Virat Kohli's stats in 2016 are better than Don Bradman, claims Virender Sehwag

Sehwag wants Kohli to be compared only with himself

When the world sees any promising batsman, comparisons with some of the illustrious names of the past are bound to crop up inevitably. Due to his remarkable form, Virat Kohli seems to be the flavor of the season nowadays. However, former opener Virender Sehwag has come hard at those comparing the Indian Test skipper to stalwarts of yore.

During an event at Agenda Aaj Tak, the witty 38-year old explained his logic by coming with an interesting analogy between the Delhi dasher and yesteryear batting icon Sir Don Bradman.

Sehwag claimed, “I enjoy when Kohli bats. He reminds me of Virat only. In year 2016, his stats are better than Donald Bradman. He is good in all formats (be it) ODI or Tests. No one should be compared. If that happens, you risk forgetting your own game. When people started telling me that I play like (Sachin) Tendulkar, I tried to copy his shots for 10-12 ODIs and terribly failed. Then I said, ‘To hell with Tendulkar, let's play my own game’.”

In the current calendar year, Kohli has scored 2345* runs from 36 matches (as of 9^th December) across all three formats at an average of 83.75 including six tons and thirteen half-centuries. Though England’s Joe Root amassed 2399 runs, he played four more matches (and five additional Tests) than him which reflects in his average of 49.97.

While Kohli’s 2016 numbers may look imposing, Bradman’s entire Test career appears to be even more daunting. Widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all-time, the right-hander piled on 6996 runs from 52 matches at a scarcely believable average of 99.94.

Sehwag’s comparison is underlined by a hint of sarcasm as comparing a legend who only played Tests in an entirely different era with a modern-day batsman plying his trade in many more countries as well as two additional formats.

It is pertinent to note that the ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ had even admitted to imitating Tendulkar‘s batting style during the early part of his career. But, common sense prevailed and he went on to establish himself as a flamboyant batsman at the top of the order.

‘I enjoy my own batting videos on Youtube’

Having retired from the game last year, Sehwag continues to entertain by combining social relevance and hilarity in his Twitter posts. ‘Viru’ also gave a secret insight into one of his ideal past-times.

He felt, “Social media is a platform where you can express your opinion and engage with your fans. I have always believed in (only) one thing - entertainment. There is already a lot of tension in life. If you can make somebody happy and smile, why not – nothing like it.”

“My kids also tell me, you are a rage. God (read Sachin) has praised you, were you were really that good? Now, I watch my own batting videos on YouTube and enjoy. I read my tweets and enjoy. I have entertained people so much, I also have a right. I have admired a lot of cricketers and I am also one of them. I am my own favourite.”

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