Virat Kohli Is Cricketing Equivalent Of Cristiano Ronaldo: Brian Lara

Virat Kohli has been piling up runs on a consistent basis across formats and this is why he is the world’s best batsman. He can take pride in the fact that he is the only player in the cricketing world to average 50+ in all three formats. Besides weaving magic with the bat, he has been tactically good in captaincy as well. Ever since India’s exit from the ICC World Cup 2019, India have not lost a series since then under Virat Kohli’s tutelage.

Meanwhile, West Indies great Brian Lara reckons that Virat Kohli is the cricketing equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo for his exceptional commitment towards the gentleman’s game. Even Virat Kohli had earlier told that he is a massive fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. The run-machine thinks that Cristiano is on another level while adding that he seeks inspiration from the soccer superstar.

“For me, Cristiano is above everyone else. His commitment and work ethic is unmatched. He wants it that bad — you can see it every game. I support every club at which he plays. He inspires me,” Kohli told FIFA.com.

When Kohli was asked to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, he said: “In my opinion, Ronaldo has taken on more challenges and succeeded at all of them. He’s the most complete player. I have seen and his work ethic, as I mentioned, is unmatched. He inspires people. I don’t think many people do that. He’s also a leader and I love that. Absolutely love it. He has amazing belief too.”

Virat Kohli is cricket’s Cristiano Ronaldo: Brian Lara

Brian Lara feels that Virat Kohli is on par with KL Rahul or a Rohit Sharma in terms of talent but in terms of commitment, Virat Kohli is cut above the rest of the players. “I think it has got a lot to do with Virat’s outstanding commitment besides his preparation. I don’t think he is any more talented than a KL Rahul or a Rohit Sharma but his commitment to prepare himself properly stands out. He is, for me, the cricketing equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo,” Brian Lara told PTI during an exclusive interaction.

The Indian captain has also taken his fitness to the next level, proving to be the fitness icon in contemporary cricket. Kohli himself admitted that his fitness levels enhanced to a wider extent after he turned vegan. Brian Lara said that Virat Kohli’s fitness level and mental strength is unbelievable.

“His fitness level and his mental strength is unbelievable. His batting skills are unbelievable. He is a guy you cannot leave out in any era. If a guy is averaging 50 plus in all versions of the game, then that is something which is unheard of,” the legend said.

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