Virat Kohli’s natural talent makes him a cricketing equivalent of Roger Federer while Steve Smith’s mental fortitude matches that of Rafael Nadal, said South African swashbuckler AB de Villiers comparing the 2 contemporary greats.
In an instagram chat with former Zimbabwe seamer Pommie Mbangwa, de Villiers spoke about the 2 batsmen, who are easily the game’s biggest crowd-pullers immediately.
“It’s a difficult one, but Virat is certainly the more natural ball-striker, there is no doubt that ,” de Villiers said during his interaction on ‘Sports Hurricane’.
“In tennis terms, I’d say he’s more sort of a (Roger) Federer whereas Smith is sort of a (Rafael) Nadal. Smith is mentally very strong and figures out how of scoring runs – he doesn’t look natural, but he finishes up writing records and doing amazing things at the crease.
“I think mentally, Smith is one among the simplest I even have ever seen. Virat has also scored runs everywhere the planet and won games struggling ,” de Villiers,himself a contemporary day great, said.
De Villiers also felt that when it involves chasing, Kohli may be a shade before Tendulkar.
“Sachin may be a model for both folks (him and Kohli). The way he stood call at his era, the items he achieved and with the grace he did all that’s an excellent example for everybody,” de Villiers said.
“And i feel Virat also will say that he set the standards for us to follow.
“But personally, during a chase, I’d say Virat is that the best I’ve seen in my life. Sachin was amazing altogether formats and every one situation, but Virat comes out on top while chasing.”
The world knows Kohli as a prolific cricketer except for de Villiers, he’s a lover , who has interests beyond cricket and is spiritual at one level.
“He’s much deeper than simply a cricket player…I think most of the people realise after a short time that there is more to life than simply cricket,” de Villiers said.
“…Virat’s always been a thinker, he experiments (with) tons of things, he loves trying new things out – gym wise, what he puts in his mouth. He thinks tons about life after life – what’s to return, the various religions, we mention everything.”
De Villiers said that he also shares an excellent bond with Indian captain’s actor wife Anushka Sharma, conversing on tons of issues including family life.
“We go pretty deep and his missus also , Anushka, we’ve very deep conversations, which is astounding . We mention children and family. We’re expecting that first little Kohli to return.
