Virat Kohli A "Very Well-Mannered Kid", Says Shah Rukh Khan
Virat Kohli's "controlled aggression" has impressed Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan
Highlights
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Shah Rukh Khan is amazed by Kohli's "controlled aggression"
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India World Twenty20 win in 2007 was one of SRK's best memories
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Virat Kohli can be India's next Sachin Tendulkar, said SRK
Shah Rukh Khan is impressed with Virat Kohli not just for his cricketing skills but for his mannerisms as well. The world may know Kohli as a furious competitor who never shies away from a bit of banter, but Shah Rukh thinks India's young Test captain is a "very well-mannered kid." (India vs Bangladesh World T20: Shah Rukh Khan Team Up With Shoaib Akhtar on TV)
Shah Rukh turned up on STAR Sports ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 match between India and Bangladesh in Bangalore on Wednesday. Flanked by speedsters Zaheer Khan and Shoaib Akhtar, Shah Rukh shared his memorable cricketing moments and how Twenty20 cricket has changed the definition of entertainment. (World T20: Virat Kohli is a Man in Control of his Batting, Feels Ian Chappell)
The Bollywood superstar was all praise for Kohli, whose form has been a hallmark for Indian cricket in recent years. "Ever since he led India in the Under-19 World Cup, I have found him to be a very well behaved kid. He knows how to pay respect," said Shah Rukh.
The purists of the game may not fully agree with Shah Rukh's observation, but another cricketer, known for his fiery temper, found Kohli to be a "good boy." Shoaib Akhtar lauded Kohli's demeanour and said the talented batsman "knew how to respect elders."
Shah Rukh said he was amazed with Kohli's "controlled aggression" and how he has matured over the years. Shah Rukh said Kohli had all the signs to become a worthy successor to Sachin Tendulkar.
India's victory in the 2007 World Twenty20 final against Pakistan in South Africa was his favourite cricketing moment, said Shah Rukh. "My son got attracted to cricket only after that. My heart was in my mouth when Misbah (ul Haq) played that scoop and Sreesanth held that towering catch," recollected Shah Rukh.
© PTI
Shah Rukh co-owns two-time Indian Premier League champions side Kolkata Knight Riders. When IPL's doors were open to Pakistanis, KKR bought Akhtar in the auctions. Shah Rukh revealed why.
"We were so scared of Shoaib's pace that Dada (Sourav Ganguly) said we must buy him so that our batsmen didn't have to face him. I promptly agreed." Shah Rukh said.