WATCH: Moeen Ali reveals his top 10 ODI batters, leaves out Virat Kohli from No.1 spot




In a recent viral moment that has sparked debate among cricket fans, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali took on a blind ranking challenge to list his top 10 ODI batters of all time. In a surprising twist, Moeen left out Indian run-machine Virat Kohli from the number one spot, instead choosing South African legend AB de Villiers as his greatest ODI batter. While Moeen’s choices reflect his personal cricketing experiences and preferences, the omission of Kohli at the very top has reignited discussions about the Indian star’s extraordinary legacy in the 50-over format.

Moeen Ali picks AB de Villiers as the number 1 ODI batter over Virat Kohli 

The blind ranking challenge is designed to test a participant’s instincts and cricketing memory under pressure, but it can also lead to some surprising omissions. Moeen, known for his candid takes and deep understanding of the game, seemed certain that Kohli would feature among the names to be ranked. However, as the challenge unfolded, Kohli’s name was never called out, leaving Moeen to rank his top 10 without the modern-day ODI giant.

What made the moment even more striking was Moeen’s visible anticipation for Kohli’s name, underscoring the Indian batter’s towering presence in ODI cricket. Yet, with De Villiers securing the top spot in Moeen’s list, fans were quick to point out the glaring absence of Kohli—a player widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI batters in history. The incident not only highlighted the unpredictability of blind ranking formats but also reignited debates about the greatest ODI players of all time, with Kohli’s omission serving as a reminder of how even legends can be missed in the quirks of such challenges.

De Villiers, known for his 360-degree shot-making and innovation, redefined the role of a modern ODI batter, but Kohli’s numbers and consistency are unmatched. Moeen’s ranking may be influenced by personal battles—he has dismissed Kohli several times, including in key moments, and perhaps sees De Villiers as the most difficult to bowl to. Regardless, the omission of Kohli from the top spot has only highlighted the Indian maestro’s remarkable achievements and sparked renewed appreciation for his career.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Anushka Sharma reveals how she and Virat Kohli share parenting responsibilities

Kohli’s legacy in ODI cricket

Virat Kohli’s journey in ODI cricket is nothing short of legendary. As of 2025, Kohli has amassed over 14,000 runs, becoming the fastest to reach this milestone and surpassing icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in several records. He holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, with 51, and is the only player to have scored 50 ODI hundreds, a feat he achieved during the 2023 World Cup. Kohli’s consistency is further underscored by his achievement of scoring over 1,000 runs in a calendar year eight times, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous record.

His impact goes beyond numbers—Kohli has been named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year four times (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023), and in 2018, he made history by sweeping all major ICC awards in a single year. His performances in high-pressure chases, ability to anchor innings, and relentless drive have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

While Moeen’s rankings have stirred debate, they have also served as a reminder of Kohli’s enduring greatness. Whether or not he tops every list, Virat Kohli’s legacy as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time remains secure, built on a foundation of records, resilience, and an insatiable hunger for runs.

Also READ: Anushka Sharma explains why she and Virat Kohli keep their kids out of the public eye





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