(Source X)
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan expressed his keenness to witness Virat Kohli, the prominent Indian batsman, grace Pakistan’s grounds with his presence and showcase his batting prowess by scoring a century. Younis Khan praised Kohli for his stellar performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, labeling him as a player who excels in crucial matches.
Virat Kohli, renowned as a leading batsman across all formats, has dominated the cricketing arena for over a decade. His exceptional technique and skill have placed him among the sport’s legends. Having played extensively worldwide, Kohli has amassed runs prolifically, yet one place he hasn’t played is Pakistan. This absence is due to political tensions that have prevented bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2008, coincidentally the year Kohli debuted.
There exists a possibility of Kohli gracing Pakistan soon, particularly during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled in February-March. Should India participate, it would offer Pakistani fans a rare opportunity to witness Kohli’s brilliance firsthand.
Younis Khan emphasized Kohli’s significance in cricket, noting that a player’s performances across different venues are remembered. He remarked that while Kohli hasn’t yet scored a century in Pakistan, such an achievement would be meaningful for him before concluding his illustrious career. Speaking to News 24, Younis Khan conveyed his anticipation of Kohli’s potential visit to Pakistan, underscoring the excitement it would generate among cricket enthusiasts.
“Yes, he should definitely come. I remember when I played in Kolkata, I scored 100. I remember 100 in Mohali When I went to Australia, I played in Melbourne, gave performances, played at Lord’s, in South Africa, and at Wanderers.
“I would like Virat Kohli to come here and perform. I think he has left a feather in his career. He hasn’t played in Pakistan and if he comes here, all of us will like it.”
Younis Khan also discussed Virat Kohli’s pivotal innings during the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where the Indian batsman scored 76 runs in a match where his teammates struggled to build momentum. The former Pakistan cricketer praised Kohli for his exceptional performance, describing it as a standout display of batting prowess.
Younis Khan went on to laud Kohli as a complete batsman, highlighting his ability to anchor the innings and deliver under pressure. He emphasized the significance of Kohli’s innings in the context of the match, acknowledging its crucial role in India’s performance despite the challenges faced by other batters.
In his analysis, Younis Khan underscored Kohli’s skillfulness and composure, recognizing him as a player who possesses all the attributes of a top-class batsman capable of influencing crucial matches.
“I rate Virat Kohli’s innings in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final very highly. Because he scored in difficult situations when the team needed the most and big moments. Virat Kohli is a complete batsman. He is a team man, He plays for the team. He delivered in big moments and occasions.”
Virat Kohli’s next appearance will be with the Indian team as they embark on a series against Sri Lanka, focusing solely on ODIs. Having recently retired from T20Is, Kohli now directs his attention towards the challenges of Test cricket and the 50-over format. This decision underscores his commitment to shaping India’s performance in longer formats of the game.
