"Pass on the weed": Former India Cricketer Mocks AB de Villiers Over Controversial Virat Kohli-Sachin Tendulkar Comparison
A recent assessment by legendary South African batter AB de Villiers has ignited a fiery debate in the cricketing world, prompting a blunt and humorous retort from former Indian fast bowler Dodda Ganesh.
The controversy began when de Villiers, a close friend and former teammate of Virat Kohli, ranked the modern-day superstar above the iconic Sachin Tendulkar specifically regarding their effectiveness in seam-friendly and bouncy overseas conditions. While acknowledging Tendulkar’s role as the pioneer who proved that subcontinental batters could excel abroad, de Villiers argued that Kohli not only inherited that legacy but "raised the bar" significantly.
"I think of someone like Sachin Tendulkar way back, who started that trend for India. Yet, he wasn’t as strong as someone like Virat Kohli, who was even better," de Villiers stated.
The comments, which seemingly diminished Tendulkar’s historic achievements in favor of Kohli’s aggression and adaptability, did not sit well with many cricket purists. Dodda Ganesh, known for his unfiltered opinions, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief. Reacting to the viral clip, Ganesh retorted with a cheeky one-liner: "Pass on the weed, brother," signaling his utter disagreement with the former Proteas captain’s assessment.
The Statistical Reality
While the admiration between de Villiers and Kohli is well-documented, the cold hard facts of Test cricket paint a complex picture that favors the "Little Master."
A look at the statistics reveals a substantial gap. Tendulkar, over a career spanning 106 overseas Tests, amassed 8,705 runs at an impressive average of 54.7, including 29 centuries. In contrast, Kohli—while undeniably brilliant—has scored 4,894 runs in 68 overseas Tests at an average of 41.51.
Critics of the comparison point out that in every nation except the West Indies, Tendulkar holds a superior Test record. Even in the twilight of his career, Tendulkar remained a force; he scored 2,951 runs in his final 29 Tests, a testament to his unmatched longevity. Most notably, at the age of 37, Tendulkar enjoyed a spectacular 2010 season, scoring over 1,500 runs at a prolific average.
Defining Legacies
Supporters of de Villiers’ stance point to the "Kohli era" as a turning point for Indian Test cricket. Under Kohli’s aggressive leadership, India underwent a cultural shift, prioritizing pace bowling and fitness to conquer previously unconquerable territories, including a historic series win in Australia. Kohli’s individual exploits—such as his masterful 697-run series in England in 2018—are often cited as proof of his ability to dominate in the toughest conditions.
However, the consensus among experts remains that while Kohli has carved out his own distinct and aggressive legacy—particularly as a transformative captain—placing him ahead of Tendulkar in the context of Test cricket remains a highly contentious proposition. As the debate continues to rage, fans are left to wonder if de Villiers’ statement was a genuine tactical analysis or simply the bias of a close friend.
Ultimately, this latest exchange highlights the enduring tension between respecting the foundational legends of the game and acknowledging the high-octane impact of modern icons.
