The legendary Virat Kohli is the Indian cricket player for whom the former Pakistani captain has now voiced admiration once more.
One of India’s most dangerous opponents on the pitch when he was playing was Shahid Afridi. That being said, he has made some excellent comments recently regarding different aspects of Indian cricket. Approximately two weeks ago, he was among the first people on social media to congratulate Rohit Sharma and team on winning their second T20 World Cup. Sharma was the former captain of the Indian team. Furthermore, Afridi commended Gautam Gambhir, the recently hired head coach of India, for his straightforward and realistic attitude.
According to Afridi, there is an incredibly strong devotion to the Indian legend even in Pakistan. He declared rather boldly that Kohli would never forget the adoration from India if he ever went to Pakistan and saw the kind of respect and love that country had for him. Noting his distinct and elegant approach, Afridi added that Kohli was his favourite player.
Though I am not from India, I am sure that I will make it to the top. Pakistan mein bohot pasand karte hai, usko bohot craze hai. Even my personal favourite player, voh. Virat is in the first class. (Considering how devoted his followers are to him here, I don’t think Virat will remember the adoration he received in India when he comes to Pakistan. My favourite cricket player is also him. He’s got his own class),” Afridi said to News 24.
What nobody else could have taught them but Virat Kohli : Afridi
The former all-rounder expressed, in reflection on his retirement, what many Kohli supporters around the world felt, saying that Kohli should have kept playing the 20-over format because his batting was so beautiful to watch. While praising Kohli’s level of fitness and performance as well as his commitment to training, Afridi stressed that Kohli’s presence would have been extremely beneficial to the younger players in all aspects, including mental and physical.
“Since he makes T20Is look so good, he ought to have kept playing.” He continues to train, stays in shape, and is fit. The new players on the team would have benefited from his presence. You can’t blood in that many children at once. A mix of junior and senior players ought to be present. Nobody else could have taught them what Virat might have,” Afridi continued.
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Notably, Kohli declared his decision to retire from Twenty20 international cricket (T20Is) on the spot, just after winning the Player of the Match award on the platform in Barbados for his incredible 76 off 59.