A two-decade-long worth of entertainment that the Master Blaster of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar provided to the fans in the country seemed to have come to an end when the 43-yer old decided to quit the game.
However, one Virat Kohli has now taken the responsibility to keep the fans attached to the game and has continued his legacy over the years. So it is no surprise that there are often comparisons drawn between the two Indian greats.
However, the current Indian test captain said in a recent interview that he is embarrassed when compared to the Indian legend.
Talking to India Today, Kohli who was asked how he feels when compared to Tendulkar said, “Honestly I feel embarrassed. It is unfair and Sachin can’t be compared with anyone. Comparisons are not valid from my end.”
He also went on to say that he idolizes Sachin and that he is far above any other batsman.
“I have looked up to him but want to be myself and definitely draw inspiration from him. He is two levels above any player. Sachin was born with talent and I had to work for it,” he added.
The RCB skipper who is, without a doubt, the best T20 batsmen this year spoke about the longest format of the game.
He revealed that as a player and a captain, he never settles for anything except a win and that it was important for him to win for the country.
I still feel in Test cricket I have a long way to go. I want Test victories, series wins…want to win Test matches for the team and India. Stats and other things don’t matter,” Kohli said.
However, he dismissed any questions about the lack of popularity of the format and felt that the challenges it provides to the cricketers will keep it running for years to come.
“I am not worried about Test cricket’s future. It is still very popular. When you perform, it gives real satisfaction… also in terms of job satisfaction,” he added.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 50 ODI centuries is one record Kohli is close to breaking. He already has 25 centuries to his name and is half-way there. But it will be important for Kohli to show the consistency he has shown over the last couple of years for the rest of his career if he has any shot at reaching the figures Sachin Tendulkar did in his career.