Virat Kohli is Lifelong Sachin Tendulkar Fan and We are Glad There is No Competition

“I am happy being the second," Virat Kohli reiterated once more, gracefully embracing comparisons to the cricket deity, Sachin Tendulkar. It’s an art he’s mastered – finding pride in occupying a pedestal alongside his sole inspiration but without diminishing the beauty of his muse. It’s the essence of what defines the ‘man’ that he is. From the very beginning, Kohli has woven ‘humility’ into the fabric of his narrative, effortlessly juggling his own triumphs with the unwavering respect he holds for Tendulkar. Why, you wonder? Well, for those familiar with Kohli, that’s not a question to pose—ask ‘How’?

A recent video served as a testament to Kohli’s unwavering satisfaction in trailing behind his idol, not in records, but in the revered realm of cricketing stance. Beyond the numerical statistics that often dominate discussions, Kohli finds solace in the fact that, despite surpassing Tendulkar’s milestones, he is content being everyone’s second favourite cricketer. For him, Tendulkar remains the unparalleled favourite.

His words serve as a perfect response to those engrossed in endless comparisons. “For me, he will always be on top, so I am happy being the second."

To put it simply, in a world rife with rivalry and criticism, Kohli’s gratitude toward his childhood inspiration remains unshaken. His career is a heartfelt tribute to Tendulkar, a narrative beautifully depicted in moments like the ODI World Cup 2023 Semi-final on November 15. As Kohli achieved the unprecedented feat of his 50th ODI century, he bowed not to the cricketing gods but to the mortal who had lit the spark within him – Sachin Tendulkar.

The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a unique celebration, a symbolic passing of the baton. Tendulkar, once the record-holder with 49 ODI centuries, now applauded Kohli, who had just etched his name in history. The genuine joy on Tendulkar’s face spoke volumes, echoing his words from years ago when he expressed his openness to see his records surpassed by deserving Indian players, including Kohli.

And this isn’t an isolated incident. In an interview on ‘Breakfast with Champions’, when asked if he is better than Sachin, Kohli humbly acknowledged his roots, attributing his entry into cricket to Tendulkar. He emphasised the unfairness of comparing himself to someone who was the catalyst for his cricketing journey, acknowledging Tendulkar’s unmatched skill level.

In his words, “You can only compare those who are worthy of the comparison. You are comparing me to someone because of whom I started playing cricket in the first place. I stand no chance in terms of skill level."

Likewise, during a chat with Graham Bensinger, Tendulkar, when asked to pick the better batter between him and Kohli, suggested the beauty of having both in one team.

Truly, this is more than a tale of records; it’s the story of two legends deeply intertwined with the game. A story where passing on the G.O.A.T baton isn’t a reluctant handover but a joyous celebration of cricket’s evolution.

Legends, after all, transcend numbers; they leave an indelible mark through deeds and influence. In the realm of cricket, Tendulkar bears the title, and Kohli, standing just below the ‘God,’ takes pride in carrying the legacy forward.

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To end it, in a world where Instagram reels whine about the ‘good old days,’ Kohli stands as a bridge between the generations. He witnessed Tendulkar redefine Indian cricket and, in turn, evolved into a cricketing icon — a G.O.A.T in his own right, twirling his cricket bat with style, right next to the ‘God’ himself.