In a repeat of his previous criticism, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has once again targeted Indian star Virat Kohli, calling him selfish for prioritizing his hundred over team goals during India’s clash against South Africa in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Kohli’s unbeaten 101* (121) on a slow track in Kolkata helped India level Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI hundreds (49). However, Hafeez took issue with Kohli’s approach, suggesting that he should have taken more risks in the death overs rather than focusing on his personal milestone.
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To further support his argument, Hafeez compared Kohli’s innings to Ben Stokes’ century against the Netherlands in Match 40 of the tournament. Hafeez praised Stokes for anchoring the England innings early on and then attacking in the later stages to maximize the team’s run tally.
Come on @MHafeez22 !!! India have hammered 8 teams playing great cricket .. @imVkohli now has 49 tons and his last was an anchor role innings on a tricky pitch .. His team won by over 200 !!!! This is utter nonsense .. #CWC2023 #India #Pakistan https://t.co/Foh3hhz3RE
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2023
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, came to Kohli’s defense, stating that Stokes’ innings was indeed impressive, but it was played on a less challenging pitch compared to the one Kohli faced in Kolkata. He also pointed out that Kohli’s knock came against a far stronger bowling attack than the Dutch side.
Great innings from Stokesy @MHafeez22 .. As was Virats on a difficult pitch in Kolkata against a better attack .. 👍 https://t.co/KFpNIafgVK
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 8, 2023
Vaughan’s comments prompted Hafeez to tag him in a cheeky response, suggesting that Vaughan’s support for Kohli might stem from a personal bias. Vaughan jokingly reminded Hafeez of his clean bowled dismissal by Kohli during the India-Pakistan match in the 2012 T20 World Cup, implying that it might be a source of Hafeez’s ongoing criticism.
Seems to me @MHafeez22 you were bowled by @imVkohli !!! Is this the reason you constantly have a pop at him .. 😜😜 #CWC2023 #India #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/m3BOaCxOB7
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 8, 2023
Kohli, in the post-match interview following the South Africa game, revealed that he was specifically instructed by the team management to bat through the innings, considering the slowness of the pitch. His unbeaten century helped India post a competitive total of 326/5 in their allotted 50 overs, leading to a comfortable 243-run victory.
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Stokes, on the other hand, played a crucial role in England’s victory over the Netherlands, scoring 108 (84) to help England post 339/9 in their 50 overs. His innings was instrumental in securing England’s second win of the tournament, defeating the Dutch by 160 runs.
The debate between Hafeez and Vaughan highlights the contrasting opinions surrounding Virat Kohli’s batting style. While some criticize his focus on personal milestones, others commend his ability to anchor the innings and provide stability to the team.
