Manjrekar picks Kohli over Tendulkar as superior chaser in ODIs
What's the story
Ex-Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has ignited a debate by proclaiming Virat Kohli as a better chaser in One Day Internationals (ODIs) than Sachin Tendulkar.
While he admitted that both are phenomenal ODI batters, Manjrekar emphasized Kohli's better record in high-pressure chases for India.
He expressed these opinions during a discussion with Star Sports.
"One major difference between the two is that I think Virat Kohli is a better chaser than Sachin Tendulkar," Manjrekar stated.
Here's more.
Chasing prowess
Manjrekar highlights Kohli's unmatched chasing skills
Manjrekar stressed that despite Tendulkar having many advantages, Kohli's chasing is second to none.
He further explained how the Master Blaster liked to bat first and was certain that he wont get out against the new ball.
He added, "Tendulkar liked batting first, and Tendulkar perhaps was a certainty that he was not going to get out against the new ball."
Record comparison
Kohli's impressive record in successful run-chases
Further, Manjrekar compared both players' records in successful run-chases.
He said, "Virat will have several matches where he has chased down the target and has stayed on till the end. Tendulkar has a few matches but not the numbers that Virat Kohli has."
This statement only reinforces Manjrekar's belief in Kohli's superior ability as a chaser in ODIs.
Recent feats
Kohli's recent achievements and records
Kohli, who recently celebrated his 36th birthday, has 82 international centuries in his kitty across formats.
His last ton came during India's six-wicket win over Pakistan.
After a challenging Test series against Australia, Kohli bounced back by becoming the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs during the Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan in Dubai.
Record breaker
Kohli surpasses this Tendulkar's record in fewer innings
Kohli is now the third player in ODI history to score 14,000 runs, following Tendulkar (18,246 runs) and Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs).
He reached the milestone in just 287 innings, quicker than both Tendulkar (350 innings) and Sangakkara (378 outings).
Interestingly, both Kohli and Tendulkar scored their 14,000th ODI run against Pakistan.
Chase stats
A look at Kohli and Tendulkar's stats while chasing (ODIs)
Kohli has been a part of 158 chases across his career. According to ESPNcricinfo, he has amassed 7,979 runs at an average of 64.34.
He also strikes at 93.33 alongside 28 hundreds and 40 fifities, including a high score of 183.
Meanwhile, Tendulkar, in comparison, has amassed 8,720 runs across 232 chases, striking at 88.44.
He boasts an average of 42.33, including 17 hundreds and 52 half-centuries.
ODI numbers
Kohli has amassed 14,085 runs in ODIs
The Run Machine has amassed a whopping 14,085 runs across 299 ODIs at an average of 58.20.
He boasts a strike rate of 93.41, including 51 tons (most in ODIs) and 73 fifties.
His highest ODI score is 183, which he smashed against Pakistan back in 2012.
Recently, Kohli hit an unbeaten 100 in the Champions Trophy against Pakistan while chasing, helping India win the contest.