Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani fast bowler, has made several noteworthy comments about Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketer, over the years. These remarks range from admiration to critical observations on Kohli’s form.
Key Highlights of Shoaib Akhtar’s comments on Virat Kohli
Wake-up call: Akhtar suggested that to “wake Virat Kohli up,” one should simply tell him that he has a match against Pakistan, recalling Kohli’s innings in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan.
Praise for Kohli: Akhtar has lauded Kohli for reaching 50 ODI centuries and acknowledged him as the premier batter of the modern era. He also wished that Kohli would reach 100 international centuries.
Comparison to past players: Akhtar believes Kohli would have faced difficulties in his era but would still have managed to score runs. He added that bowlers would have similarly struggled against Kohli.
Akhtar on Kohli’s career: Shoaib Akhtar recalled Virat Kohli’s knock of 82 not out against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup, calling it one of Kohli’s finest, and said that it seemed “God was telling him – this is your stage, come and become king again”.
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Facing Shoaib Akhtar: Virat Kohli said he never faced Shoaib Akhtar in his prime but saw him bowl in Dambulla and felt that even at the later stages of his career, Akhtar looked lethal.
Bumrah’s praise: Akhtar has called Indian fast bowler Bumrah a “legend” and an “honest fast bowler”.
