If there's one batter who is going to get close to Sachin Tendulkar, it would be Virat Kohli: Allan Donald

Former South African cricketer Allan Donald has lauded the Indian talismanic No.3 batter Virat Kohli, stating that he is the only batter who could get close to Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 centuries tally in international cricket.

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Notably, Kohli has racked up 27,975 runs in 556 matches in international cricket at an average of 52.58 with 84 centuries and 145 half-centuries. Kohli needs 42 more runs to surpass Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and become the second-highest run-getter across all formats.

On the other hand, the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar amassed 34,357 runs in 664 matches at an average of 48.25 with 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries. Speaking to reporters during the ongoing SA20 league, Allan Donald stated that he is missing Kohli in the longest format of the game.

"If there's one batter who is going to get close to Sachin Tendulkar, it would be Virat Kohli. I don't think I've ever seen a hunger in a player like Virat. I've got massive respect for him. He is just a machine. I actually miss him. I miss him in the test match arena. I still think he's almost like an AB (AB de Villiers). You think he's retired too early. But no doubt, we will see him in the white ball arena and in the World Cup 2027 as well," Donald told reporters.

Furthermore, Donald also predicted South Africa to reach the grand finale of the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to start on Saturday, February 7, in India and Sri Lanka, adding that the Proteas have picked a very strong squad for the marquee event.

"It's going to be a heck of a tournament in India. I know South Africa has picked a very strong squad. There might always be questions about who's not going, who should have gone, and all that. But I think South Africa has a very strong team,” he added.

"I think India has got the best T20 wickets on the planet. I don't care. It's just so hard for any bowler. I've seen it in the IPL...who scored 124 in a power play? I mean, that's just ridiculous. I'm glad I'm retired and can comment on it from time to time. But that's just where the skill of batting has gone. And if you can win the inches from a bowling point of view and plot your way very carefully and smartly, then... I think it will come down to that again. I hope to see South Africa, ideally in the semi-final and, hopefully, in the final as well," he concluded.

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