Virender Sehwag declares Virat Kohli the greatest white-ball cricketer ever after latest IPL century

Reacting to Kohli's unbeaten 105 (off 60 balls) against Kolkata Knight Riders, Sehwag said the India star's longevity, consistency and performances under pressure put him above every other limited-overs batter.

"Now the debate is over. Virat Kohli is the greatest white-ball cricketer," Sehwag said.

Sehwag said Kohli's sustained brilliance in run chases had separated him from rivals such as Viv Richards, AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar.

"With the consistency Virat Kohli has shown for so many years, and the performances he has produced in pressure matches, there is no debate left anymore," he said.

Kohli's latest masterclass guided Bengaluru to a six-wicket win and took them top of the IPL standings. It was his ninth IPL century and also made him the fastest batter to 14,000 T20 runs, reaching the mark in 409 innings - quicker than Chris Gayle's 423.

Coming off consecutive ducks, Kohli celebrated his first run with a mock punch of the air before taking charge of the chase.

"That's why they call him the chase master. No matter what the target is, if Virat is still there till the end, the opposition feels the match is not over yet," Sehwag said.

Kohli later admitted thoughts of retirement motivate him to savour every moment on the field.

"Cricket is absolutely something that I truly love," he said. "I just give my heart and soul out there on the field because it's going to finish one day."

The 37-year-old, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, also said he still hopes to play for India national cricket team at the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Sehwag also praised Kohli's enduring hunger.

"Even at the age of 37, the hunger with which he bats is on another level," he said. 

READ MORE: Mandla Mashimbyi confident of Marizanne Kapp’s readiness for T20 World Cup