India — With a decisive 135-run innings that broke one of cricket's most sacred records, Virat Kohli has not only rewritten history but also prompted one of the game's greatest authorities to settle a long-running debate. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, speaking during the first One-Day International between India and South Africa on Sunday, declared Kohli the greatest batsman in ODI history, a verdict anchored by the player's unprecedented 52nd century in the format and a powerful endorsement from Australian great Ricky Ponting.

The momentous knock at JSCA International Stadium Complex saw Kohli surpass his idol Sachin Tendulkar's once-seemingly unreachable mark of 51 ODI hundreds. For Gavaskar, this statistical leap was the final piece of evidence in a career defined by relentless consistency and match-winning prowess. "I don't think there's any doubt about that," Gavaskar said on the broadcast. "It's not just me. Those who have played with him and against him all agree that he is the greatest in the one-day format".

The Weight of a Record and the Voice of a Rival

Gavaskar’s argument rests on a multi-faceted foundation, beginning with the sheer, staggering weight of Kohli's achievement. He described the tally of 52 ODI centuries as a number that places a player "right up there in the stratosphere," a realm occupied by only the most iconic figures of the sport. This milestone was achieved in Kohli's 290th ODI, showcasing a strike rate and volume of centuries unmatched in the game's history.

To bolster his case beyond national bias, Gavaskar invoked the opinion of one of cricket's fiercest competitors: former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, known for his exacting standards, had previously stated he has "not seen a better player" than Kohli in ODI cricket. Gavaskar emphasized the significance of this, noting, "It is rare—very rare—to get praise from an Australian. So if an Australian says he's the best, then there's no argument". This external validation from a legendary rival captain provides a global seal of approval on Kohli's status.

Contextualizing Greatness Across Eras

The declaration inevitably invites comparison with Sachin Tendulkar, the "God of Cricket" whose records defined a generation. Gavaskar was careful to contextualize rather than diminish Tendulkar's legacy. "Sachin has been absolutely right up there with 51 hundreds," he stated. "But when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand". He suggested that surpassing this particular pinnacle leaves Kohli in a rarefied position, noting it is "almost lonely at the top at the moment".

Analysts often highlight the contrasting challenges of their respective eras. Tendulkar carried the hopes of a nation for nearly a quarter-century, facing legendary bowlers often without the same depth of batting support. Kohli, meanwhile, has thrived in a far more congested calendar, balancing three demanding formats under intense modern scrutiny and higher general scoring rates. His average of 57.88 significantly outstrips Tendulkar's 44.83, underscoring a different kind of dominance.

More Than Numbers: The Mind of a Modern Great

Beyond statistics, Gavaskar pointed to Kohli's cerebral approach to batting as the key to his sustained excellence. He explained that Kohli's success stems from an unshakeable understanding of his own game and a refusal to copy others. "He understands his game very well, that's the key," Gavaskar said. "You've got to know what is your strength as a batter... This is my strength, I know this is what I can do well and you stick to that. And that's what Kohli does".

This was evident in his Ranchi century. Gavaskar noted that while his partner Rohit Sharma attacked the off-spinner with powerful shots to the leg side, Kohli trusted his own method, playing with a straight bat through the off-side. He is "the type of batter who can’t go bang-bang straight away," Gavaskar observed, instead building his innings on immaculate placement in the "V" between mid-off and mid-on, and unparalleled running between the wickets. This technical discipline, combined with legendary fitness, allows him to construct innings that consistently translate into team victories.

A Legacy of Winning and Looking Ahead

This focus on team success is a critical part of Kohli's resume. Analytical comparisons show that a remarkable 84.31% of his ODI centuries have resulted in Indian victories, a win conversion rate notably higher than that of his predecessors. His record as a captain also bolsters his all-around impact, with historic series wins abroad cementing his transformative role in Indian cricket's competitive identity.

With this record secured, the question turns to what remains. Having retired from Test and T20 International cricket, the 37-year-old Kohli has stated his focus is squarely on the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Tendulkar's overall runs record of 18,426 remains a distant target, Ponting himself has refused to rule out Kohli's chase, citing his physical fitness and enduring hunger.

For now, the verdict from one of India's original batting icons is clear. By scaling and surpassing the summit established by Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli has, in the eyes of Sunil Gavaskar and a chorus of his peers, earned the right to be called the greatest ODI batsman of all time. The debate may continue in living rooms and on social media, but in the record books and in the opinions of those who shaped the game, a new king of the one-day realm has been crowned.