"Great players always arrive in World Cups" - Michael Vaughan compares Virat Kohli to Lionel Messi

Virat Kohli (L) & Lionel Messi have both won the World Cup in their resective sport (P.C.:X) — Virat Kohli (L) & Lionel Messi have both won the World Cup in their respective sports. (P.C.:X)

Former England captain Michael Vaughan isn't surprised with the way star Indian batter Virat Kohli has performed in the 2023 World Cup so far. In just five games, Kohli has a staggering 354 runs to his name at a mind-blowing average of 118, with three fifties and a hundred as well.

Vaughan has compared Kohli's impact with that of Argentinian football superstar and World Cup winner Lionel Messi. He feels these great players always come into their own on the big stage.

Speaking on the 'Club Prairie Fire' podcast, here's what Michael Vaughan had to say about Virat Kohli:

"Virat Kohli in the chase, there's no one better. It wouldn't surprise me if he gets a 49th (century) before the final, and his 50th in the final. It's written in the stars."

He further added:

"I actually put it on social media – great, great players always arrive in World Cups. It defines their legacies. Look at the footballers, Lionel Messi had to win the World Cup for Argentina, and he did it. Virat has already won a World Cup but you just feel he's going to drive the Indian team all the way."

I don't see how anyone will get close to India: Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan feels that Team India are head and shoulders above the rest in the 2023 World Cup and are the firm favorites to win the title. The former cricketer believes it will be tough for any team to trigger a collapse of the strong Indian batting line-up.

On this, he stated:

“I'd love to know how they (India) can be stopped. I can't see it at the minute. Yes, you can get early wickets. But the pitches aren't going to do much. How are you going to get them 3-4 down quickly?