"Don't Think If Any Other Batter...": Pakistan Star's Big Praise For Virat Kohli Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023 Clash

01.09.2023 - 02:31 sports.ndtv.com

The Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan is just round the corner and a lot of eyes will be on Virat Kohli who has been a star performer in this contest over the years.

With the two teams not playing bilateral series for nearly a decade, the only chance that fans have of seeing these two rivals face each other is at continental or International Cricket Council (ICC) events.

Pakistan cricket team spinner Shadab Khan was all praise for Kohli ahead of the much-anticipated clash and said that bowler need to have proper plans while facing a batter of his caliber.

In a recent interaction, he also recalled Kohli's match-winning knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup and said that no other batter could have played that way against the Pakistan bowling attack. "He (Kohli) is a world-class player, definitely.

cricket India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team Asia Cup 2023 cup Virat Kohli Shadab Khan India Pakistan

Star batter Virat Kohli in undoubtedly one of the greatest sportspersons in the history of cricket. From being a world-class batter to one of the fittest fielders, Kohli has ticked all the boxes. The 'Run Machine' Kohli is also inching closer to surpass India legend Sachin Tendulkar in the list of most ODI hundreds scored by a batter. Tendulkar had registered 49 ODI centuries in his phenomenal 24-year-old long career and Kohli is just three tons behind from dethroning him. The 34-year-old batter smashed his 47th ton during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Pakistan.

Watch: Virat Kohli Mobbed By Fans Ahead Of Asia Cup Final, As Other Players Walk By

Team India face a stern test as they take on Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday in Colombo. After a disappointing defeat to Bangladesh on Friday, Rohit Sharma and his team will welcome back big names for the summit clash, including star batter Virat Kohli, who was rested alongside four others for the dead-rubber. Kohli has been in stunning form in the Asia Cup, smashing an unbeaten 122 against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage. Ahead of the final, Kohli was mobbed by fans, despite the presence of security personnel. The video is now viral.

"Virat Kohli's Form Augurs Well For India," Says Star Batter's Childhood Coach

Ahead of the Asia Cup final between India and Sri Lanka on Sunday, Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma said that the former India skipper's recent form augurs well for Men in Blue and added if the talisman batter is not scoring centuries that does not mean that he is out of form. Once again, India's batting talisman Kohli demonstrated his mettle in the cricket world by becoming the fastest batter to score 13,000 runs in the ODI format. During his outstanding knock against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, Kohli completed 13,000 ODI runs, becoming the fifth player to reach the landmark in men's ODIs.

Asia Cup 2023: In Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam 'Shoot-out Match', Pakistan Star Leading: Ex-Chennai Super Kings Star

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have been two of the most celebrated batters among the modern-day greats. The sub-continent players have impressed in all three formats. Virat Kohli has so far played 111 Tests (8676 runs, average 49.29), 279 ODIs (13027 runs, average 57.38) and 115 T20Is (4008 runs, average 52.73). Pakistan captain Babar Azam, on the other hand, has so far played 49 tests (3772 runs, average 47.74), 107 ODIs (5380 runs, 58.47 average) and 104 T20Is (3485 runs, Average 41.48). Though Babar Azam is relatively much younger between the two, a comparison between has always dominated the narrative.

Watch: Virat Kohli Receives Handmade Portrait Of Himself From Fan, Star's Gesture Is Viral

Virat Kohli is one of the most talked about cricketers in the world. His exceptional talent and consistent performance have earned him a huge fan following across the globe. Amid the ongoing Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Kohli received a handmade portrait of himself from a fan in Colombo. The star batter thanked the young girl for the gesture. He also clicked pictures with the fan, while holding the portrait in his hands. The video has now gone viral on social media.

Naveen-ul-Haq Added To Afghanistan's Cricket World Cup 2023 Squad. Fans Can't Wait For Virat Kohli Face-Off

Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq was included in Afghanistan's squad for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023 after missing out on selection for Asia Cup 2023. The 23-year-old, who plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, last played and ODI back in January 2021 and as a result, his return to the side was a bit surprising to some fans. However, he took 11 wickets in 8 matches during IPL 2023 and his familiarity with the Indian conditions can prove to be a big asset for the side. Following his selection, social media has been abuzz with excitement for a potential face-off between him and Virat Kohli following their on-field spat that created a major controversy during the IPL 2023.