Bayern Munich name Virat Kohli as the Global sporting icon alongside this footballing giant

Reigning German league (Bundesliga) champions Bayern Munich have put their legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the same bracket as India’s batting stalwart Virat Kohli.

The 33-time German top-flight winners commented on a fan’s question about two cross-over athletes who are equivalent to each other on X (formerly Twitter). Bayern Munich’s reply is now being widely appreciated by the huge fan base of Kohli and the Indian national team.

The club, which is chasing its 34th Bundesliga title and 12th on the trot, wrote the names of Manuel Neuer and Virat Kohli along with a goat emoji. The crossover is impressive as Neuer, a German international is known as one of the best goalkeepers of this generation. And Kohli of course is the biggest cricketer in the world at the moment.

In terms of trophies, Neuer might have a better edge as he won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with his nation. Kohli too has won the Cricket World Cup in 2011 but he is yet to win that elusive trophy as a senior player. Neuer captained his German side to WC glory whereas Kohli captained team India to CWC semi-finals in 2019.

Also Read: Dhruv Jurel or Rishabh Pant? BCCI official reveals India’s first choice wicketkeeper in Tests

Watch Bayern Munich’s reply to a fan named Dylan Powell

⚽ Manuel Neuer 🐐
🏏 Virat Kohli 🐐 https://t.co/5VTygpZioC

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) February 27, 2024

Virat Kohli is among the most famous international sporting icons. The former Indian captain is respected by almost every sporting legend around the world. From Novak Djokovic to England striker Harry Kane, everyone is under the admiration of Kohli.

Even though he is currently out of action due to the birth of his second child, fans have made sure to chant his name during India’s Test series against England. Despite Kohli’s absence, the Indian team have won the series by 3-1. Rohit Sharma’s men are currently awaiting the series concluding 5th Test, which is slated to start from March 7th onwards in Dharamshala.

The Indians are expected to come out on top in the scenic venue of HPCA stadium. The only Test match held in the venue back in 2017 was won by India in a one-sided affair against Australia during that year’s Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Also Read: “Want to actually believe Hanuma Vihari’s version” – Aakash Chopra’s take on Andhra Cricket Association’s dispute

Virat Kohli to make his return through IPL 2024

Virat Kohli, meanwhile, is most likely to stage his return through the 2024 edition of Indian Premier League. He will be donning the red and black jersey of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 17th season running. Kohli and RCB are still chasing the elusive IPL trophy despite reaching the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016.

The South Indian outfit have tasted defeat on all 3 occasions, despite having players like Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Dilshan, and AB De Villiers among others. Last season they finished 6th in the points table under the captaincy of Faf Du Plessis.

It will be an important season for Virat Kohli in particular as it will be a breeding ground for him to prepare for the ICC event this June. The T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies will be Kohli’s and India’s 2nd shot at winning a major ICC silverware in 7 months since losing the CWC 2023 final in November last year.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel? Anil Kumble gives a shocking answer