New Delhi: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir lauded Virat Kohli after his match-winning century against Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2024. Kohli slammed an unbeaten ton to guide India to a thumping six-wicket victory against the arch-rivals and help them qualify for the semi-finals of the multi-national tournament.
Amir hailed Kohli as an inspiration to young cricketers around the world and said fans in Pakistan love him for not just his exploits on the cricket field but also his dedication towards the game and his work ethic. The Champions Trophy winner compared the Team India star to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, calling them both a complete package in their performances, fitness, lifestyle and work ethic.
“Why do people love Ronaldo? Why do they love Messi? If I talk about Ronaldo, especially, look at his lifestyle. Look at his charity work, his work ethic, and his fitness. He is a complete package. Likewise, Virat Kohli is a complete package. Why is he a role model for many, even in Pakistan? The country doesn’t matter. Whether he is from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, or England – a role model can be from anywhere. For this generation, Virat Kohli is an inspiration,” Amir was quoted as saying by India Today.
“All those youngsters who want to be cricketers, who want to be batters, should follow Virat Kohli’s footsteps,” he added.
Amir has in the past often expressed his admiration for Kohli and has called him the best batter in the present era. The former Pakistan pacer also enjoyed some fierce battles with the senior India bater during his playing days as the duo faced off against each other on several occasions when India locked horns with Pakistan.
Virat Kohli shuts his critics with heroics against Pakistan
Kohli headed into the high-pressure clash between India and Pakistan after enduring a lean run with the bat in his last few innings. However, the Team India star managed to shut his critics in style with yet another memorable knock against the arch-rivals. Kohli came out to bat at no.3 when India were 31/1 in the 242-run chase against Pakistan and stayed in the middle till the end to take his team home.
Kohli finished with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls as he notched up his 51st ODI ton and also became the fastest batter in the world to complete 14,000 runs in ODIs. Kohli managed to reach the feat in just 287 innings, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who held the record for completing 14,000 runs in 350 innings for India.
Kohli will look to continue his prolific run with the bat when India lock horns with New Zealand in their third and final group-stage match in Dubai on Sunday, March 02. India will look to finish their group-stage campaign unbeaten with their third win in a row in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Former Pakistan pacer has hailed Virat Kohli as an inspiration for budding cricketers around the world and compared the Team India star to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo for his work ethics. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
