Virat Kohli not a ‘great’? Viv Richards drops a bold verdict

Virat Kohli’s remarkable journey at the highest level is a testament to fight and hard work, and West Indies legend Viv Richards has acknowledged the Indian superstar’s unwavering spirit and never-give-up attitude. Richards, who is also a cricketing icon, admired how Virat Kohli embraces challenges and rises above setbacks with sheer determination.

Kohli was going through a tough phase with critics questioning his form and place in the Indian cricket team, but he yet again turned things around in spectacular fashion. He announced his arrival to his form with a match-winning unbeaten century against Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which was a reminder of why he is one of the greatest batters.

Virat Kohli’s comeback earns high praise from Viv Richards

Recently, Viv Richards praised Virat Kohli's incredible ability to rise from setbacks while highlighting his fighting spirit and passion for the game. The legendary cricketer acknowledged that not every player can recover from tough phases, but Kohli always does it in style, and that makes him a true legend.

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Viv Richards was quoted as saying by India Today, “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.”

He's able to go through bad times, says Viv Richards

He also believes that Kohli’s ability to shine under pressure makes him different from the rest. He noted that true legends aren’t just those who dominate when things are easy, but those who fight back when the odds are against them. Richards added Kohli’s hunger for success and ability to silence his doubters have cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.

Richards signed off by saying, “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 all the bad times become good.”

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Virat Kohli becomes the first cricketer to play 300 ODIs, 100 Tests, and 100 T20Is

Notably, Kohli is currently playing in India’s last group match against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. However, the right-handed batter failed to continue his momentum and was dismissed for 11 runs in his 300th ODI match on Sunday.

Kohli etched his name in cricket history by becoming the seventh Indian and 18th player overall to achieve this milestone, which is coincidentally his 200th ODI against New Zealand. He also achieved one more feat, becoming the first cricketer to play 300 ODIs after already featuring in 100 Tests and 100 T20Is.

While other players (Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ricky Ponting, Wasim Akram, MS Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan, R. Dravid, Mohammad Azharuddin, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jacques Kallis, Steve Waugh, Chaminda Vaas, Sourav Ganguly, Aravinda de Silva, Yuvraj Singh, Shaun Pollock, and Chris Gayle) have reached the 300-ODI mark, none of them have achieved this unique milestone across all three formats except for Kohli.