Sachin Tendulkar and John McEnroe
Before he became the ‘God of Cricket’, a young Sachin Tendulkar was fascinated by a different sport: tennis. His ultimate hero was the fiery and phenomenally talented American tennis player, John McEnroe. While most of his friends supported the cool and calm
Björn Borg, Tendulkar was drawn to McEnroe's passionate and aggressive on-court persona. He idolised the tennis star so much that he grew his hair long and wore headbands and wristbands, hoping his friends would call him 'Mac'. While Tendulkar's path ultimately led to the cricket pitch, the inspiration he drew from McEnroe’s rebellious spirit and immense skill highlights an early fascination with sporting greatness, regardless of the discipline. It was only after his brother Ajit intervened to channel his energies that he fully focused on cricket, a decision that would change the sport forever.
Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s fitting that one of the most dedicated and fitness-focused cricketers of the modern era finds his inspiration in a footballer renowned for the exact same qualities. Virat Kohli has frequently and publicly expressed his admiration for Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. For Kohli, the admiration goes beyond skill; it’s rooted in Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic, discipline, and longevity. He has often stated that he relates to Ronaldo's journey of staying at the peak of his sport for so many years through sheer hard work, noting that while others may have natural genius, Ronaldo's success is a testament to his unmatched dedication. This shared philosophy is visible in Kohli's own transformation into a world-class athlete, known for his rigorous fitness regimes and unwavering commitment to excellence. He sees Ronaldo as the epitome of a complete athlete who has conquered every challenge thrown his way.
MS Dhoni and Adam Gilchrist
While Mahendra Singh Dhoni grew up, like many in his generation, idolising Sachin Tendulkar as a cricketing hero, his inspiration for his specific role came from Down Under. Dhoni’s favourite player, particularly from a wicketkeeping and batting perspective, was the revolutionary Australian keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist. It's easy to see why. Gilchrist redefined the role of a wicketkeeper, transforming it from a specialist position to that of an aggressive, match-winning batsman. He would come in lower down the order and completely change the momentum of a game with his explosive hitting. This is a template that Dhoni himself would perfect and use to become one of the greatest finishers in cricket history. Gilchrist’s ability to blend his keeping duties with destructive batting provided a blueprint for what an attacking wicketkeeper could be, a role Dhoni made his own with spectacular success.
Jasprit Bumrah and Zlatan Ibrahimović
Jasprit Bumrah’s unorthodox bowling action made many people question his potential in his early days. Perhaps that’s why he finds a kindred spirit in one of football's most confident and unconventional strikers, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Bumrah has openly stated his admiration for the Swedish football icon, revealing that he relates to Zlatan's story. He sees a parallel between his own journey and Ibrahimović’s, where both were initially not taken seriously but went on to become stars in their respective fields by proving their doubters wrong. This connection is about more than just sport; it's about a shared mindset of self-belief and a 'never-back-down' attitude. When Ibrahimović retired, Bumrah paid a heartfelt tribute, thanking him for being a constant source of inspiration. This admiration for a fellow outlier highlights the mentality that has propelled Bumrah to become one of the most feared bowlers in the world.
Yuvraj Singh and Diego Maradona
Yuvraj Singh, one of India's most exciting and flamboyant all-rounders, played with a flair and passion that could electrify a stadium. It is no surprise that his sporting spirit is often compared to another left-footed genius known for his maverick talent: Argentine football god Diego Maradona. Former Indian captain Kapil Dev once remarked that Yuvraj was a genuine crowd-puller, the kind of player people came to watch in action, much like Maradona. While not a formally declared idol, the parallels in their on-field charisma are undeniable. Both were game-changers who carried the weight of their nations' hopes with a mix of incredible skill and raw emotion. Yuvraj's deep respect for Maradona was evident when he joined the global sports community in mourning the footballer’s passing, a nod to the impact the Argentine legend had on athletes everywhere.
