Fans around the world are waiting anxiously for the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup, which will kickstart tomorrow with a high-voltage clash between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the tournament, veteran Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has named three players, including two Indian players, who are the ‘three greatest ODI batters of all time’ according to him.
The cricketing world has witnessed some extraordinary batsmen gracing the 50-over format, over the last few decades. And for Dinesh Karthik, Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli along with the West Indies great Viv Richards are the three greatest ODI batters of all time.
Dinesh Karthik Picks His Top Three Greatest ODI Batsmen Of All Time
DK showered praise on the three all-time greats of the sport and mentioned that while people talk about the numbers, their real legacy lies in the fact that they stood the test of time over the course of their careers. He said:
“Everybody will speak about his numbers. For me, he ( Virat Kohli) is the greatest ODI batter, along with Sir Vivian Richards and Sachin Tendulkar. These three have stood the test of time and have done things which have been trendsetting,”
He added:
“I know him (Virat Kohli) on a personal level. We have had so many meals together with our families as well. The one thing I’ve always looked at is how big a personality he has become and post Anushka Sharma walking into his life, the kind of decisions he has taken and how he has become a consummate professional.”
DK Hailed Virat Kohli For Bringing Fitness Revolution
Dinesh Karthik also heaped praises on Virat Kohli for bringing a revolution in team India in terms of fitness. He said:
“Yes, he brought a lot to Team India in terms of fitness, and that was his biggest mark. People are going to speak about Virat Kohli’s great records, and in the same breath, they will speak about the consummate professional he is off the field,”
He added: “I have hardly seen him eat a cheat meal in the time that I have spent with him, and he was somebody who loved his biryani and non-veg. Today, he has gone on the other side, where he is all about fitness to the point that he measures his meals. That tells you that he has taken a leaf out of some of the greats in the world. We are talking about the Ronaldos and the Muhammad Alis who have shown what discipline and dedication can do to sport,”
