West Indies cricket icon Sir Vivian Richards, a member of the Governing Council of the International Masters League, asserts that it is unnecessary to compare batters from different eras. He highlighted that contrasting the playing styles of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar is unjust, advocating instead for fans to value the current talent rather than engage in debates over who is superior.

For years, social media has been rife with discussions regarding who stands as the better batter—Virat Kohli or Sachin Tendulkar. Recently, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar commented that such comparisons are more prevalent in the subcontinent and are seldom observed in SENA countries. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli broke Tendulkar's record for the most centuries in One Day Internationals. Nevertheless, Tendulkar maintains a significant lead in Test cricket. Numerous former cricketing greats have argued that comparing players across different generations is pointless, given the substantial evolution of playing conditions over time.

"I do not subscribe to the notion of comparisons. Rather, we should celebrate each era for the remarkable players it has produced. Those fortunate enough to witness these legends during their prime experienced extraordinary talent, and I prefer to honor that instead of making comparisons. Each player has made significant contributions to their country in their respective times, which warrants appreciation. It is not solely our role to judge; the fans who experienced their greatness will always honor their legacy," stated Viv Richards in response to a query from Hindustan Times during a select media interaction.

'Kohli can play till he's 50'

Virat Kohli recently achieved his 51st ODI century against Pakistan during the ICC Men's Champions Trophy. The legendary cricketer Richards commended the Indian icon, emphasizing his remarkable fitness and expressing confidence that Kohli has many more years of cricket ahead.

"He truly exemplifies what we all aspire to. Before the ODI World Cup, he was not at his peak performance, yet he made a stunning comeback, revealing his true character. This resilience distinguishes him from others. Not every athlete can rebound after a downturn, which is why I regard him as one of the greats and legends of the sport," remarked Richards.

"The fighting spirit, the energy, and the passion to excel are the reasons I place him among the very best. He can navigate through challenging times and emerge stronger. His energy is crucial. These are qualities I deeply value. When you have a team that can defend one another, it reflects that particular quality. Just observing his energy on the boundary, even as captain, he remains engaged. He appeals for decisions even from a distance, demonstrating his constant involvement in the game and his passion for it. There is not a moment on the field that Virat Kohli overlooks," Richards added.

When inquired about Kohli's potential longevity in the sport, the West Indies legend stated, "Considering his fitness and enthusiasm for cricket, one can never be certain—he might continue playing until he is 50. His recent century against Pakistan in Dubai just a week ago illustrates that he remains in exceptional form," a belief rooted in Kohli's 'fighting spirit, energy, and passion.'

Does India have an advantage in the Champions Trophy?

Recently, former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton indicated that India possesses a competitive edge in the Champions Trophy, attributing this to their familiarity with the conditions in Dubai and the absence of travel to other regions of Pakistan or the UAE. Richards concurred with their viewpoint, recognizing the merit of their argument.

"People may have a valid point regarding India's match locations, which I believe is influenced by political factors. I prefer not to delve into the political aspects. However, I think the responsibility lies with the governing body of the sport, the ICC, which appears to be facing challenges," he stated.

"I would urge them to provide clarity on this issue. If they are indeed the governing authority in cricket, why is this situation occurring? I genuinely believe that sport has the potential to unite people, including fans and even rivals. If sport can help bridge divides, then perhaps we can foster a more harmonious environment between nations that are hesitant to engage with one another. Ultimately, I believe it is the ICC's responsibility to address this matter, as they are the governing body."

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