Navjot Singh Sidhu, who played with Sachin Tendulkar, admits India hasn’t produced a bigger hero than Virat Kohli

Navjot Singh Sidhu confidently claimed that India has not produced a bigger hero than Virat Kohli, overlooking Sachin Tendulkar.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, who played with Sachin Tendulkar, admits India hasn’t produced a bigger hero than Virat Kohli

Ex-Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu put Virat Kohli ahead of Sachin Tendulkar, as the country's biggest cricket hero. (via X)

Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sadhu confidently claimed that the country has not produced a bigger hero than the 36-year-old Virat Kohli. He made this comment while speaking during RCB’s seven-wicket victory over KKR in the IPL.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed an impressive seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025 IPL season opener. Batting first at the Eden Gardens, defending champions KKR posted a total of 174 runs, guided by knocks from Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine. However, the visitors chased down the target in just 16.2 overs, with seven wickets in hand.

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RCB’s new opening duo of Virat Kohli and Englishman Phil Salt stitched a 95-run partnership, to guide the team to a much-needed opening win. Kohli top-scored with 59 runs off just 36 deliveries, with his knock consisting of four boundaries and three sixes. The 36-year-old batter already comes of an impressive 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, having led India to its third CT title.

Not just his recent Champions Trophy heroics, but Virat Kohli was also crucial in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. He was adjudged the Man of the Match in the final for his 76-run knock, which propelled India to a competitive total of 176 runs, against South Africa. Virat Kohli now boasts a magnificent trophy cabinet, which consists of a T20 World Cup, two Champions Trophies and an ICC World Cup title.

Kohli also has a plethora of achievements on the individual level, and is the most decorated player in international cricket history. He is the highest run-getter in the IPL, third-highest in T20Is and ODIs, and also holds the record for the most ODI centuries. Only Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara remain ahead of Kohli, in terms of runs scored across all formats.

Nonetheless, Virat Kohli’s performances have sparked debate between him and Tendulkar, who is often revered as the ‘God of Cricket’. Former Indian batter Navjot Singh Sidhu is one of Kohli’s foremost admirers. The 61-year-old player-turned-commentator, who once forged a famous 231-run partnership with Tendulkar in an ODI against Pakistan, surprisingly put Kohli ahead of his former teammate.

Speaking during the RCB’s recent victory over KKR, Sidhu, known for his comical and poetic commentary, confidently declared Virat Kohli to be India’s greatest cricket hero. He was particularly impressed by Kohli’s half-century in the IPL match, describing it as ‘magical’. Sidhu also pointed to the atmosphere in the Eden Gardens, after the fans erupted in the joy of Kohli’s knock.

India has never produced a bigger hero than [Virat] Kohli. He is the ‘King of Kings’.

Navjot Singh Sidhu on Virat Kohli

Additionally, Kohli also has a new title of becoming the most searched cricketer of all time on Google Trends. Despite Navjot Singh Sidhu’s high praise, Virat Kohli’s ability to lead RCB to their first IPL title remains uncertain, given their past failures.

Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Rohit Sharma to continue as India’s Test captain for the upcoming England tour

Ex-Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu backed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to lead the team during the upcoming five-match away Test series against England. His comments came, despite the 37-year-old being criticized for his recent form in red-ball cricket.

Navjot Singh Sidhu on Rohit Sharma India Tests
Navjot Singh Sidhu backed Rohit Sharma to continue as Indian Test team captain, despite recent setbacks. (via New Indian Express)

Rohit’s place in India’s Test team remains under threat, owing to a string of disappointing performances. He scored just 122 runs in 11 innings across two successive Test series defeats for India. However, Sidhu dismissed the notion of replacing Rohit Sharma, while adding that there is no alternative at the moment. He emphasized that Sharma should continue after having led India to back-to-back ICC trophies.

Tell me, who will you make the captain at the moment? You should have a replacement first. Experience is learned in the school of adversity… Rohit Sharma will be the captain and he only should be the captain.

Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Rohit Sharma (H/T Times of India)

Moreover, Sidhu also underlined the importance of blending young talent with experienced players in the Indian Test squad. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen who leads India for the England tour, with Jasprit Bumrah also being among the contenders.