Virat Kohli is a charmer, he is 'a bit like Sachin Tendulkar': Former umpire Ian Gould

Ian Gould had the best seat in the stadium when he officiated in 250 international matches and now that he is retired the 62-year-old is ready to share his views about the game and the players he watched at really close quarters.

The England-born former umpire has recently showered praises on the Indian Virat Kohli, who was once considered to be the 'brat' of this sport made for gentlemen.

When asked about his views on Virat Kohli, Ian Gould said that he is a "funny man". That was not it as Gould went on to call Virat Kohli "a male model and a pin-up boy". He added that Virat Kohli was a person who resembled with legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

"He's a funny man. Yeah, he batted like me a couple of times. I had to tell him off for slogging it. He's a charmer. He's one of those guys who's got, a bit like Sachin Tendulkar, the whole of India on his back, but you wouldn't know. You could walk into a restaurant and sit and chat with him for hours. He's a very worldly boy. When you look at Virat, you're thinking male model, pin-up boy, but he knows about the game inside out, the past, history. Lovely guy," Gould told ESPNcricinfo.

Gould was asked about Kohli's behaviour and reminded that he has his share of run-ins with authority in the past. To this Ian Gould said that Kohli has changed and is respectful like the rest of the Indian boys.

"I can see why. But he's learned to be respectful. He could have continued his career like that and people could be talking totally the opposite about Virat. He's a nice man and the India boys are very, very good people, very respectful," Gould said

Former England international also named his favourite batsmen from his umpiring days. He named Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli as his favourites. He said Sachin Tendulkar was someone whom he would pay to watch. Gould added that he regrets not seeing the best of Ricky Ponting.

"Jacques Kallis. I loved watching Jacques. He was a very, very fine player. Sachin. And probably Virat. I was unlucky in some respects. I didn't see the best of Ricky Ponting. He was an outstanding character, outstanding captain, such a proud Australian."

"But his career was just starting to wane as I came on the scene. But he was incredibly helpful, so I'm disappointed I have to leave him out. Jacques Kallis, I could sit and watch all day, Virat, the same. And Sachin, if you want someone to bat for your life, he was the man," Gould stated.