Virat Kohli ranked below Bumrah in Ashwin's ultimate bracket

Virat Kohli's standing among cricket's greats is being debated again. Ravichandran Ashwin recently placed Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Kohli in his ultimate Indian cricket bracket, a choice that has drawn significant attention. This comes as AB de Villiers' strong praise for Kohli's overseas record sparked a mocking retort from a former India player.

Ashwin's Bracket Sparks Debate

Ravichandran Ashwin created an ultimate bracket of Indian cricketers during an ESPNcricinfo interaction. His final choice for the greatest was Sachin Tendulkar. The path to that conclusion involved several surprise decisions. In a notable early-round matchup, Ashwin selected pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah over batting icon Virat Kohli. Ashwin reasoned that Bumrah's impact as the leader of India's bowling attack across all formats gave him the edge. The bracket also saw Virender Sehwag eliminate MS Dhoni, and Sourav Ganguly beat Ashwin himself.

De Villiers' High Praise for Kohli's Overseas Record

South African legend AB de Villiers offered a contrasting view on Kohli's legacy. He argued that Kohli was "even better than Sachin Tendulkar" in one specific area. De Villiers focused on Kohli's performances in Test matches outside India, stating he raised the bar for Indian batsmen in challenging overseas conditions. He pointed to Kohli's technique and mental strength against pace and swing in countries like England, South Africa, and Australia. This praise highlights Kohli's successful transition from a dominant home player to a consistent force abroad, a key factor in India's improved Test record on the road during his captaincy.

Former Cricketer Mocks De Villiers' Take

De Villiers' comments did not go unchallenged. A former India cricketer, whose name was not fully detailed in the source, responded with mockery. The player suggested de Villiers should "pass on the weed," implying his opinion was unrealistic or influenced. This sharp retort reflects the deeply held and often emotional debates surrounding the Tendulkar-Kohli comparison among Indian cricket followers. It shows how any claim about a player's legacy, especially when involving Tendulkar, can instantly generate strong reactions from within the cricket community.

Kohli and Dhoni's Mentorship Remembered

A separate story, though its full content was inaccessible, indicated a Punjab Kings player revealed advice received from both Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni during difficult phases in the IPL. This reminder of Kohli's role as a mentor to younger players adds another layer to his current profile. Even as his on-field achievements are measured against all-time greats, his influence extends to guiding the next generation. His experience in handling intense pressure and prolonged slumps is a valuable resource for peers and newcomers alike, a leadership quality that complements his statistical achievements.

• Ashwin's Choice: Ravichandran Ashwin selected Jasprit Bumrah over Virat Kohli in his personal all-time Indian player bracket.
• De Villiers' View: AB de Villiers believes Kohli surpassed Tendulkar in raising the standard for Indian batsmen in overseas Test matches.
• Controversial Reaction: A former India cricketer mocked de Villiers' opinion with a sarcastic "pass on the weed" comment.
• Mentor Role: Kohli, alongside Dhoni, has been cited as a source of crucial advice for younger IPL players facing tough times.

While no new matches are immediately referenced, such debates about player greatness are a constant backdrop to the sport, fueled by every new innings and series.