Former Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez has shocked cricket fans around the world by making an outlandish statement on Virat Kohli's knock against South Africa. Kohli, who took 119 balls to complete his century at the Eden Gardens on November 5 (Sunday), drew criticism from Hafeez for anchoring India's innings to perfection. Hafeez, in his bizarre assessment, claimed that he saw selfishness in Kohli's knock and that the Indian batter prioritised his century over the team's requirement.
"I saw sense of selfishness in Virat Kohli’s batting and this happened for the third time in this World Cup. In the 49th over, he was looking to take a single to reach his own hundred and he didn’t put the team first," Hafeez said on a cricket show ‘Top Cricket Analysis', as quoted by The Indian Express.
Furthermore, Hafeez said that Indian captain Rohit Sharma could have played selfish cricket too but he played for Team India and not himself.
“Rohit Sharma could have played selfish cricket too, but he didn’t because he is playing for Team India and not for himself,” Hafeez continued.
“You have to give credit to Rohit Sharma. The way he is sacrificing his innings with right intent is commendable. The way he batted in the first six overs. He gave that sucker punch to South Africa. He knew pitch will get difficult and must attack when the ball is new and hard. Your captain can also play like you but his goal is bigger than his personal achievement. Rohit can also hit centuries.
“I am not saying Virat didn’t played well. He batted beautifully till he reached 97. The last three singles, he took, I am talking about the intent. He was looking for singles instead of hitting boundaries. Who cares if he gets out on 97 or 99. Team should always be above than personal milestone,” she added.
Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz voiced his disagreement with Hafeez and affirmed that Kohli played his role to perfection.
“I disagree. The role is defined differently. Virat’s role is to take the game deep. In the last eight overs India scored 75 runs. Surya and Jadeja played fast but Kohli made sure that he is there at other end. if Kohli would have got out, we would have not seen those two cameos and India might not have crossed the 300-run mark,” said Riaz.
“We talk about role identification. Rohit and Shubman are going all guns blazing up front. Then Virat plays the sheet anchor role, taking game deep. If Rohit and Shubman gets out early, Shreyas’ will be the aggressor, Kohli and KL Rahul will bat through. It is very clear. yes Kohli batted slowly but if not for him, India would not have posted 326,” he said.
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