England's white-ball coach Brendon McCullum paid heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli ahead of the three-ODI series, describing the Indian batting stalwart as a "real rockstar" and one of cricket's all-time greats.

McCullum, who continues to guide England's limited-overs sides after stepping down as Test coach, also stated that Kohli's legacy will live on long after he finishes his career.

Speaking in a video shared by the ECB, McCullum jokingly said he hopes Kohli gets "no runs in this series" but expressed deep admiration for his work ethic, competitiveness and global influence.

“That’s a difficult question because we’re talking about one of the game’s great players,” McCullum said when asked to sum up Kohli’s career.

“I had the privilege of sharing a dressing room with Virat for a year at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him,” he added.

“He is fiercely competitive and leaves absolutely nothing out on the field. He plays with his whole heart and is an extraordinary cricketer.

“He has inspired an entire generation to fall in love with cricket and has transcended the sport. He has become a global superstar, someone recognised not just in cricket or in India, but across the world and in many other sports as well,” McCullum continued.

Kohli enters the ODI series as one of India’s most experienced players alongside Rohit Sharma. While England swept the recent T20I series 4-0, India will look to turn things around in the 50-over leg of the tour.

According to McCullum, Kohli’s influence extends far beyond numbers and titles. “When his playing days eventually come to an end, his legacy will endure long after he retires. For now, though, I’d still like to see him get no runs in this series. He is a true competitor and an absolute champion,” the England coach remarked.

The first ODI of the England versus India series will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Tuesday (July 14).