Why does Virat Kohli not need to be the second Sachin Tendulkar?

Virat Kohli in action [PC: Twitter]

What is the greatest contentment the sportspersons crave for?

Is it registering innumerable personal milestones? Or is it staying fit and serving the nation for eternity? 

In my opinion, sportspersons always play to create their identity and fulfil their desire to be a part of the folklore. Legacy serves as the ultimate yardstick for greatness; therefore, the players want to be remembered for the uniqueness they bring to the table. 

When Virat Kohli showed a lot of promise with the bat at the beginning of his career, people had already started comparing him with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. And now, when Kohli has breached the 24000 run-mark in international cricket, the most-asked question remains the same; 'can he surpass Tendulkar's tally?'. 

Whether Kohli overtakes Sachin in the all-time highest run-scorers list is a different debate altogether. But even if he doesn't, he will go down as one of the greatest ever players to grace the game. There are some features which define Virat Kohli, and it's only him who will be remembered whenever we discuss about them. 

So, what are the attributes of Virat Kohli which make him unique? 

Virat Kohli, the chase master in ODIs

Kohli is one of the best ODI chasers of all time

If I think about the best chasers in ODI cricket, Kohli's name is the first one to strike my mind. In fact, I lose count whenever I try to list the games in which he has led India to victory, acing a high-pressure run chase. 

Statistically, Kohli has slammed 7306 runs, including 26 centuries (the most in ODI history), at an average of 66.41 while chasing. Further, he averages an unreal 93.32 in 91 of the matches India have won while batting second with him being in the playing XI. 

Before someone comes up with the 'two new ball making things easier' theory, let me tell you these numbers are staggering in any era for a top-order batter. 

Virat Kohli, the Captain who led from the front

Kohli's thrived as a batter during his captaincy [PC: Twitter]

It's considered ideal for a leader to be an epitome of performance for his teammates. The players always get inspiration from their captain's on-field returns, and the way Kohli has batted as a skipper is exemplary.

The talismanic batter is the highest run-getter across formats amongst the Indian captains, with 12883 runs at a stupendous average of 59.92. He also holds the record for the joint-most number of centuries by a captain (41) alongside the Australian great Ricky Ponting. 

On the contrary, the respective numbers for Sachin Tendulkar are 4508 runs, including 13 centuries, at an average of 42.93. I find these numbers slightly underwhelming as per his standards. 

Virat Kohli, the trendsetter in Tests

Kohli is regarded as India's best ever Test Captain [PC: Twitter]

The contributions of Virat Kohli, the Test captain, for the Indian team is invaluable. Besides setting up one of the finest pace bowling arsenal of this generation, Kohli's visionary leadership made India invincible at home and helped them conquer Australia for the first time in their rich cricketing history. 

Further, Kohli is the only Indian Test captain to have won two matches in South Africa and whitewash the West Indies in their backyard. This speaks volumes for his remarkable leadership quality, which keeps him above the rest of the Indian skippers, including Sachin Tendulkar, in the purest format. 

Legacy is not leaving something for people. In fact, it’s leaving something in people. 

The aforementioned facts highlight only some fraction of the huge legacy Virat Kohli has already established for himself. The day he decides to hang up his boots, people will remember him for achieving such astounding feats, instead of those he didn't attain. 

So, I am unsure if Kohli will retire as the highest run-scorer with more than hundred international tons. But one thing is for sure; these facts will make the Indian fans glorify him for being the first King, not the second God of Cricket. 

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