Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his two cents on Virat Kohli-Sachin Tendulkar comparison, stating that SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) should be the main consideration when talking about the two legendary batters.
His comment came days after Proteas great AB de Villiers made an assessment rating Virat Kohli above Sachin Tendulkar in bouncy, seam-friendly overseas conditions.
De Villiers triggered an intense online debate by suggesting that while Tendulkar was a pioneer for subcontinent batters, Kohli pushed the standard higher.
However, Chopra didn’t agree with his verdict, highlighting that South Africa is the only place where Kohli’s numbers are superior than Tendulkar.
"SENA countries will tell you your true capability. Overall, in SENA countries, 63 matches for Sachin paaji, his average is 51.30, has 17 centuries and 23 half-centuries, and he has 5,387 runs. Virat Kohli - 48 matches, 3,781 runs at an average of 41.54. We shouldn't look at the centuries because Paaji has 63 matches, and Virat has also scored 12 in 48 matches, but there is a significant difference in the average," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
"South Africa - difficult conditions to bat. Everyone's average falls there. Paaji's has also fallen. He has an average of only 46.44 there. He has five centuries to his name in 15 matches and 1,161 runs. Virat Kohli steals the march in South Africa. He has an average of 49.50 - the only place where he is averaging more than Sachin paaji. He has played nine matches and has two centuries and four half-centuries," he added.
During his analysis, Aakash Chopra was quick to point out that Tendulkar significantly outperformed Kohli in England and Australia.
"Sachin paaji has played 17 matches in England, 30 innings, and scored 1,575 runs at an average of 54.31, which includes four centuries. Virat Kohli has also played 17 matches, 33 innings, and has scored 1,096 runs. His average is only 33.21. 54 to 33 - there is a difference of more than 20. The one bad tour has probably brought the numbers way down. So Virat Kohli's England numbers are not stacking up. If we compare to Paaji, they are nowhere close," Chopra remarked.
"Sachin paaji has played 20 matches in Australia, 38 innings, and has scored 1,809 runs at an average of 53.20. He has six centuries. Virat Kohli has played 18 matches, 34 innings, and has scored 1,542 runs at an average of 46.72. He has seven centuries. So he has struck one extra century for sure, but he has an average of 46, and Sachin paaji had an average of 53. There is still a difference of seven runs," he concluded.
