5 Similarities Between Virat Kohli And Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Virat Kohli two of the most prominent athletes in the world today. Two global entities that are arguably the leading players of their separate sports. The skills both possess are second to none that makes jaws drop everywhere they play. Cricket in comparison to football is not a global sport, but still, the popularity of Kohli stands out. Many cricketing legends have called Kohli the equivalent of Ronaldo in cricket.

Kohli also has a lot of time hailed Ronaldo and stated that he considers him a role model for every professional athlete around the world. The two megastars are captains of their national teams India and Portugal. On or off the field, two of them are wizards and trendsetters who are perfect definitions of GOAT. Virat Kohli and Christiano Ronaldo, time and time again, have electrified stadiums all around the world and established why they are once in a lifetime players.

As far as their trophy cabinets are concerned, the two have almost won it all. Kohli at 31 years of age has already won the World Cup, Champions trophy, all ICC awards and is the most successful Indian Test captain of all time. Ronaldo, on the other hands who is 35 has won 5 League Titles, 4 Champions League Titles, 1 Euro Cup for Portugal as skipper and 5 Ballon d’Or awards.

Here are the top 5 similarities between Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo:

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1. Self Belief

Both Kohli and Ronaldo have an immense self-belief in their capabilities. They might have a bad game but immediately in the next, they will come with the same mindset on the field as if they won their last match too.

Kohli, who has a disastrous tour of England in 2014, worked on his game to succeed in the next overseas tour which was Australia. The run machine of India batted like a dream and notched up 692 runs including 4 centuries.

Ronaldo too gives the credit of his staggering success to his self- belief. He always thinks he is the best in the world when he steps out to play. “You need to think big, I have always believed that nobody is better than me, out on the pitch at least”, has said Ronaldo many times in his interviews.

2. Versatility in playing styles

Kohli is the best batsman today as he as the ability to adapt and bat at any number and in any conditions. He doesn’t change his game much in all formats and still, consistently score runs. The talismanic run-scorer has owned every format of the game continuously for a good 6-7 years now. He has stayed on the top due to the fact he gives emphasis on his technique that allows him to score in any wicket and any format.

Similarly, Ronaldo’s versatility also sets him apart from anyone in football. The Portuguese is a complete footballer who can play at any position, score with both feet, head the ball into the net, he has everything. In his career at Manchester United, Ronaldo started playing as a midfielder and earned his stripes and at Madrid, he played as a striker and was equally successful.

3. Hard work off the field

This is my favourite similarity between the two icons. The two at the beginning of their careers never had the best natural ability to become the best. But both transformed themselves by putting immense hard work in their training and following a strict diet that made them the best. Ronaldo and Kohli both follow a very strict nutrition and exercise programme.

They make absolutely no sacrifices when it comes to training while preparing for the game. Both perform dynamic lifts in the gym that make them ready to perform at the best of their abilities. Over the years they have certainly proved that ‘Hard work beats Talent’ and when you put your mind into something you can achieve miraculous results.

4. Dealing with Haters

When you are as good as Kohli and Ronaldo, you are bound to have both love and hate at an extreme level. Once they step on the field they absolutely block the outside noise. All the negative talk about them don’t affect their game and it acts as a motivation. They only focus on getting their teams in winning positions by leading from the front.

Ronaldo and Kohli have reached a stage in their careers where they give the least importance to their haters. The duo only cares about their game and their centre of attention is how can they improve more so that they continue to achieve greatness. A mentality that only beasts such as Kohli and Ronaldo are able to central.

5. Both are great human beings

Most importantly the two share a quality in common which is both are genuinely great human beings. The foundation of Virat Kohli gives financial help to the athletes who have the talent to represent India. Kohli always comes out in support of all the athletes that represent India in different sports. He also came in support of the needy people during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

CR7 after scoring the winning penalty in the CL final 2016 he donated his bonus cheque towards a charity. He also helped Make-A-wish-Foundation by raising funds when he auctioned his 2013 Ballon d’Or trophy, also is an active contributor towards Unicef too. Two absolute legends of World sports that are still at the peak of their prowess.