“Why shouldn’t I…”: Shoaib Akhtar’s scathing response when asked about praising Virat Kohli

Regarded as the greatest batsman of his generation, Virat Kohli’s decline in form over the last two-three years was one of the biggest talking points in cricketing folklore. Kohli, who ended his century drought during the Asia Cup last year, took a month’s break from cricket in August last year to work on his mental fitness. The 34-year-old came back strongly and made his T20 World Cup debut with a match-winning knock against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has been an ardent fan of Kohli, has now revealed why he always spoke highly of the former India skipper.

“Look, I believe Sachin Tendulkar is the best batsman in the world. But as a captain, he looked like a loser. He himself gave up the captaincy. I was talking to a friend about Virat Kohli. Was talking and we were discussing the same. He was lost and when he sets his mind, he will perform. When his mind was free, he lit up the T20 World Cup.

“You also need to see that almost 40 of Kohli’s centuries came in run chases. People say you admire Virat a lot, I say how not to?” , why shouldn’t I do that?) During one phase, India used to win because of Virat’s hundreds,” he said.

Kohli is currently part of the Indian squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. However, this star batsman has failed to play big innings in three Test matches so far.

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