(AFP Photo)
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has showered Virat Kohli with admiration, highlighting the immense popularity the Indian batting maestro enjoys in Pakistan. Kohli, recognized globally as one of the premier batsmen of contemporary cricket, has showcased remarkable prowess across all formats of the sport.
“Virat has a lot of fans in Pakistan and also the players playing are his fans,” Latif told news agency PTI. “Like I also say this whenever Sachin (Tendulkar) used to play earlier, I never wanted him to get out. The world was paying to watch him bat but I was sitting behind the stumps and enjoying it for free.”
Kohli finished the IPL 2024 as the leading run-getter – 741 from 15 matches – with his strike-rate of 154.69 being particularly impressive.
“Virat Kohli is a different player…Virat is a different player after this IPL,” Latif said.
According to the former wicketkeeper-batsman, Babar Azam, the current captain of Pakistan, still has considerable ground to cover when it comes to managing the intense pressure of an India-Pakistan match. He suggests that Azam could benefit from observing and learning the art of controlling the game under such circumstances from seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
“…the focus is on the game on June 9 against India. Babar (Pakistan captain) will be under a lot of pressure because of the game against India rather than performing in the World Cup,” Latif said.
“But he has to learn to carry pressure, he should learn that from Virat and Rohit. They know how to carry the game. As a batter Babar is one of the best but as a captain and leader, there’s a lot that he needs to learn,” he added.
India and Pakistan are set to face each other on June 9 in New York as part of a Group A encounter in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
According to 55-year-old Latif, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav will play a pivotal role in India’s prospects for success in the match.
“Kuldeep Yadav is that one player who if remains fit for India throughout the World Cup, he can cause trouble for batters. He is India’s key bowler and also a key to success. Given the current form and stats definitely India has an advantage ahead of June 9,” he said.
