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"Because Of Virat Kohli, Indian Cricket Has..,": Rayudu Makes Bold Claim About India's Superstar

Rajgeeta Yadav

Ambati Rayudu praises Virat Kohli [Source: @IxonicKohli and AFP]Ambati Rayudu praises Virat Kohli [Source: @IxonicKohli and AFP]

Former India cricketer and ex-CSK star Ambati Rayudu has showered praise on Virat Kohli, calling him a game-changer for Indian cricket. According to Rayudu, Kohli has set a standard so high that Indian cricket will continue to dominate for the next 100 years.

To begin with, Virat Kohli is one of the most important players in modern Indian cricket. Over the years, he has proved himself across all formats of the game. In ODIs, he has been a powerhouse, scoring the most centuries in the format. In fact, he broke the great Sachin Tendulkar’s record during the 2023 World Cup. 

Furthermore, he is the second-highest run scorer for India in both ODIs and T20Is. And when it comes to Test cricket, he is remembered as one of India’s most successful captains.

Ambati Rayudu Heaps Praise On Virat Kohli

Speaking on the Unplugged podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Rayudu said, 

"The kind of things he has done for Indian cricket, I don't think anyone else has. And his value, many people don't realize."

"It's not just about his batting. Yes, batting is there, but fitness. Before him, players were fit, naturally fit, many of them. But because of him, Indian cricket has reached another level," Rayudu added.

"Virat Kohli has given Indian cricket the next 100 years in which Indian cricket will dominate. Because what he started is extraordinary. He had the skill, but to that skill he added fitness. Once you are fit, you are always mentally sharper, and your cricketing execution improves that much more. So for Test cricket also, it is very good," Rayudu said.

Interestingly, Kohli also completed 17 years in international cricket on August 18. He had made his debut back in 2008 in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Dambulla.

On the current front, Kohli is back in training ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia in October. Although he has retired from T20Is and Test cricket, he continues to shine in ODIs. 

Most recently, he led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first-ever IPL title in 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In addition, he played a key role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India won under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.

Looking ahead, fans will see Kohli in action once again when India take on Australia in a three-match ODI series starting October 19. The matches will be held in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.