"That’s the main, the main man."
Rio Ferdinand revealed his favourite Indian cricketer and many social media users agreed.
The Manchester United icon appeared on Ranveer Allahbadia’s BeerBiceps podcast to talk about football, family life and even Indian food.
However, one part that attracted social media attention was Ferdinand’s discussion of cricket.
He revealed that he watches “a little bit” of cricket but “loves to see” the big moments.
Ferdinand highlighted that cricket is one of the only sports that “takes over countries”.
He added that he would love to watch India vs Pakistan live to experience the atmosphere and the energy.
On whether he followed cricket during his playing days, Ferdinand said:
“I wasn’t a massive fan, I think a lot of my teammates in Manchester, they quite liked cricket a lot more like Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes.
“Every now and again, we would play in training.”
He went on to reveal that Phil Neville was the best cricketer in the Manchester United, adding:
“They say he could have played for England.”
The conversation turned to Indian cricketers as Rio Ferdinand was asked if he remembered any players from his time.
Ferdinand promptly mentioned Sachin Tendulkar.
He said: “Tendulkar. He’s the guy, isn’t it? Tendulkar’s the guy. That’s the main, the main man.
“Who’s the other one? Is it [Virat] Kohli?
“I don’t know many but Tendulkar just always stood out to me. He’s the most charismatic and obviously what he achieved as well was like that was worldwide recognition.
“It’s not just cricket fans that hear about someone like him. And that’s someone that transcends the sport.”
Tendulkar is a major reason behind cricket’s popularity.
The podcast went viral and many agreed with Rio Ferdinand’s comments as one said:
“If Cricket is a religion, Sachin Tendulkar is the God.”
Another wrote:
“Imagine [Sachin] Tendulkar in today’s era, he could have been more popular than Virat Kohli.”
A third added: “This is called legacy. Sir Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.”
It also sparked comparisons between Tendulkar and Virat Kohli with one writing:
“Kohli is a great player that India produced over the years but Tendulkar is God. No one can replace him in cricket.”
Another felt Kohli was being disrespected:
“Sachin is the goat but the amount of people disrespecting Kohli after achieving as much as he has is ridiculous.
“This really tells you how bad times can help you distinguish the real fans and glory hunters, forever with the king.”
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