Virat Kohli has yet again proved why he is called 'GOAT'. For those who chipped in late, Virat, just a few hours ago, broke all the records and became the first Indian cricketer to claim 50 ODI hundreds in the semi-final of the World Cup. There's no denying the fact that the entire nation is celebrating this precious moment. For those who don't know, currently, India is playing an important match against New Zealand, which marks the semi-final of the World Cup 2023. India has set a target of 398 in front of the opposite team.
Virat Kohli broke the record that was set by none other than his inspiration and 'Master-blaster', Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin was also present at Wankhede stadium on November 15, 2023, and witnessed the historic game played by Virat. He also penned a long note and showered Virat with praise. However, amid the celebration that has been going on, let us take you back to a time when Virat said that he actually wanted to be like Sachin.
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Over the years, Virat Kohli has broken the records of his Sachin Tendulkar. And for the same reason, a lot of comparison was drawn between the two players. However, Virat never concentrated on such talks and continued to state that Sachin has been his hero since childhood. It was back in 2019 when Virat, the then-captain of the Indian cricket team, revealed what it is about Sachin that actually left him fascinated. During a conversation on a sports web show, In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Virat Kohli said that it was Sachin's skills that left him fascinated. Virat said:
"What he did from the pure skill point of view, just the way he was able to bat, was so much more different to anyone else and that just fascinated me."
Going further in the interview, Virat Kohli said that he used to go to the shops, take a packet of chips and just sit in front of the TV to watch Sachin batting. Virat added that Sachin's performance had been so captivating that none would be able to take their eyes off the screens. The prolific player further added that he used to tell people that he wanted to be like Sachin Tendulkar. Virat could be quoted as saying:
"I was like man, this is so much more different and it was so captivating you just couldn’t take your eyes off when he was batting. I used to go to these shops and get my packet of chips and my nibbles and just sit in front of the TV to watch him bat, and it was just pure joy. I used to tell people, I want to be like Sachin.”
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In his long interview, Virat revealed how he was obsessed with cricket since the time he was young. Virat said that whenever he used to watch the Indian team chasing and being faltered, he wished that he could be there. Virat said that he used to dream about it. Talking more about his skills and how he achieved them, Virat mentioned that he never wanted to feel the absence of fear and respect in the opposite team whenever he walked into the ground. Talking more about the same, Virat revealed:
"I didn’t want to walk into the ground thinking that opposition feels that this guy is a pushover, who is going to do no damage. Just didn’t want to be another player as I wanted to make an impact. I wanted that when I walk in, the teams should think that we need to get this guy out or else we will lose the game. And if I don’t want to be that guy, then there is something wrong in my head.”
Virat Kohli made everyone, including Sachin Tendulkar's beam with pride as he played extremely well at the India Vs. New Zeland semi-finals for World Cup 2023. Post this historic game by Virat, Sachin posted a long note and showered the prolific player with praise. Check out Sachin's caption:
What are your views on Virat Kohli's old interview? Let us know!
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