When you pass Sachin, you know where this man stands...': Sunil Gavaskar settles Kohli vs Tendulkar debate after Virat's 52nd ODI century

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lavished praise on Virat Kohli after the 37-year-old notched up his 52nd century in the 50-over format to break the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record. The modern-day great Kohli achieved the feat during the first ODI between India and South Africa on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli

Kohli, who completed his 83rd century in international cricket, has surpassed cricketing god Sachin Tendulkar's mark of 51 Test centuries to become the batter with the most centuries in a single format of the sport. He also surpassed Sachin in two more aspects, registering his sixth ODI ton against South Africa, outdoing Sachin and David Warner.

Speaking on JioStar during the mid-innings break, the legendary cricketer said, “Those who’ve played with Virat Kohli and against him, they all agree that he’s the greatest of ODIs. Ricky Ponting also rated him as the GOAT. It’s very tough to get appreciation from Australians. When you pass Sachin, you know where this man stands.”

Kohli's last ODI century

Kohli, who already retired from Tests and T20Is, has smashed an ODI century after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His last international century came against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

ALSO READ: BCCI clears the air on talks around Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Test retirement u-turn

ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir's picture of hugging Virat Kohli goes viral after run-machine smashed 83rd International century in 1st ODI vs South Africa

Virat Kohli's international centuries

Virat Kohli now has 83 international centuries, with 30 in Test matches, 52 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 1 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He is the second-highest scorer of international centuries behind Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli's last outing in India

Kohli, who has shifted to London along with his family, is playing cricket in India after the Indian Premier League. His last outing in India came in the final of the 18th edition of the cash-rich league, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the title decider to win their maiden title. The modern-day great completed his 52nd ODI century in 102 balls and his knock included seven fours and five sixes.