a statement that sparked a fresh wave of discussions, Langer declared superstar Kohli the greatest batsman he had ever seen. Langer recognized the greatness of legends like Tendulkar, Ricky Pontingand Lara, even noting that he would pay to see Lara bat. However, the former Australian coach stressed that if it came to betting his life and his last dollar on a batsman, Kohli’s incomparable skill and composure under pressure would make him the best option.
“You asked me, Mark, why I said yesterday that Virat Kohli is the best player I have ever seen in my life. There were some raised eyebrows, but it really is. We are talking about Sachin… What a player. It was one of the privileges of my life to play against Sachin Tendulkar and, of course, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. If I had my last rupee or my last dollar, I would pay to see Brian Lara bat, but if I had my life and my last dollar, and both together, I would have Virat Kohli bat for me.” Langer said while commentating on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India.
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The trio comparison.
Sachin Tendulkar – With 100 international centuries, Tendulkar’s legacy is built on an incredible ability to adapt to any conditions, making him a legend not only in statistics but also 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 of 400 not out in Test cricket, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and ability to score big. His elegance at the crease and his ability to change games with his bat have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Virat Kohli – The Kohli era is defined by his physical fitness, mental toughness and relentless pursuit of excellence. His consistency in Test, ODI and T20 cricket, combined with his aggressive captaincy, has set new standards. Langer’s preference for Kohli could be seen as a recognition of how modern cricket values these attributes, especially in an era when players are expected to excel in all formats.