Only two names qualify: Kohli doesn't consider himself 'GOAT' of cricket

Virat Kohli gave a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, producing probably the best innings of his career in Team India's thrilling triumph over Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The Men in Blue won the high-pressure match against their arch-rivals in front of more than 90,000 spectators on the final ball, chasing down a total of 160. Kohli was the star, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls as the Indian team rallied from 31-4 to win the game.

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Kohli's performance has sparked the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) discussion, and for a good reason: the Indian superstar's all-format supremacy has established him as one of, if not the, most complete batters of all time. While many may argue that Kohli is the 'GOAT' based on his phenomenal career in 2008, Kohli has refused to label himself as such.

The former-Indian captain made a forceful statement, claiming that only two players in the sport's history have earned the coveted title. Kohli chose Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and former West Indies batsman Viv Richards, as his 'GOAT' players.

"No, I don't regard myself as the GOAT of cricket. Only two people meet my criteria. Sachin Tendulkar and Viv Richards are there, "stated Kohli on Star Sports during a segment discussing the most often googled queries about him.

Kohli and Tendulkar were five-year teammates and members of India's World Cup team in 2011. Tendulkar has spoken highly of Richards on numerous occasions as someone who inspired him to play the game and someone he liked watching as a boy.