Australian rules football players pick Virat Kohli as cricket's GOAT

Athletes from beyond the cricket world are taking note. Australian rules Football League players have discussed the greatness of Virat Kohli, praising not just his game but also his aura, with several naming him the greatest cricketer of all time in a video that has circulated online. The recognition underscores how Kohli's influence extends far beyond cricket fans and into sporting circles globally.

Kohli's 18-year ODI career spans 313 matches in which he has collected 14,797 runs at an average of 58.53 with 54 centuries, the highest tally by any batter in the format. No batter has reached every 1,000-run milestone from 8,000 to 14,000 runs in fewer innings than Kohli, who surpassed the benchmarks that Tendulkar had set. The consistency across all formats distinguishes him from his peers. His international record comprises 30 Test centuries, 54 in ODIs and a sole T20I ton, totalling 85 across all three formats.

On the field, Kohli has been delivering performances that reinforce such accolades. The India batter made 65 off 66 deliveries during the second ODI against England at Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, 2026. With that knock, Kohli registered his 33rd score of 50 or more against England, surpassing the 32 registered by Sachin Tendulkar. The innings came during a challenging phase when India had lost early wickets, yet Kohli anchored the middle order with composed batting.

Kohli's milestones extend beyond the Tendulkar record

Kohli hit his 78th half-century in the process, departing after setting the tone for the middle order batters to take over. These achievements represent milestones that cement his standing among the elite. India won the first ODI at Birmingham by six wickets, with England posting 258 and India chasing it down in 45.2 overs, scoring 262 for four. The series now stands level 1-1 after England claimed victory in Cardiff. The third and final match will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Lord's, where India will aim to reclaim the lead in the three-match contest.