‘Players can’t even imagine, but Virat Kohli has..’: Ex Pakistan cricketer’s special praise for star batsman

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been in scintillating form of late since last year's Asia Cup and was the top-scorer in the T20 World Cup, held in Australia. The run machine scored a century in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, to make it consecutive tons in the format. He had earlier smashed a century against Bangladesh.

In the first ODI, Virat Kohli scored 113 runs off just 87 balls, packed with 12 fours and a six as India put up 373 for seven in 50 overs. A three-wicket haul by Umran Malik helped India restrict Sri Lanka to 306 for eight in 50 overs, in Guwahati.

However, the 34-year-old failed to continue his fine form and could only score four runs in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, which India won by four wickets. An unbeaten half-century by KL Rahul helped the men in blue grab a series-clinching win in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.

Following the first ODI, former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal commended the former Indian skipper for scoring 73 international centuries, backing it up by saying that modern-day cricketers can't even imagine of scoring 45 tons across formats. Speaking on YouTube, Akmal said, "Nowadays, players can't even imagine scoring 45 centuries across formats, but Virat Kohli has scored as many in a single format. He has scored 73 international tons so far. He definitely got chances, but he made the most of those chances."

"He had scored a century on this venue two-three years back, and now he has rediscovered his form by scoring another hundred. He performed in the World Cup and the Asia Cup. The runs haven't dried up, which tells how important a player he is for India", he further added.

Virat Kohli was adorned with the Player of the Match trophy in the first ODI. After receiving the award, he talked about his rhythm coming in to bat. "My preparation and intent always remain the same. I thought I was hitting the ball nicely. It was close to the template I play with, I understood we needed an extra 25-30 runs. I tried to understand the conditions in the second half. Tried to get a comfortable total for us on the board. The one thing I learnt was desperation doesn't get you anywhere. You do not need to complicate things. You go out there and play without any fear, I can't hold on to things", he said.

"You have to play for the right reasons and almost play every game like it's your last and just be happy about it. The game is going to move on. I am not going to play forever, I am in a happy space and enjoying my time playing", he added.

Also Read: 'Virat, you have to respect MS': How Ravi Shastri handled 'eager' Kohli who wanted Dhoni's captaincy

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir tells Virat Kohli: ‘Your 50 or 100 centuries are nice but don’t forget...'