Former Australian cricketer and head coach Justin Langer has played alongside and against some of the greatest names in cricket history. Yet, he holds Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli above all others, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Steve Waugh. Langer’s high praise came during his commentary on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test, where he declared that Kohli is the best batter he has ever seen.
Langer’s Bold Statement: Kohli Above All Legends
Speaking during the fourth Test between India and Australia, Langer backed his claim with conviction: “We talk about Sachin Tendulkar – what an incredible player. It was one of the greatest honors of my career to play against him, and also with players like Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara. If I had my last rupee or dollar, I’d pay to watch Lara bat. But if my life depended on it, or if I had to bet my last dollar, I’d want Virat Kohli to bat for me.”
Kohli’s Gladiatorial Leadership and Fitness Set Him Apart
This is not the first time Langer has referred to Kohli as the greatest of all time. His admiration dates back to the 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Kohli produced a century in Perth and an electrifying 82 at the MCG. Langer’s appreciation was documented in the Amazon Prime series The Test, where he called Kohli the best player he’s ever witnessed.
Explaining his reasoning, Langer emphasized Kohli’s overall impact on the game: “It’s not just about his cover drives or hook shots. It’s the way he watches the ball, his sharp running between the wickets, his athletic fielding, and his gladiator-like leadership. His elite fitness levels and consistency speak volumes. The numbers don’t lie, and Kohli’s statistics solidify his place as the best I’ve ever seen.”
Kohli’s Boxing Day Test Performance
Despite Langer’s admiration, Kohli’s performance on Day 2 ended in frustration. After a composed 36 off 86 balls, Kohli was dismissed chasing a delivery outside off-stump. He had showcased immense restraint during his innings, forging a 103-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, Jaiswal’s run-out triggered a collapse for India, who slid from 153/2 to 164/5 in the final session of the day.
The Bigger Picture
Langer’s unwavering praise highlights Kohli’s extraordinary influence on the game, not just through his batting but also his all-around approach to cricket. For Langer, Kohli embodies the spirit of modern cricket, combining skill, fitness, and leadership in a way that places him in a league of his own.
