Wasim Akram stood behind the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 and wants him to come back stronger for his side.
The former Pakistan pacer laid his weight behind Virat Kohli just before the Asia Cup 2022, backed the former skipper to come back stronger and he also talked about the fact that Kohli faced some unfair criticism for his lack of form.
Wasim Akram also talks about the comparisons that are made between the two legendary players and says it’s a long way to go.
“The fans and media have been criticizing Virat Kohli quite unfairly on social media,”
Akram said in the Asia Cup special show on Star Sports while chatting with Ravi Shastri.
“He is one of the greatest of all time, not just in this era. He still fit as a fiddle. He is still one of the best fielders in the Indian squad.
“As they say class is forever and that is Virat Kohli. Hope he doesn’t come back to form against Pakistan but he will come back eventually.”
Shastri, who was recently the head coach of India talked about the workload in all the three formats that must have taken a toll on Kohli, while he added that a break would help him come back harder.
“I recently came across a stat during India-England Test match that Kohli has played over three times the number of games as compared to his top rivals like Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. Leading India in all three formats of the game takes a heavy toll and I believe this break will be good for him,”
Shastri said.
Akram agreed with the thoughts of Shastri and added his point of view regarding the comparisons made between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli.
“The comparisons are only natural. When we played people used to compare Inzamam, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar. Before that, it was Sunil Gavaskar Javed Miandad, G Vishwanath, and Zaheer Abbas.
“Babar has been very consistent because he has got the right technique. He is very hungry and very fit. He is still a young captain but is learning very fast. However, comparisons with Virat it is too early.
“Babar is on the right track to be where Virat Kohli is but to compare him with him at this stage is too early. But he is absolutely on the right track to be one of the modern greats,”
said Akram.
Pakistan and India are set to face each other in the mega event of Asia Cup 2022 on August 28 after the first contest between the two sides since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year.