Herschelle Gibbs Names Virat Kohli His Favorite, 17 Years After Kohli Called Him His 'Fav'- Exclusive

Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa legend Herschelle Gibbs was all in praise for India superstar Virat Kohli, after his fabulous 51st ODI hundred propelled the Men in Blue to a 6-wicket over Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy last Sunday.

myKhel caught up with the former Proteas cricketer in an exclusive interaction on the sidelines of the International Masters League (IML) and said that the Rohit Sharma-led side are the clear favourites to lift the trophy.

''I think at the moment they're playing such confident cricket, you know, they're firm favourites, but look at New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, those can all win it, you know, they can all win it. That makes it really nice'', he said.

17-years ago during the 2008 U-19 World Cup, Kohli led India to a World Cup victory as a skipper and at that time, he revealed that Gibbs is his favourite player. Cut to 2025, life has come to a full circle as the ex opening batter himself now acknowledged the 36-year-old as his 'favourite player'.

''I think it's nice to see Virat make runs. I love it when he makes runs, you know, my favourite player. But, yeah, I mean, India is definitely favourites at this stage. His hunger and his fitness levels are fantastic. I hope he plays for another four years. You know, he can'', the 51-year-old further added.

As far as India's group campaign of the Champions Trophy is concerned, the Men in Blue have qualified for the semis, following back-to-back wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan. New Zealand have also joined them in the last 4 stage and now both of them will face on 2nd March, Sunday in the last match of the group stage.

The Indians are brimming with confidence and would like to do a double when it comes to winning ICC events.