A slight difference of opinion occurred between the World Cup-winning teammates as Adam Gilchrist argues Ricky Ponting's choice of the greatest player to ever play the beautiful game of cricket. Pointing's choice was the South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis. However, Gilchrist openly countered Ponting's claims and the GOAT title to the legendary spinner Shane Warne. Ponting, known for his aggressive batting and sharp cricketing mind, praised Kallis for his extraordinary records. He pointed out that Kallis had scored over 13,000 Test runs, smashed 45 Test centuries, and taken 300+ wickets—an all-round performance that no one else could match. In the Howie Games podcast, Ponting had said, "Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer that’s ever played. I don’t care about all the others. Full stop. 13,000 runs, 44 or 45 Test hundreds, and 300 wickets; either one of those careers is outstanding." However, Gilchrist wasn’t convinced. He acknowledged Kallis’ greatness but argued that statistics alone don’t define a player’s true impact. According to him, Shane Warne was the ultimate cricketer, not just for the number of international wickets he took but also because of his leadership, cricketing intelligence, and the way he changed the game. Read also: Rohit Sharma lifts young fan's spirit with autograph & photo. Brain overpowers statistics to Gilchrist Gilchrist highlighted that Warne’s influence went beyond numbers. Be it playing mind games or single-handedly turning the course of the match, Warne was beyond comparison, according to Gilchrist. Speaking to Fox Sports, the former Aussie captain said, "I personally think Shane Warne is the greatest to have played. Away from his wickets, Warnie was also an incredible batsman. He just left way too many runs out there when he played. I don’t even think he knew his own batting talent. When it comes down to pure batting and bowling talent, catching and just all around brilliant cricket brain, I think Warnie is No.1. For Warnie to achieve what he did and especially living the way he did and still managed to achieve it all, it shows he is a true champion." Gilchrist further pointed out that Warne thrived under pressure. Warne had a knack for delivering when it mattered most. Unlike Kallis, who was brilliant but played with a calm and composed approach, Warne had an unmatched flair that made him a true entertainer. Read also: Riyan Parag Finally Reveals Truth Behind Viral YouTube Search Impact vs numbers. Who wins? While Ponting highlighted Kallis’ 13,289 Test runs and 292 Test wickets, Gilchrist countered by pointing at Warne’s dominance as a bowler. The legendary leg-spinner finished with 708 Test wickets, the most by an Australian and second only to Muttiah Muralitharan (800). Warne also picked up 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, compared to Kallis' five. Additionally, he delivered on the biggest stages, including a 40-wicket Ashes series in 2005 and a match-winning spell in the 1999 World Cup semi-final. With the bat, Kallis had 62 international centuries, while Warne never scored one. However, Warne played crucial knocks in pressure situations, ending with 4,172 international runs, including 13 fifties. Both stats and the impact look so strong that once teammates in the national team Ponting and Gilchrist, are now on the opposite side of a rope. Nevertheless, it can never be argued that both countries have produced great talents over decades, and both Warne and Kallis are two shining stars in the cricket's sky.