The cricket world often finds itself embroiled in the ‘Greatest of All Time’ (GOAT) debate, which usually centers around batting averages or bowling strikes. However, when it comes to fielding the third department, the conversation is just as heated. While modern fans often point out Ravindra Jadejabullet arm or Virat KohliThe ‘King’ himself has officially assessed his athletic talent and his choice may surprise those caught up in the recent bias of the IPL era.
Virat Kohli chose his all-time favorite fielder
In a viral “this or that” challenge shared by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) On the social media handle, Kohli was tasked with choosing the greatest fielder to grace the game. The challenge included a famous bracket, starting with Indian icons Suresh Raina And Yuvraj Singh. Initially Kohli was inclined towards Yuvraj Singheven put him ahead of the giants Mohammad Kaif and power station Andrew Symonds.
However, the dynamic changed completely when the name came jonty rhodes Entered the field. Without a second’s hesitation, Kohli turned. Despite his deep respect for his teammate Jadeja, Kohli was firm in his stance:
“Jaddoo is good, but Jonty Rhodes was on a different level altogether,” He said
The veteran Proteas star, famous for his iconic “flying” run-out in the 1992 World Cup, remained unbeaten as he progressed through modern experts like Kohli. glen phillips And AB de Villiers. When asked to choose between himself and Rhodes, Kohli shrugged off the comparison and laughed, saying, “Jonty Rhodes. I’m not even part of that list!” It was a rare moment of humility from one of the world’s most athletic cricketers, cementing Rhodes as the undisputed gold standard in Kohli’s book.
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Kohli’s unmatched IPL journey since 2008
Although Kohli may look up to Rhodes on the field, he has his own legacy on the field Indian Premier League (IPL) Is unique, not only for its runs, but for its unprecedented fidelity. Since the inception of the league in 2008, Kohli remains the only player in IPL history to play for the same franchise for 18 consecutive seasons.
Starting out as a budding Under-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008, Kohli’s journey with RCB is a masterclass in development. He transformed from a middle-order prospect to a “run machine”, breaking records along the way. Notably, in 2025, Kohli created history by becoming the first batsman to cross the 9,000-run mark for a single franchise. His statistical dominance is highlighted:
- 9,000+ runs: Most by any player for a single team.
- 2016 peak: Record breaking 973 runs in a season.
- Stability: First player to score 600+ runs in five different IPL seasons (including 2024 and 2025).
As we head towards the 2026 season, Kohli’s association with Bengaluru goes beyond the game; This is a cultural phenomenon. Even as he approaches the final stages of his career, his commitment to the “Red and Gold” remains the standard for franchise loyalty in a league defined by constant auctions and changing rosters.
Also read: Team India broke many batting records against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026 match.
