Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif recently lauded Virat Kohli, highlighting the immense admiration the Indian batting superstar commands in Pakistan. Kohli, known for his exceptional skills across all three formats of the game, is revered by fans and players alike in Pakistan. Latif drew a parallel between Kohli and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing the joy and excitement they bring to the game.
“Virat has a lot of fans in Pakistan, and many of the current players are among his admirers,” Rashid Latif told PTI. “I remember feeling the same way about Sachin Tendulkar. Whenever he played, I never wanted him to get out. The whole world was paying to watch him bat, and I had the privilege of enjoying it for free from behind the stumps.”
Kohli’s outstanding performance in the IPL 2024 further cemented his status as one of the greats. He emerged as the leading run-scorer with 741 runs from 15 matches, boasting an impressive strike rate of 154.69. Latif noted the transformation in Kohli’s game following the IPL, describing him as a different player now.
WATCH – Adam Zampa’s Lost Ball Retrieval Made Fans Enjoy The Humour Of The Game
“Virat Kohli is a different player… He has evolved significantly after this IPL,” Rashid Latif remarked.
Turning his attention to Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, Latif pointed out the pressure Babar will face in the upcoming high-stakes match against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He stressed that Babar has much to learn about managing pressure and controlling the game, skills that Kohli and Rohit Sharma have mastered.
“The focus is on the game against India on June 9. Babar will be under immense pressure, not just because of the World Cup but due to the intense rivalry with India,” Rashid Latif said. “He needs to learn from Virat and Rohit on how to handle pressure and control the game. As a batter, Babar is one of the best, but as a captain and leader, there’s still a lot he needs to learn.”
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is set for June 9 in New York, a Group A encounter in the T20 World Cup 2024. Latif highlighted the crucial role of left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav for India’s chances in the tournament.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Talks About Uncertainties India Faced On The New York Pitch
“Kuldeep Yadav is a pivotal player for India. If he remains fit throughout the World Cup, he can trouble many batters. He is India’s key bowler and essential to their success. Given his current form and statistics, India definitely has an advantage going into the June 9 match,” Rashid Latif concluded.
This insightful commentary from Rashid Latif underscores the deep respect for Virat Kohli’s talent while also providing a strategic outlook on the upcoming India-Pakistan showdown, emphasizing the critical roles of key players like Babar Azam and Kuldeep Yadav.
