Sanjay Manjrekar on what makes Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli similar

There has been quite a comparison that has been doing rounds over the years now which juxtaposes Virat Kohli vis-à-vis Sachin Tendulkar. The cricket fans and experts alike have time and time again compared the two for differences. However, very few have tried to liken the two. The two icons of the sport have been similar in multiple ways, particularly when we talk about their cricketing exploits.

Former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar, opened up on how similar the two are and what are the exact traits that bring them even closer. In an interview with senior journalist, Vimal Kumar, Manjrekar pointed out why these two have been the greatest of their respective eras while continuing to dominate the sport.

Manjrekar said, “The one similarity between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar is that both of them enjoy playing cricket. They want to be on the field. He was not part of the team for the game against Bangladesh but was still on the field. I don't think Virat Kohli wants power or leadership.”

He further added, “He just wants to play and it looks like he enjoys being a part of the team. He captained the team for a very long time, so there is no scope for an unfulfilled dream. Being with the team, travelling with players, going to the ground, and being part of winning moments are more important to him than having power.”

Talking about equalling the Master Blaster’s mega feat of hundred hundreds, Manjrekar believes that Virat may just fall short. He said, “Sachin Tendulkar has 51 hundreds, 17 more than what Sunil Gavaskar finished with. For a good player, accumulating runs in ODIs is comparatively easy, as bowlers don't always try to take a wicket. Tendulkar and Kohli are special because they also have a lot of Test hundreds. However, I believe it will be very difficult for Kohli to reach 51 Test centuries.”