Aakash Chopra picks between Virat Kohli and legendary captain for greatest No. 3 after IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra picked his greatest No. 3 batter of all-time in ODIs after the India-South Africa series (via Crex. live Instagram handle). In a ‘This or That’ format, Chopra picked former Australian captain Ricky Ponting over a slew of No.3 batters.

Sachin Tendulkar was a surprising inclusion in the list, given that the legendary batter rarely batted at the position. After going for Ponting over Tendulkar, Chopra chose the legendary Australian over Kumar Sangakkara, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Babar Azam.

However, in the final round between Ponting and Virat Kohli, Chopra immediately picked the latter, adding that all batters pale in comparison to Kohli as a No. 3 ODI batter.

Ponting enjoyed an incredible ODI career, finishing with 13,704 runs at an average of over 42 and a strike rate of 80.39. He also led Australia to two 50-over World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.

Meanwhile, Kohli continues to break ODI records for fun and is the leading centurion in the format with 53. He is also the second all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs with 14,557 runs at an average of 58.46 and a strike rate of 93.65.

Virat Kohli is coming off an incredible ODI series against South Africa

Virat Kohli was at his attacking best in India’s recent 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa at home. After an up-and-down ODI tour of Australia, the 37-year-old scored consecutive centuries in the first two South African ODIs.

Kohli finished the series with another breathtaking knock of 65* from 45 deliveries, helping India pull off a 2-1 series win. The legendary batter finished as the series’ leading run-scorer with 302 runs at a remarkable average of 151 and a strike rate of over 117.

The veteran right-hander also thrilled the Indian crowd with an uncharacteristic 12 maximums in the three ODIs.

Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Series for his heroics and is currently on a streak of four consecutive 50+ scores in ODIs. Having retired from the Test and T20I formats, the champion batter will be seen in action for India next in the home ODI series against New Zealand in January 2026.