Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it is a passion, a way of life, and for many, a religion with its pantheon of legends. At the pinnacle stands Sachin Tendulkar, universally acclaimed as the “God of Cricket” for his extraordinary achievements and the profound impact he has had on the game. Yet, as the years have passed and new heroes have risen, the cricketing world has increasingly turned its attention to the question: who is the second god of cricket?
Virat Kohli has emerged as the most prominent contender for the title of second god of cricket. His credentials are formidable: he is the only cricketer to score more than 50 ODI centuries, surpassing even Tendulkar’s record, and has amassed 82 international centuries—second only to Tendulkar himself.
Kohli’s influence extends beyond statistics; his leadership, fitness, and relentless pursuit of excellence have redefined modern cricket.
Today we will comprehensively analyze the credentials of Virat Kohli, who has emerged as a formidable contender for this revered title.
Virat Kohli’s Domestic and International Records
A. Test Cricket Records
Virat Kohli has established himself as one of the premier batsmen in modern Test cricket. As of 2025, he has played 111 Test matches, scoring 8,583 runs at an impressive average of 48.93, with 29 centuries—including 7 double centuries. Recent standout performances include a score of 123 against Australia in 2023, 186 against England in 2024, and a monumental 254 against South Africa in 2025, underscoring his ability to dominate top bowling attacks. His consistency and resilience in the longest format have made him a strong contender for the title of “who is the second god of cricket.”
B. ODI Records
Kohli’s ODI career is nothing short of legendary. He holds the record for the most centuries in ODI chases and has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 49 ODI centuries, now standing at 51 as of 2025. His ability to anchor innings and chase down targets with remarkable consistency makes him one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
C. T20I Records
In T20 Internationals, Kohli has set benchmarks for adaptability and run-scoring. Although he has retired from T20Is, his records—including the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history—remain untouched. His ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles has made him indispensable in the shortest format.
D. IPL Records
Virat Kohli is a cornerstone of the Indian Premier League, especially for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He became the first player to score 9,000 T20 runs for a single franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 final. Kohli’s leadership and batting have consistently placed him among the top run-scorers, and his passion for the game continues to inspire millions.
E. Other Domestic Records
Beyond international and IPL cricket, Kohli has excelled in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, showcasing his dedication and consistency across all formats. His performances at every level have cemented his status as a charismatic modern cricket icon.
Kohli’s Leadership and Captaincy
A. Indian Test Team Captaincy Stats
Kohli became India’s Test captain in 2014, leading the team to unprecedented success.
Under his leadership, India won their first-ever Test series in Australia (2018–19), ended a long drought in Sri Lanka and the West Indies, and dominated at home with 11 consecutive home series wins.
He also led India to the top of the ICC Test rankings and to the World Test Championship final in 2021. With 40 wins in 68 matches, he is India’s most successful Test captain.
Kohli is remembered for his aggressive batting, match-defining centuries across all conditions, and for transforming India’s Test team into a dominant force globally.
B. Indian ODI and T20I Captaincy Stats
Virat Kohli served as captain of the Indian ODI and T20I teams with remarkable success, although he did not secure an ICC title during his tenure.
ODI Captaincy
- Tenure: Kohli captained India in 95 ODIs from 2013 to 2021.
- Win Record: He led India to 65 victories, making him the fourth most successful Indian ODI captain, with a win rate of 68.42%.
- Key Achievements:
- First Indian captain to win an ODI series in South Africa (2018), where India won 5-115.
- Strong home and away performances, making India a dominant force in the format2.
- Personal Batting: As captain, Kohli scored 5,549 runs at an average of 72.65, with 21 centuries—the most by any Indian ODI captain.
- Setbacks: India exited the 2019 World Cup in the semifinals and lost the 2017 Champions Trophy final to Pakistan.
T20I Captaincy
- Tenure: Kohli captained India in 50 T20Is.
- Win Record: He led India to 30 wins, a win rate of 64.58%.
- Key Achievements:
- Won T20I series in every SENA country (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), including a 5-0 whitewash in New Zealand.
- India’s highest run-scorer as T20I captain (1,570 runs).
- Setbacks: India exited the 2020 T20 World Cup in the Super 12 stage after losses to Pakistan and New Zealand.
