Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni (Source: AFP)Virat Kohli has revealed his idea of the perfect ODI batter, and his list includes some of the biggest names in cricket history. Interestingly, the former India captain did not pick MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in any of the categories.Kohli made his choices while speaking to Star Sports ahead of India's second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati. He was asked to build his 'ultimate ODI batter' by selecting different players for different batting skills.Virat Kohli Picks 7 Legends For His Ideal ODI Batter; Rohit, Dhoni SnubbedFor the straight drive, Virat Kohli picked Sachin Tendulkar without a second thought. The former Indian batting great is widely known for his outstanding straight drives, making him Kohli's natural choice for the shot.Kohli selected former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara for the cover drive. Sangakkara was one of the most stylish left-handed batters of his generation and was known for his elegant strokeplay.For the flick shot, Virat Kohli picked former India star Rahul Dravid. The former Indian coach was known for his strong technique and ability to play shots with control and timing.Kohli chose Virender Sehwag for the cut shot as his aggressive approach made him one of the most dangerous opening batters of his time.The stylish batter took a few seconds before deciding on the sweep shot, calling it a difficult choice. He eventually selected former Australian opener Matthew Hayden.For six-hitting, there was little surprise when Kohli chose Chris Gayle. The West Indies legend was one of the most powerful hitters in world cricket and his former RCB teammate. For running between the wickets, Kohli picked another former RCB teammate and South African legend AB de Villiers.However, what caught the attention of many was that, in the six-hitting ability, Virat did not pick Rohit Sharma, and for running between the wickets, he did not pick MS Dhoni.Also Read: The Shubman Gill-Virat Kohli Symphony In ODIsVirat Kohli’s Dream ODI Batter Has 7 Legends1. Sachin Tendulkar: Straight Drive2. Kumar Sangakkara: Cover Drive3. Rahul Dravid: Flick4. Virender Sehwag: Cut Shot5. Matthew Hayden: Sweep Shot6. Chris Gayle: Six Hitting7. AB de Villiers: Running Between the WicketsWhy Virat Kohli Did Not Pick MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma?The absence of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma from the list gained limelight, especially since Kohli has shared several memorable moments with both players.Dhoni and Kohli played together for India for many years and were part of several important victories. Earlier, talking to Gaurav Kapoor on his show 'Breakfast with Champions', Kohli said, “MS and me have a great understanding. While running between the wickets, if he says two, I just close my eyes and run because I know that his judgement is so correct, I will make it,” he said.It is also important to note that Rohit Sharma also holds the record for the most sixes in ODI History (372 sixes). The star opener also holds the record for the most international sixes (all formats)- 665. On the other hand, Chris Gayle has 553 sixes to his name (all formats).Watch The Video Here:Star Sports @StarSportsIndia Who makes the ultimate ODI batter? 🧐 #ViratKohli builds his ultimate ODI batter shot by shot, and his picks are pure class! 👑👌 WATCH #INDvWI | 2nd ODI 👉 WED, 30th SEP, 1 PM Sep 28, 2026, 11:27 PM That said, Virat Kohli is one of the modern-day ODI legends of the game, and his recent performance added to the excitement around his ODI career. In the 1st ODI of the ongoing West Indies tour of India 2026, the star player made an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls.During the innings, Kohli became the second Indian batter to score 15,000 ODI runs and moved closer to Tendulkar’s overall ODI run record.Also Read: Nathan Ellis Among 2 Australian Players Ruled Out of South Africa ODIs
