Just four days remain before the highly-anticipated Asia Cup 2022 gets underway in the UAE. The tournament will begin on August 27 with the final scheduled to be played on September 11. India will start their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 28 and the excitement among fans is rising with every passing day as the supporters are licking their lips in anticipation at watching the greatest rivalry in cricket.
Ahead of the marquee tournament, the focus has once again shifted towards Virat Kohli, who is enduring the longest lean patch of his career. A lot of discussions have transpired on Kohli's struggle with form and the former India captain has faced a ton of heat from fans and even former cricketers.
Former Pakistan captain and spearhead Wasim Akram, however, feels that the 33-year-old Indian batter has been 'unfairly' criticised.
"The fans and media have been criticizing Virat Kohli quite unfairly on social media. I think he is one of the all-time greats. He is only 33 years of age, and I am sure he'll come back because he is a great player. I hope he doesn't come back to form against Pakistan," Akram said in a virtual press conference organised by Star Sports.
On the flip side, former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri reckons that Kohli still has the hunger to score runs and is just one innings away from finding top form.
"I recently came across a stat during India-England Test match that Kohli has played over three times the number of games as compared to his top rivals like Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. Leading India in all three formats of the game takes a heavy toll and I believe this break will be good for him," Shastri said.
"There is no Indian cricketer who is fitter than Kohli. He's a machine and if he manages to get his mind right, for him it is a matter of just one innings to come back into form.
"One innings can make a difference. He needs one innings to get back because the hunger is undiminished. The break may help Virat Kohli come back and do wonders," the former India all-rounder added.
