‘Bit of confusion’: AB de Villiers admits Tendulkar has a better Test record than Kohli, but stats aren’t everything

Reacting to public backlash, AB de Villiers said his remark that Virat Kohli is a better overseas Test batter than Sachin Tendulkar was blown out of proportion. The former South Africa captain implied his opinion had nothing to do with who has the better Test record. In terms of impact, de Villiers still feels Kohli outdoes Tendulkar, though Tendulkar leads statistically with 16,000+ Test runs and 51 centuries compared to Kohli’s 9,230 runs and 12 centuries. De Villiers clarified that while stats show Tendulkar’s dominance, Kohli’s all-round game and resilience—such as his 2014 England tour recovery—inspire young cricketers. He emphasized that statistics aren’t everything, citing Kohli’s confidence and adaptability abroad. His YouTube video highlights how Kohli evolved from Tendulkar’s influence, blending consistency with versatility. Fan debates persist, with critics like Dodda Ganesh urging de Villiers to reconsider his stance.