"Virat Kohli Can Never Become Rohit Sharma Or Suryakumar Yadav": Ex-Pakistan Captain

03.09.2022 - 09:57 sports.ndtv.com

There has been a lot of talk regarding Virat Kohli's form this year, but so far, the right-handed batter has come up with good performances in the ongoing Asia Cup.

He first scored 35 runs against Pakistan and then he backed it up with an unbeaten 59-run knock against Hong Kong. However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has criticised Kohli, saying he is not a "great" T20 player, and he can never become Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav. "Virat Kohli has never been a great T20 player.

We compare him to the likes of Kane Williamson, Joe Root or Steve Smith but none of them have been match-winning players in T20s.

These all take the game along, playing an anchor role. Virat Kohli is a great ODI player. He cannot become Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav," said Latif on a YouTube show 'Game On Hai'. "He plays in the same fashion for Royal Challengers Bangalore as well.

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The first T20I between India and Australia left more questions than answers for the Rohit Sharma-led side. India lost the match by four wickets, despite scoring 208/6 batting first. While the bowlers failed completely, veteran batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could not hit big scores. Former Pakistan cricket team spinner Danish Kaneria said that both can be used in different batting positions, rather than their usual spots.

"If You Would Have Asked Three Years Ago...": Ricky Ponting On Whether Virat Kohli Can Surpass Sachin Tendulkar's 100-Ton Tally

Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's feat of 100 international centuries is "possible" for Virat Kohli, Australian great Ricky Ponting has said looking at the Indian superstar's new-found hunger for runs. Kohli recently ended a wait of 1,020 days for his 71st international hundred when he smashed 122 not out off 61 balls against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup earlier this month. "If you would have asked me three years ago, I'd have said yes. But the fact that it has slowed down as much as it did... yeah, I still think that it is possible for him, there's no doubt," Ponting said on The ICC Review.

Watch: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav Bat In Nets Ahead Of Australia T20Is

Team India started its training session ahead of the three-match T20I series against Australia that is slated to kick off on September 20 in Mohali. Ahead of the first game, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav were spotted playing some classy shots during the net sessions. Both Kohli and Suryakumar were batting next to each other in the nets, showcasing their shots in what was the first practice session for the Indian team ahead of the first T20I against Australia. Punjab Cricket Association shared the video with the caption: "An absolute treat. Watch @imVkohli dedicatedly practicing his shots in the nets today during practice session."

Watch: Virat Kohli Arrives In Mohali Ahead Of T20I Series vs Australia

Star India batter Virat Kohli reached Mohali on Saturday ahead of India's T20I series against Australia. The first match between India and Australia will be played at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. The PCA took to Twitter to share a video of Kohli arriving at the airport in Mohali. Kohli was accompanied by police officers and security personnel. "Look who's here," the PCA wrote in their tweet, along with a heart-eyes emoji. "Welcome @imVkohli to the city beautiful."

"Don't Start This Nonsense": India Great Gautam Gambhir On Changing Virat Kohli's Batting Position

Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team management must be feeling a lot light right now after the star batter ended his 1020-day century drought in style at the Asia Cup. Kohli 122* - the highest T20I score by an Indian - could not have come at a better time as the Rohit Sharma-led side prepares for the T20 World Cup in Australia. Kohli's ton against Afghanistan came while he was opening the batting for India. This has led many to ponder whether Kohli, who generally bats at No. 3 in T20Is, can be used as an opener.

"Just Gives Right Balance": On Virat Kohli's Batting Position At T20 World Cup, Ex-India Wicketkeeper Suggests Big Change

The century against Afghanistan at the Asia Cup could not have come at a better time for Virat Kohli. After facing question marks over his form, the former Indian cricket team skipper roared back to form in the continental event with two half-centuries and a ton. The century came while opening the innings in India's final Super 4 match. With the T20 World Cup in Australia starting in little over a month's time, former India wicketkeeper suggested that Kohli should continue opening the innings along with captain Rohit Sharma.