New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar sees a shadow of himself in Virat Kohli, but the young Indian batsman says he literally worships the iconic cricketer and matching his feats would be nothing short of “mission impossible” for him.
Kohli is the fastest to score 1,000 and then 3,000 ODI runs and has been India’s most prolific scorer this year with five centuries, which led to many comparing him with Tendulkar.
Tendulkar himself considers Kohli a worthy challenger to his record of 100 international centuries.
However, Kohli said there is no comparison between him and his idol.
“I feel really blessed when people start comparing me with Sachin, but I keep myself focused on my performance, and not on such comparisons. I literally worship him, so, I don’t see too much in this comparison,” Kohli said
“No cricketer has been able to score one hundred centuries like Sachin. It will be a big achievement. I don’t think at all about this, because it increases pressure on you. I keep myself focused on my performance,” he said on a local TV show.
About his selection as vice-captain, Kohli said it was a pleasant surprise for him and refuted suggestions that he would eventually replace MS Dhoni as skipper.
“No, I don’t think so. As captain, he has done a lot for Team India. I learnt a lot as a vice-captain,” he said.
The Delhi batsman disagreed with Sourav Ganguly, who felt that the selectors had taken an emotional decision by rushing Yuvraj Singh into international cricket after illness.
Yuvraj, who has recovered from cancer, has been included in Indian squad for the World Twenty20 beginning next month in Sri Lanka.
“I don’t think it is an emotional decision. If he says he is confident and fit, then he should be given the chance. It should be a perfect comeback for him,” Kohli said.
“The first match after comeback always makes one nervous. If he performs well in the World Cup, it will be a big boost for Team India. For us, the World Cup is an important tournament,” he added.
‘Trying to control my aggression’
Talking about his aggressive attitude on the field, Kohli said it is part of his nature.
“I had this habit from childhood. I never liked being out, whether I am out on zero or I score a ton. I get angry. Occasionally, I shout abuses, but, of late, I am trying to control my aggression, so that my behaviour doesn’t go over the top. I have broken too many bats in my childhood,” he said.
Kohli was also candid enough to admit that he got distracted after playing in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“Yes, there was a bit of distraction. We had just come from the Under-19 World Cup win. We were playing with foreign (star) players, I did not handle it (attention) well.
“I was even thrown out of the team but my coach advised me concentrate on the game and I got my focus back.”
After India’s win in the U-19 World Cup on Sunday, Kohli had praised the up-and-coming team, especially for defeating defending champions Australia.
“Beating Australia in Australia in a World Cup final has never happened before. It’s a great achievement. We would love to wish the U-19 cricketers and congratulate them for winning the World Cup,” Kohli said.
“Having played at the U-19 level, I know how the feeling is… How special is to win the U-19 World Cup… When you come together for a long period of time and especially in Australian conditions,” said the former U-19 captain.
“I think your journey starts from here. It’s going to give you a lot of confidence and set you up to do greater things in life. I think this is the time to focus and work harder,” was Kohli’s message for the youngsters. (PTI)