Cristiano Ronaldo and Kohli are similar brands, says Pietersen
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Virat Kohli has had a difficult time getting going with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Kohli has been far from his best for his team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this season, despite a couple of solid runs.
However, in RCB's most recent match against Gujarat Titans, the Indian run-machine reverted to form with a tenacious half-century.
Kohli hit 58 off 53 balls to help RCB record a fighting total of 170 runs but Faf du Plessis and his team lost the game following brilliant cameos from Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia in GT's run chase.
Kohli, who is widely considered as one of the greatest batters of all time, has been tipped by many to bounce back quickly from his slump.
Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen recently made a comparison between Kohli and football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, explaining how they are both similar brands in their respective clubs.
Despite being 37 years old, Ronaldo is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time and remains one of the most prolific goal scorers in the world. Despite his advanced age, the Manchester United superstar has shown no signs of slowing down and continues to be a game-changer for his club and country.
"What he needs to do is to have a look at Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo. Two similar brands in their different teams and in their sports. You have Virat Kohli right at the top of cricket, his brand is right at the top of cricket,”
“Cristiano Ronaldo is right at the top of football. One plays for Manchester United, and one plays for RCB and India. Those are big brands and they are going to be talking points. Those big brands also want to maintain their status in the game by winning," Pietersen said on Star Sports.
Furthr lauding Kohli, Pietersen called his pedigree in run-chases as his greatest attribute and also hailed the RCB stalwart as the greatest batter India has ever produced. It is a huge compliment from Piteresen for Kohli as India has produced several batting legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar among others.
"Virat Kohli's greatest attribute, how many games he has won for India while chasing. Virat Kohli is my greatest batter in this country because he has won so many games for India chasing. That is something you look at, that is something he cherishes and is so proud of," Pietersen said.
