Legendary West Indies batter Viv Richards reserved highest praise for India's Virat Kohli ahead of his 300th ODI. Kohli is set to make his 300th ODI appearance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against New Zealand in Dubai on March 2. Richards has lauded Kohli for overcoming his problems and answer the critics by scoring an unbeaten century in the high-voltage encounter against Pakistan on February 23. Richards went on to give Kohli 'legendary' status.
"I think he answers all of us really. I guess he had to work up before these ODIs. He wasn't doing that well, and then he came back in magnificent form. So that is a true testament to the character that we're speaking about, and this is why I put him in the category of being great and legendary," Richards told India Today during a media interaction for the International Masters League (IML) T20 2025.
"It's not all the time that you get players who - when they are down, can come back. But it's just his fighting spirit, the energy, the passion to do well, that's why I put them up there with the very best. He's able to go through bad times and then to all the bad times, they become good," the Governing Council Member of IML added.
Kohli scored his 51st ODI century and was happy with the way he contributed to the team. After a break, India are facing Mitchell Santner's New Zealand in Dubai. A win will ensure India finish on top and face Australia in the semifinal. If India lose, they will lock horns with South Africa.
New Zealand's Phillips hails Kohli
Kohli has been hailed by opposition player Glenn Phillips as well. Phillips has shared the dressing room at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
“Obviously, he's an incredible player. And to know him a little bit personally myself is awesome," said Phillips in the pre-match press conference.
"He's an incredibly hard worker, and what he's done for the sport, but also for Indian cricket and also people coming through the game as youngsters now is absolutely fantastic."
Phillips talked about Kohli's legacy and his ability to inspire people.
“I think his legacy going forward will be remembered for a long time, inspiring a lot of people. And 300 ODIs, that's a big feat, especially in today's age, where one-day cricket isn't played as often as it used to be. So, it's really cool for him,” he added.
Another century to break Ponting, Sehwag's record
If Kohli scores another century, he will break former Australia captain Ricky Ponting and former teammate Virender Sehwag's record for most ODI centuries against New Zealand.
