Ahead of the highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England, starting January 25, former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has lauded India's Virat Kohli as the best batter of the current era. Kohli, a key figure in the Indian cricket team, has been selected for the first two matches of the series, with the opening game scheduled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Akhtar, currently in the UAE for the second season of the International League T20 as a brand ambassador and commentator, drew parallels between Kohli and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He expressed his belief that 35-year-old Kohli would have been a formidable competitor even in the eras of past cricket legends. This high praise from a former cricketing great underscores Kohli's exceptional talent and impact on the sport.
"Back then, Sachin was playing with one ball, which would reverse swing against some of the best bowlers in the world. There was only one circle. Today, Sachin would have made a lot of runs. He is the greatest ever with Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara etc. Wasim Akram and Shane Warne too. Virat would have been competitive (in our era)," said Akhtar.
Akhtar also expressed his aspiration for Kohli to reach the milestone of 100 international centuries, a feat only achieved by Tendulkar so far. Kohli, with his current tally of 80 centuries across various formats, is just 20 short of this remarkable record.
"He could have faced difficulties but he would have scored the runs he has scored now. We would have faced a similar beating. But playing Wasim Akram is not easy. Virat is Virat. He is the greatest batsman of this era. Both eras cannot be compared. Hats off to him. I want him to get hundred centuries," Akhtar added.
Kohli's illustrious career is marked by his impressive statistics: 26,733 runs from 522 international matches across formats, boasting an average of 54.11. His achievements include 80 hundreds and 139 half-centuries, and he holds the unique distinction of scoring 50 centuries in ODI cricket. Kohli's consistent performance and ability to excel across formats have cemented his status as a cricketing icon of this generation.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Virat Kohli should follow his principles of the game...else it won't work': Kris Srikkanth makes eye-opening statement and offers advice to India's superstar
EXCLUSIVE | Harbhajan Singh fires 'last chance' warning to Indian cricket superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
