IND vs ENG: Michael Vaughan Draws Lionel Messi Parallel With Virat Kohli After He Sets The World Cup 2023 On Fire

Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Indian batter Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. Michael Vaughan compared Virat Kohli’s impact in the marquee tournament to that of great athletes like Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup.

Virat Kohli played a crucial role in India’s opening match by scoring a brilliant 85-run knock against Australia in Chennai. The right-handed batter followed it up with an unbeaten 55 runs against Afghanistan. Kohli achieved his 48th ODI century against Bangladesh.

Virat Kohli In The Chase, There’s No One Better – Michael Vaughan

Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Michael Vaughan expressed confidence in Virat Kohli achieving his 50th century in the World Cup, emphasizing that great players shine in such marquee tournaments.

“Virat Kohli in the chase, there’s no one better. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets a 49th before the final, and his 50th in the final. It’s written in the stars. I actually put it on social media – great, great players always arrive in World Cups. It defines their legacies. Look at the footballers, Lionel Messi had to win the World Cup for Argentina, and he did it. Virat has already won a World Cup but you just feel he’s going to drive the Indian team all the way,” Vaughan said.

“I’d love to know how they (India) can be stopped. I can’t see at the minute. Yes, you can get early wickets. But the pitches aren’t going to do much. How are you going to get them 3-4 down quickly? Aussies were the closest to surprise them when they got 3 out early in Chennai, but I don’t see how anyone will get close to them,” he added.

Virat Kohli came very close to equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record for centuries but was dismissed while attempting a six with India just five runs away from victory in Dharamsala. Kohli is the second-highest scorer in the World Cup, scoring 354 runs in five games.

Virat Kohli Isn’t Even Hit Full Throttle Yet – Adam Gilchrist

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist joined Michael Vaughan in praising Virat Kohli’s performance in the World Cup. Gilchrist added that Kohli hasn’t even reached his full potential in the tournament.

“Just like a well-oiled machine, isn’t he, Virat? He is not even hit full throttle yet, either. He’s just coasting,” Gilchrist stated

The 34-year-old will be next seen in action during Men in Blue’s match against the Jos Buttler-led team at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, October 29.

Also read: IND vs ENG: Ian Smith In Awe Of Virat Kohli’s Cover Drive, Claims No One Could’ve Smashes Haris Rauf The Way Virat Did In 2022 T20 World Cup