Sunil Gavaskar vs Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli: And the verdict is… | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Comparing Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli is like comparing legends from three distinct eras of cricket. Each has left an indelible mark on the game in their unique way.
Sunil Gavaskar played at a time when the format of Test cricket was predominant and ODIs were limited. Gavaskar’s mastery against fast bowling in an era without helmets, exceptional technique, and consistency is stuff of legends.
Gavaskar was the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket and he retired with 34 Test centuries to his name, a world record at that time.
Gavaskar played a pivotal role in earning respect for Indian cricket in the 1970s and ’80s and was the bedrock of India’s batting during a time when pitches were bowler-friendly, and helmets were unheard of. His performances against the fearsome West Indies pace attack were iconic.

Sachin Tendulkar excelled in both Tests and ODIs; saw the advent of T20 cricket. Tendulkar’s versatility, adaptability, and unmatched ability to dominate bowlers across conditions and formats made him one of the greatest batsmen to play the game.
Tendulkar retired with most runs in both Tests and ODIs and became the first cricketer to get to 100 international hundreds and was also a key player in India’s 2011 World Cup victory.
Tendulkar became the face of Indian cricket during the 1990s and early 2000s, inspiring an entire generation. He was revered for his consistency and longevity in a highly demanding cricketing landscape.
Virat Kohli has excelled in all three formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Known as the chase master, Kohli’s aggressive mindset, and ability to adapt to the modern demands of fitness and power cricket make him a modern-day great.
With over 25,000 international runs across formats, most centuries in ODI chases, Kohli revitalized India’s Test cricket ethos with aggressive leadership and redefined modern cricket standards with his fitness and intensity.
Under Kohli’s captaincy, India became a dominant Test side. His dominance in limited-overs formats, particularly in chasing, is unparalleled.
And now a video is viral on which Gavaskar is asked during a talk show who was better Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli or him (Gavaskar).
Gavaskar replies after pausing for a moment, “I think everybody was very good, but I think Gary Sobers was the best.”
With a puzzled look and a smile, the co-host who had asked the question says, “Yeah I’m glad, but I didn’t give him that as an option.”
Gavaskar adds, “Yeah, I know that, that’s where the dry comes in.”
Another co-host chips in light-heartedly, “Don’t get frustrated with the guest on Drip Tray. He gave you his answer and that’s his answer.”
The first co-host adds, “Well, I’m not coming to dinner now.” And his reply even invokes a beaming smile from Gavaskar.

For the record, Sir Garfield Sobers is often regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, who transcended his era with his incredible versatility and match-winning ability.
Sobers scored 26 Test centuries, including a then-world record unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, which remained unbeaten for 36 years.
Sobers was the ultimate all-rounder, equally adept at winning matches with bat, ball, or in the field and in 1968, became the first cricketer to hit six sixes in an over in a first-class match, playing for Nottinghamshire.
Sobers was one of the first truly global cricketing superstars, admired for his sportsmanship and grace on and off the field.