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Football and cricket are two very different sports. However, one thing they have in common is the elite mentality and traits which both the top footballers and cricketers around the world have.
With football leagues going on in full swing in Europe and the IPL running in India, fans of both football and cricket will have plenty of matches to keep them occupied in the coming weeks.
From Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Ab De Villiers, the top cricketers and footballers share some definite similarities with each other. Without further ado, let us take a look at:
5 cricketers and their football equivalents
#5 Kane Williamson and Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is among the top players in world football at the moment. Arguably the best midfielder in the world, De Bruyne's class and composure on the ball is invaluable to Manchester City.
Kane Williamson, just like Kevin De Bruyne, is also one of the most consistent performers in world cricket at the moment. Technically sound and a calm presence on the field, Williamson has made New Zealand one of the best teams in world cricket with his calm batting and inspirational leadership.
Both Kane Williamson and Kevin De Bruyne have wowed fans all over the world with their consistent and match-winning performances in the last few years. With both superstars at the peak of their game now, great things will be expected from both of them.
#4 Steve Smith and Luis Suarez
One of the greatest strikers of this generation, Luis Suarez's genius on the pitch is unquestionable. However, controversies and suspensions have dogged the Uruguayan superstar for a number of years.
Similarly, Steve Smith is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen of this generation. Capable of scoring runs on any surface, the Australian is undoubtedly one of the greatest batsmen in world cricket right now. But just like Luis Suarez, controversies away from the pitch like ball tampering have resulted in lengthy bans and suspensions.
Luis Suarez and Steve Smith are both great sportsmen capable of winning games single-handedly for their respective teams. Their determination and willingness to win at any cost is what makes them similar.
#3 Rahul Dravid and Andres Iniesta
One of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game, Andres Iniesta defined an era at Barcelona and for the Spanish national team. A splendid playmaker on the field and a true gentleman off the pitch, Iniesta was a team player who always looked to set up his teammates.
Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid was also known for being the ideal team man. Soft spoken off the pitch but with incredible grit and determination to succeed on the pitch, Rahul Dravid was arguably India's most important test batsman in the 21st century.
Both Andres Iniesta and Rahul Dravid are recognized as legends. They are both dignified off the pitch and absolute team players on the pitch. They are both respected by everyone around the world. While their contributions might have been overshadowed by some other players in their team (Iniesta - Messi, Dravid - Sachin), their importance and influence on their respective teams was unparalleled.
#2 AB de Villiers and Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi needs no introduction. Undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, Messi's natural talent, skill and ability is unmatched. A true genius on the ball, Lionel Messi is capable of doing some absolutely magical things on the pitch. Arguably the most gifted player to ever play the game, Messi's feats on the football pitch have often left fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
AB de Villiers is also arguably the most talented cricketer of this generation. Capable of playing all 3 formats of the game with equal ease, the South African superstar's exploits on the cricket pitch are unmatched. From hitting some unbelievable shots to inspiring his team single-handedly to victory, AB de Villiers is a true genius
AB de Villiers and Lionel Messi are two of the most gifted sportsmen to ever grace their respective sports. Both are true legends and are capable of producing moments of magic effortlessly. Another coincidence is the fact that both great players have failed to win a major international trophy with their respective countries.
While Lionel Messi made a comeback for the Argentine national team after retiring, ABD could also do the same for South Africa with the T20 World Cup coming up in the next few months.
#1 Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the most recognizable footballer in the world. The 5 time Ballon d'Or winner has dedicated himself to breaking records, scoring goals and winning trophies. His fitness and longevity are unparalleled and the supreme confidence he exudes often inspires teammates and leaves his opponents in awe.
Virat Kohli, just like Cristiano Ronaldo, is the most popular cricketer in the world at the moment. Breaking records and scoring centuries match after match, the Indian batsman's fitness and dedication towards the game is absolutely astonishing. Not afraid to take on opponents, the 32-year-old's brand of fearless cricket has transformed the Indian cricket team.
Both Kohli and Ronaldo's dedication to fitness and their absolute determination to win is what makes them so similar to each other and champion athletes. Kohli himself said he was inspired by Ronaldo.
When asked by Indian football team legend Sunil Chhetri as to which sportsman inspires him, Kohli on an Instagram Live chat said:
“Cristiano Ronaldo. There are many great athletes. There are so many people you look up to, who are amazing, but for a guy to turn up for big games that regularly... The thing that stood out was, he joined Juventus (and) I remember it was a UEFA Champions League match between Juventus and Atletico Madrid match.
They lost 2-0 in the first leg. The second leg they were playing at home. For a guy to say two days prior to the game, to tell his friends that come for the game (because) it is going to be a special night.
“That conviction for a guy to say that we are going to go through and score a hat-trick. That for me is a beast mentality. In the world of sport, there are very few people who can claim to have that kind of a mentality. That mental strength for me is inspiring every time.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Virat Kohli's elite mentality sets them apart from their competitors
Honorable mentions: Babar Azam - Kylian Mbappe, Chris Gayle - Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rohit Sharma - Robert Lewandowski, Sachin Tendulkar - Pele
Can you think of any other cricketers and their footballing equivalents? Let us know in the comments section
