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According to former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who won the Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli's lifestyle and work ethic are just as much of an inspiration to Pakistani fans as his on-field accomplishments. Amir praised the Indian batter's longevity at the top level and compared Kohli's dedication to that of great football players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in an interview with India Today from Lahore.
In their highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday, February 23, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion against Pakistan in an International Cricket Council (ICC) event by scoring the game-winning hundred. Many Indian fans were spotted applauding the superstar even though he scored his century against Pakistan.
Amir on Virat Kohli
Following India's victory, a video of cricket fans in Islamabad celebrating Kohli's hundred went viral on social media. A Pakistani couple sporting a jersey with Kohli's name on it was featured in another picture that went viral. Across the border, Kohli has developed a sizable fan base over the years, and Mohammad Amir thinks the former India captain has gained admirers because of his dedication and hard work.
"Why do people love Ronaldo? Why do they love Messi? If I talk about Ronaldo, especially, look at his lifestyle. Look at his charity work, his work ethic, and his fitness. He is a complete package. Likewise, Virat Kohli is a complete package. Why is he a role model for many, even in Pakistan? The country doesn't matter. Whether he is from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, or England-a role model can be from anywhere. For this generation, Virat Kohli is an inspiration," Amir said.
"All those youngsters who want to be cricketers, who want to be batters, should follow Virat Kohli's footsteps," he added.
Amir hails Kohli's work ethics
On the eve of the India-Pakistan game in Dubai, Amir said that he was not shocked to learn that Kohli arrived for training ninety minutes ahead of the rest of the squad.
"Virat Kohli is a player for whom age doesn't matter. His work ethic doesn't change depending on his form. He came 90 minutes before for training on the eve of the India vs Pakistan match. Virat Kohli has lived the best life. He might play two or more years in international cricket. But his work ethic is still top-notch. There's no doubting his ability and work ethics," Amir said.
Since his century against Australia in a Test match in Perth last November, Kohli had been struggling. He struggled against spin at home and later also in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring just 186 runs in five Test matches. After being dismissed twice in a three-match ODI series by England's Adil Rashid, Kohli's ability to manage spin was once again called into doubt ahead of the Champions Trophy. When he lost to Rishad Hossain of Bangladesh in the opening match of the Indian tournament, his troubles only got worse.
But in the high-stakes match against Pakistan, Kohli rose to the occasion with a faultless performance. He thrashed Pakistan's pacers despite playing carefully against spin. Interestingly, only one of his seven boundaries—the game-winning shot—came against a spinner. India advanced to the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals with the win. Pakistan, the hosts, was eliminated as early as the group stage.
