IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025: Virat Kohli’s desire to constantly improve and wholehearted commitment to everything he does on and off the field is what sets his apart, said former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, on the occasion of the 36-year-old’s 300th One Day International for India.
Asked about Kohli’s longevity in the modern game and his evolution, Gavaskar said on Star Sports: “I think it’s the desire to be better than yesterday. He’s never satisfied with what he’s achieved and always wants to do more. The pride he shows playing for India is an honor and a privilege. There are millions who dream of playing for India. Whether it’s a test match, a 50-over game, or a T20 game, representing your country is every young kid’s dream and ambition. Keeping that ambition alive is key for Kohli wanting to excel in every game.”
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Kohli is the seventh Indian cricketer to appear in 300 ODIs, joining Azharuddin, Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh in the elite club. Gavaskar went on to describe Kohli as the Chancellor of Indian cricket university.
“It’s not just about the runs he scores. Look at his commitment on the field—how he dives, returns the ball to the wicketkeeper or bowler, and tries to save runs for his team. That wholehearted commitment to India is crucial. That’s why his evolution from a learner to almost a professor of cricket is remarkable. He’s gone from student to teacher to, if I may add, the chancellor of the Indian cricket university. For younger players like Shubman Gills and Yashasvi Jaiswals, just sitting next to him and observing how he prepares is a great learning curve,” Gavaskar added.