[Watch] When Ramiz Raja Compared Virat Kohli With Sachin Tendulkar

image-ls047enpVirat Kohli scored 107 against PAK prior to the comparison (AP)

Modern-day batting legend Virat Kohli exudes greatness through his remarkable ability of excelling under pressure, particularly in high-stakes World Cup encounters. His unwavering determination and skill in crucial moments has often justified his reputation as the ultimate clutch performer for Team India.

Consistently rising to the occasion, Kohli’s brilliance has played a pivotal role in numerous Indian triumphs at the grandest stage. Notably, the cricketer seems to reserve his best for pressure-laden World Cup matches against arch-rivals Pakistan, underscoring his unparalleled influence in critical scenarios.

Even back during his 2015 World Cup faceoff against Pakistan, also India’s first Pool A game of the tournament, the prolific right-hander punched out a match-winning 107 to headline a 76-run win for his country.

As it turned out, apart from bagging the ‘Player of the Match’ honors after India’s one-sided win, Virat Kohli also earned a unique praise from prominent Pakistan cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja during the presentation ceremony.

When Kohli smiled at being compared with Tendulkar

After Team India trounced Pakistan by 76 runs at the 2015 World Cup, ‘Player of the Match’ Virat Kohli was compared with his spiritual batting predecessor Sachin Tendulkar by Pakistan commentator Ramiz Raja.

Kohli smiled at the comparison, and responded:

“That’s a really big compliment. Expectations are going to be there when you do well for your country. I just look to stand up to them because I hate losing. I love winning games and I love playing for my country. I am just so passionate about it. It comes naturally to me and I like the expectations and pressure.”

A couple of World Cup editions later, Virat Kohli dethroned Sachin Tendulkar for a huge ODI record of number of centuries. The modern-day batting legend achieved the feat during the 2023 World Cup, where he amassed an astonishing haul of 765 runs.

To date, Kohli stands as one of the greatest batters of all time, and averages above or nearly 50 across all formats of the game.