Former South African cricketer Hashim Amla recently revealed the names of the top three batters he considers the greatest of all time. Surprisingly, India's legendary batsman and cricket’s "Little Master" Sachin Tendulkar did not make the list. Instead, Amla picked Virat Kohli from India, AB de Villiers from South Africa, and Sir Vivian Richards from the West Indies as his top choices.
According to Amla, these three cricketers represent the pinnacle of batting excellence. He praised Kohli for his composure and consistency, de Villiers for his innovation and aggressive style, and Richards for his fearless approach—all possessing unique qualities that set them apart.
However, Tendulkar’s omission from the list sparked questions across the cricket community. Many fans and experts believe it’s unjust to overlook the man who holds the record for most runs and centuries in both Tests and ODIs. Responding to the criticism, Amla explained that during his younger days, he admired Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, and Jacques Kallis, with Kallis being the biggest inspiration in his cricketing journey.
The comments triggered mixed reactions on social media. While some respected Amla’s personal opinion, others labelled it a “disservice to cricket history” to exclude a figure like Tendulkar.
Regardless of the debate, Amla’s statement has certainly stirred intense discussion among fans and the cricketing world alike.
