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'A legend, unique and phenomenal' - Chris Gayle hails Virat Kohli

West Indies batting icon Chris Gayle has lavished praise on Virat Kohli, calling the Indian opener a 'legend' and 'phenomenal' cricketer whose impact transcends formats. Speaking at the World Championship of Legends, Gayle—who played alongside Kohli in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru—highlighted the Indian’s unmatched consistency, professionalism, and dominance, particularly in limited-overs cricket.

Kohli’s 2026 ODI campaign has reinforced his elite status, with 552 runs in nine matches (including two centuries and three fifties) at an average of 69.00 and a strike rate of 117.94. His recent series against West Indies saw him score 168 runs, capped by an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls in the opening match, as India chased down a target near 290 runs with ease.

As the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history (15,109 runs, 55 centuries), Kohli remains focused on the 2027 World Cup, with upcoming fixtures against New Zealand (Nov 4) and Sri Lanka (Dec 13) on his calendar. Gayle also noted the challenges Indian bowlers face in modern conditions, referencing West Indies’ record-breaking 250-run chase in the second T20I, powered by Shai Hope’s 45-ball century and Sherfane Rutherford’s 84 off 37 balls.

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