Virat Kohli-Mohammad Amir Duel As Exciting as Mine With Sachin Tendulkar: Shoaib Akhtar
Virat Kohli's on-field rivalry with Mohammad Amir is good for international cricket, according to Shoaib Akhtar. He compared the duel with his competition with Sachin Tendulkar
Virat Kohli's on-field duel with Pakistan's Mohammad Amir will go down in history as one of the most epic battles, just like his and Sachin Tendulkar's, says Shoaib Akhtar. (Asia Cup Twenty20: Virat Kohli Says he Relished Battle With Mohammad Amir)
"It used to be a challenge bowling to Sachin and I think the future battles between Virat and Amir will be as exciting as our on-field rivalry. The two are world class performers and when they are pitted against each other, it can't get better than that," Akhtar said. (Asia Cup Twenty20: Virat Kohli, Bowlers Guide India to Victory Over Pakistan)
"Virat is India's best batsman and Amir's inclusion has made Pakistan's attack far superior. Whenever these two will be up against each other, mazaa aanewala hain (it's going to be fun)."
Akhtar is proud that Amir's redemption looks like complete and it bolsters Pakistan cricket.
"It feels good that world's best fast bowler is back where he belongs. It fills my heart with joy to see Amir run in and bowl those brilliant deliveries. Dil ko ek tasalli hoti hai use dekh kar (I feel relieved seeing him on the cricket field).
"It's just that we need to be a bit more aggressive in our bowling department. Amir would need support from the other end and Wahab needs to step up," the 40-year-old Akhtar said.
However he couldn't stop praising Virat Kohli for his matured knock and termed him the best batsman of his era.
"Virat Kohli is certainly the best batsman of his era. His match-finishing skills are exemplary. If you ask me whether he could be compared to Javed Miandad, who was also an exceptional finisher, I would say that two eras should not be compared. Yesterday, the manner in which he played Virat showed, why he is in a different league. Also like a true champion, he praised Amir's bowling which was a good thing," Akhtar was effusive in his praise.
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He termed Pakistan bowling better than India's but the once fearsome fast bowler did mention that Jasprit Bumrah has been a welcome addition to the Indian squad.
"Jasprit Bumrah has been a great addition to the Indian bowling unit. He is a very talented youngster who should be nurtured. The best part about Bumrah's bowling which personally impressed me is his control. He has a lot of control while bowling at the death.
"Also the fact he can effortlessly bowl yorkers is a great added boost for the Indian team. The Indian bowling unit has now become better compared to earlier times. Both Bumrah and Nehra have been contributing brilliantly getting early wickets in the Powerplay overs," Akhtar observed.
He feels that India are certainly the favourites for World T20 but says the players need to remain fit and agile before the marquee tournament begins.
"Winning Asia Cup is important but one needs to keep all the players fit. The kind of carry that Mirpur strip provides can't be the case on the Indian pitches. Those will be slower and fast bowlers will require to put in more effort," he concluded.