Virat Kohli is the Roger Federer of cricket: AB de Villiers
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. (TOI Photo)CHENNAI: Having shared the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dressing room with Virat Kohli for the last nine years, AB de Villiers has closely observed the Indian captain's rise to the top of the cricket world.
The 36-year-old South African feels that Kohli is a natural striker of the ball and compared his style to that of Roger Federer.
Asked to compare Kohli with Test cricket's No. 1-ranked batsman Steve Smith during an Instagram live chat with Pommie Mbangwa, de Villiers explained why Kohli's game reminded him of the Swiss tennis genius.
"Kohli is more of a natural ball striker. He is like Federer. Smith is more like (Rafael) Nadal, he's mentally very strong. He's figured out a way to score runs, he doesn't look too natural but he manages to break records. Kohli though has scored runs all over the world and he's my pick," de Villiers said.
Such has been Kohli's ability and form in recent years that he is already primed to break Sachin Tendulkar's numerous batting records. De Villiers weighed in on the debate saying that Kohli is better than Tendulkar when it comes to chasing down targets.
"Tendulkar has been a role model for both of us, the way he stood out in his era and the things he achieved with grace is a great example for any youngster to follow. Kohli will also say that he's (Tendulkar) the main guy and he set the standards. But I personally feel that Kohli is the best when it comes to run-chases. Tendulkar was amazing in all situations, but in terms of chasing under pressure, Virat tops him. No target is safe when Virat is batting," de Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, said.
The 36-year-old South African feels that Kohli is a natural striker of the ball and compared his style to that of Roger Federer.
Asked to compare Kohli with Test cricket's No. 1-ranked batsman Steve Smith during an Instagram live chat with Pommie Mbangwa, de Villiers explained why Kohli's game reminded him of the Swiss tennis genius.
"Kohli is more of a natural ball striker. He is like Federer. Smith is more like (Rafael) Nadal, he's mentally very strong. He's figured out a way to score runs, he doesn't look too natural but he manages to break records. Kohli though has scored runs all over the world and he's my pick," de Villiers said.
Such has been Kohli's ability and form in recent years that he is already primed to break Sachin Tendulkar's numerous batting records. De Villiers weighed in on the debate saying that Kohli is better than Tendulkar when it comes to chasing down targets.
"Tendulkar has been a role model for both of us, the way he stood out in his era and the things he achieved with grace is a great example for any youngster to follow. Kohli will also say that he's (Tendulkar) the main guy and he set the standards. But I personally feel that Kohli is the best when it comes to run-chases. Tendulkar was amazing in all situations, but in terms of chasing under pressure, Virat tops him. No target is safe when Virat is batting," de Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, said.
Download
The Times of India News App for Latest Sports News
Subscribe
Start Your Daily Mornings with Times of India Newspaper! Order Now
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE