Dubai [UAE]: Legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has showered praise on star India batter Virat Kohli for achieving the milestone of 50 ODI centuries.
Shoaib Akhtar who is currently associated with the International League T20 as a brand ambassador and commentator, hailed Kohli as the best batsman of the modern era.
Akhtar acknowledged that if Virat Kohli had played in his era, he might have faced difficulties but still would have scored the runs he has accumulated in contemporary cricket. Comparing eras, Akhtar noted that during his playing days, Sachin Tendulkar faced challenges with one ball that would reverse swing against some of the best bowlers in the world. However, he expressed confidence that Kohli would have been competitive in his era.
Shoaib Akhtar highlighted the greatness of Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, Wasim Akram, and Shane Warne from his era, emphasizing that each player has their own unique qualities. He stated that playing against Wasim Akram is not easy, but acknowledged Virat Kohli as the greatest batsman of the current era.
“Back then, Sachin was playing with one ball, which would reverse swing against some of the best bowlers in the world. There was only one circle. Today, Sachin would have made a lot of runs. He is the greatest ever…Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara etc. Wasim Akram and Shane Warne too,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
In terms of statistics, Virat Kohli has amassed 26,733 runs in 522 international matches at an average of 54.11, including 80 centuries and 139 half-centuries. He holds the record for being the first player to achieve 50 ODI centuries. Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar accumulated 34,357 runs in 664 international matches at an average of 48.52, with 100 centuries and 164 fifties.
“Virat would have been competitive (in our era). He could have faced difficulties but he would have scored the runs he has scored now. We would have faced a similar beating. But playing Wasim Akram is not easy. Virat is Virat. He is the greatest batsman of this era. Both eras cannot be compared. Hats off to him. I want him to get hundred centuries,” Shoaib added.
Shoaib Akhtar concluded by expressing his admiration for Virat Kohli’s achievements and expressing his wish for Kohli to reach the milestone of a hundred international centuries.
