“He reminds me of myself” - When Virat Kohli received the biggest compliment from Viv Richards during IPL 2013
During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013, former West Indies batter Viv Richards acknowledged Virat Kohli's exceptional batting talent. Richards praised the Indian batter's aggression and passion for the game and his ability to perform under pressure. His comments came after being appointed as the Delhi Daredevils' (now Capitals) ambassador as well as an advisor.
Known for his aggressive and fearless batting style, Richards amassed 8,540 runs in 121 Tests at a prolific average of 50.23 with 24 centuries. He garnered over 6,700 runs at an average of 47 in 187 ODIs, with 11 centuries. The legendary batter was part of the Caribbean side, which lifted the 1975 and 1979 World Cups and emerged as runner-up in the 1983 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008 and gradually forayed into the other formats as well. Kohli's rise in the international circuit was headlined by his contribution in India's 2011 World Cup victory and a riveting knock of 133* off 86 against Sri Lanka in the 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series.
Along with fine international form, Kohli was also returning with supreme IPL performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at that time. Here's what Richards said about the-then 24-year-old Kohli.
"I love watching Virat Kohli bat. He looks to me like an individual of my own heart. I love his aggression, and [he has] serious passion that I used to have. He reminds me of myself," Richards told PTI. "He is an individual who doesn't back off from confrontation; someone who can stand his ground under pressure. I love that as you can't teach these instinctive aspects."
Richards also lauded Virat Kohli's fielding acumen and termed him a "livewire". He added:
"Just like me, he loves the ball to come to him. He wants to dive, stop the runs. He is a livewire unlike some fielders, who would just dig a hole and dive in it rather than dive to stop the ball."
Viv Richards hailed Virat Kohli as "one of the all-time greats" during 2023 World Cup
During the 2023 World Cup, legendary Viv Richards lauded Virat Kohli's sensational form in his column on the ICC portal. Richards called himself a "huge fan" of Kohli and labeled the Indian batter as one of the finest to grace the cricket field. Here's what he wrote:
"I am a huge fan of Virat, I have been for a long time, and he continues to show why he has to go down as one of the all-time greats, right up there with the likes of the great Sachin." [H/t Economic Times]
Kohli went on to break Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries with his match-winning ton against New Zealand in the semi-final. Thereafter, he returned with a fifty in the final; however, Australia emerged as the champions.