IND v WI | Virat Kohli is the cricketing equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo, says Brian Lara

The former batting icon recognizes Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to be on par with Kohli in terms of talent, However, the sheer dedication that Kohli shows towards honing his skills to take batting to an unbelievable level has left Lara in awe. The comparison more or less a direct result of the Indian skipper's mental strength and his fitness level. Kohli is admittedly a huge Ronaldo fan and this comparison would be of huge compliment to the Indian skipper. 

"I think it has 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. His fitness level and his mental strength is unbelievable," Lara told PTI.

Kohli averages nearly 54.57 in the Tests while having scored in over 7200 runs in the format. His best, however, comes in the ODI's where his average is 60 as the runs tally is on the north side of 11500. 

"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," he said.

Another player that earned the praises of the great West Indian was English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was recently awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, for his stellar run in the World Cup and the Ashes. 

"It was an unbelievable innings that he played (at Headingley). You must give him the credit not only for that innings but also for his 84 not out in the ODI World Cup final. He came up through a very rough period couple of years back (Bristol pub brawl and subsequent suspension) and he has shown the mettle to put things aside and soldiered on as a cricketer," Lara added.