Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s unmatched pedigree of scoring runs has often earned him comparisons with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. While Tendulkar’s record 100 centuries in international cricket still is a distant dream for the Indian skipper, he is the closest contender to overhaul the mark. The kind of form that Kohli has enjoyed over the past few years, he might leave behind Tendulkar in terms of centuries one day. however, former Indian swashbuckling batsman Virender Sehwag feels Kohli still has a long way to go before he can be compared with Tendulkar.
“I don’t feel it is right to compare Kohli with Tendulkar,” Sehwag told India TV on Saturday. He was speaking after India’s triumph over England in the third Test at Trent Bridge.
“It will be logical only if he is able to achieve the numerous records set by Sachin. Every player including Virat wants to reach the benchmark of 100 international hundreds set by Sachin so he will try to do the same,” Sehwag explained.
Tendulkar has the highest amount of international runs with 34357 runs to his name. He retired in 2011 with 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries under his belt. Meanwhile, Kohli who made his India debut in 2008, has scored 5994 runs at a brilliant average of 54.49 in 69 Test matches and has already scored 23 centuries. In ODI’s he has amassed 9799 runs at an astounding average of 58.20 with 35 hundred and 48 half-centuries.
“He (Kohli) can do it as he has the talent and the hunger required to achieve these milestones. It becomes clear after you see the way he prepares and focuses on each match disregarding whatever happened in the previous one,” Sehwag said.
