West Indian legend Brian Lara has called Virat Kohli as the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo of cricket’ for his commitment to the game.

Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time and his commitment to the game, fitness levels and talent are some of the characteristics that can be matched with Virat Kohli. Former West Indian batsman Brian Lara certainly feels so and thus has compared the two.

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Lara feels that the Indian skipper is not more talented than KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma. But his commitment to preparing himself for each and every game makes him more successful and special.

He told the reporters, “I think it has got a lot to do with Virat's outstanding commitment besides his preparation. I don't think he is any more talented than a KL Rahul or a Rohit Sharma but his commitment to prepare himself properly stands out. He is, for me, the cricketing equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Lara has scored over 12,000 runs for West Indies in Test cricket and is easily one of the greatest batsmen in the longest format of the game. To earn applause from such a man cannot be less of an achievement for any cricketer.

The 50-year-old continued praising Kohli saying, “His fitness level and his mental strength is unbelievable. His batting skills are unbelievable. He is a guy you cannot leave out in any era. If a guy is averaging 50 plus in all versions of the game, then that is something which is unheard of.”

Brian Lara will once again be seen in the broadcasters’ show during the second ODI when Kohli leads Team India against West Indies on December 18 (Wednesday).

(Inputs from PTI)