Kohli's T20 style moving him towards Tendulkar's level, says Lara

Virat Kohli's excellence across all three formats means he is primed to reach the heights set by Sachin Tendulkar, says Brian Lara.

Brian Lara feels Virat Kohli's Twenty20 style is helping him move towards the level of iconic India batsman Sachin Tendulkar. The India captain's brilliant form across all formats has intensified comparisons to 'Master Blaster' Tendulkar, who remains the all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket.

Kohli has the highest average of any batsman in the 20-over format on the international stage, with Joe Root's 40.33 the closest anyone can come to his 53.40. Legendary West Indies batsman Lara thinks the 28-year-old has translated his T20 skills to all formats, priming him to secure a place in history alongside Tendulkar.

He told Omnisport : "I think the game has changed, it's a lot more innovative. The batsmen are trying a lot more, especially with the T20 version of the game, it allows them to really and truly free themselves up. He's been doing that in all forms of the game, not just the T20 - in the Test matches, in the 50-over game [too].

"He's an awesome talent. He's got a stage set for him with Sachin Tendulkar and trying to follow in his footsteps, but I think he's held himself pretty well so far and a lot of things are expected from him, especially from the Indians."