Cricket has been blessed with several batsmen, but few names resonate so deeply. Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Laraand Virat Kohli. Known as the ‘Master Blaster’, Sachin has redefined batting with his longevity and versatility. Lara, the ‘Prince of Trinidad’, wowed fans with her talent and record-breaking shots.
Similarly, the modern titan Kohli brings unmatched energy, consistency and adaptability across all cricket formats. No one else has ignited the debate about who is superior among these legends Justin Langerthe former Australian cricketer and coach has now weighed in with his personal choice.
Justin Langer picks the best batter he sees
In a statement that sparked a new wave of debate, Langer declared superstar Kohli as the best batter he had ever seen. Langer acknowledged the greatness of legends like Tendulkar, Ricky Pontingand Lara even mentioned that she would pay to watch Lara the bat. However, the former Aussie coach stressed that if it came down to betting his life and his last dollar on a shell, Kohli’s unmatched skill and composure under pressure would make him the last choice.
“You asked me Mark why yesterday I said Virat Kohli is the best player I have ever seen. There were a few raised eyebrows, but that’s about it. Speaking of hair… What a player. It was one of the privileges of my life to play with Sachin Tendulkar and of course Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. If I had my last rupee or my last dollar, I would pay to watch Brian Lara bat, but if I had my life and my last dollar and both of them together, I would bat for Virat Kohli.” Langer said while commenting on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India.
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A comparison of the three
Sachin Tendulkar – With 100 international centuries, Tendulkar’s legacy is built on an incredible ability to adapt to any situation, making him a legend not only in statistics but also in spirit. His influence goes beyond the game, inspiring countless cricketers, including Kohli himself.
Brian Lara – Lara’s contribution to cricket is often highlighted by his record of not reaching 400 in Test cricket, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and ability to score big. His elegance at the crease and ability to turn games with the bat left an indelible mark on the sport.
Virat Kohli – Kohli’s era is defined by his physical fitness, mental toughness and relentless pursuit of excellence. His consistency in Test, ODI and T20 cricket, along with his aggressive captaincy, set new standards. Langer’s preference for Kohli can be seen as an acknowledgment of how modern cricket values these attributes, especially in an age where players will excel in all formats.
