Sir Viv: Kohli reminds me of …me

NEW DELHI, India, CMC – Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Vivian Richards says watching Indian stroke-maker Virat Kohli has brought back memories of himself during his illustrious career.

“I love watching Virat Kohli bat. He looks to me like an individual of my own heart. I love his aggression and serious passion that I used to have. He reminds me of myself,” said Sir Viv, who is an advisor to Delhi Daredevils during the current Indian Premier League.

“He is an individual who doesn’t back off from confrontation, someone who can stand his ground under pressure.”

Sir Viv also pointed to Kohli’s fielding, noting that it also mirrored his batting.

“He is a livewire unlike some fielders, who would just dig a hole and dive in it rather than dive to stop the ball …,” Sir Viv pointed out. “I love that as you can’t teach these instinctive aspects.”

The 24-year-old Kohli has already scored 334 runs in from nine innings for Royal Challengers Banglalore, including three half-centuries and a best of 93 not out against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He averages 41 from 18 Tests and nearly 50 from his 98 One-Day Internationals.