The world of cricket often finds itself embroiled in the ‘Greatest of All Time’ (GOAT) debate, usually centred around batting averages or bowling strikes. However, when it comes to the third department fielding, the conversation is equally fierce. While modern fans often point to Ravindra Jadeja’s bullet arm or Virat Kohli’s own athletic brilliance, the ‘King’ himself has officially weighed in, and his choice might surprise those caught up in the recency bias of the IPL era.
Virat Kohli picks his favourite fielder of all time
In a viral “This or That” challenge shared by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) social media handles, Kohli was tasked with narrowing down the greatest fielder to ever grace the game. The challenge featured a legendary bracket, starting with Indian icons Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh. Kohli initially leaned toward Yuvraj Singh, even keeping him ahead of the legendary Mohammad Kaif and the powerhouse Andrew Symonds.
However, the momentum shifted entirely when the name Jonty Rhodes entered the fray. Without a second’s hesitation, Kohli pivoted. Despite his deep respect for his teammate Jadeja, Kohli’s stance was definitive:
“Jaddu’s good, but Jonty Rhodes was 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 Kohli moved through modern specialists like Glenn Phillips and AB de Villiers. When asked to choose between himself and Rhodes, Kohli laughed off the comparison, stating, “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.
Kohli’s unmatched IPL odyssey since 2008
While Kohli may defer to Rhodes on the field, his own legacy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is unparalleled, not just for his runs, but for his unprecedented loyalty. Since the league’s inception in 2008, Kohli has remained the only player in IPL history to play for a single franchise for 18 consecutive seasons.
Starting as a budding U-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008, Kohli’s journey with RCB is a masterclass in evolution. He transformed from a middle-order prospect into a “Run Machine,” shattering records along the way. Most notably, in 2025, Kohli made history by becoming the first batter to cross the 9,000-run mark for a single franchise. His statistical dominance is highlighted by:
- 9,000+ runs: The highest by any player for one team.
- The 2016 peak: A record-shattering 973 runs in a single season.
- Consistency: The first player to score 600+ runs in five different IPL seasons (including 2024 and 2025).
As we head into the 2026 season, Kohli’s association with Bengaluru has transcended sport; it is a cultural phenomenon. Even as he approaches the twilight of his career, his commitment to the “Red and Gold” remains the benchmark for franchise loyalty in a league defined by constant auctions and shifting rosters.