Summary Table
| Format | Matches as Captain | Wins | Win % | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 95 | 65 | 68.42 | Series win in SA, 21 captaincy tons, dominant home/away record |
| T20I | 50 | 30 | 64.58 | Series wins in all SENA countries, 5-0 whitewash in NZ |
Kohli’s captaincy in both formats was marked by aggressive leadership, record-breaking personal performances, and a legacy of making India a dominant force globally, even though he did not win an ICC trophy as captain.
C. IPL Captaincy for RCB
Leading RCB for over a decade, Kohli’s captaincy has been praised for his ability to inspire and motivate his team. While RCB has yet to win an IPL title under his leadership, his commitment and leadership qualities have earned widespread respect from fans and experts alike.
D. Praise from Experts for His Leadership Skills
Cricket experts and former players consistently commend Kohli for his proactive, innovative approach to captaincy. His ability to lead by example both on and off the field—has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and a strong candidate for the title of “who is second god of cricket.”
Comparison with Other Contenders
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, the legendary former Australian captain, remains a leading contender in discussions about who is the second god of cricket in world. Ponting’s credentials are exceptional: he is the most successful captain in international cricket history, with 220 wins in 324 matches and a win rate of 67.91%. He led Australia to back-to-back ICC World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007, and also secured consecutive ICC Champions Trophy titles in 2006 and 2009. Ponting’s batting prowess is equally impressive—he ranks third all-time for international centuries, behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. His aggressive leadership and ability to dominate in all formats make him a worthy rival to Kohli’s claim for the title.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith continues to be a standout among contemporary cricketers, especially in Test cricket. As of 2025, Smith has surpassed 10,000 Test runs and boasts 36 Test centuries, making him one of the most prolific batsmen of his generation. His unconventional technique and remarkable consistency have earned him comparisons with Kohli, and their rivalry has added a compelling dimension to modern cricket. Smith’s recent performances, including a half-century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, highlight his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. He has also led Australia as Test captain and remains a key figure for the national side.
Other Indian Players
Indian cricket has produced a host of iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Sunil Gavaskar, with his pioneering Test records, Rahul Dravid’s unwavering resilience, Anil Kumble’s match-winning spin, and Kapil Dev’s all-round brilliance have all contributed to India’s cricketing legacy.
Each of these legends commands a devoted fan base and has shaped the game in unique ways. However, Kohli’s all-format dominance, leadership legacy, and record-breaking achievements (both financially and onfield) particularly in ODIs and T20s position him as a leading contender among these greats in the modern era.
Sachin vs Virat
Lets compare how these two legends stack up against each other stats wise.
Here is a detailed stats table comparing Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar across major formats, based on their full careers and the latest available data as of 2025:
| Category | Sachin Tendulkar | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 200 | 123 |
| Test Runs | 15,921 | 9,230 |
| Test Batting Avg | 53.78 | 46.85 |
| Test 100s / 50s | 51 / 68 | 30 / 31 |
| Test Highest Score | 248* | 254* |
| Test Double 100s | 6 | 7 |
| ODI Matches | 463 | 292 |
| ODI Runs | 18,426 | 14,181 |
| ODI Batting Avg | 44.83 | 57.88 |
| ODI 100s / 50s | 49 / 96 | 51 / 74 |
| ODI Highest Score | 200* | 183 |
| T20I Matches | 1 | 115 |
| T20I Runs | 10 | 4,188 |
| T20I Batting Avg | 10.00 | 52.73 |
| T20I 100s / 50s | 0 / 0 | 1 / 39 |
| T20I Highest Score | 10 | 122* |
Notes:
- Test stats: Sachin has played more matches and scored more runs overall, but Kohli has a higher highest score and more double centuries.
- ODI stats: Sachin has more matches and total runs, but Kohli has a higher batting average and more centuries (Sachin’s 49 vs Kohli’s 51, as per recent updates).
- T20I stats: Kohli dominates this format compared to Sachin, who played only one T20I.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s unrivaled records, exemplary leadership, and profound impact on the game of cricket make a compelling case for his title as the second god of cricket. While the debate around this title may continue, Kohli’s credentials are undeniable. His legacy in the sport will be celebrated for generations to come, and he has undoubtedly earned his place among the cricketing deities.