In an exclusive interview with Star Sports on “Follow the Blues LIVE,” former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif offered keen insights into the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2023. Kaif delved into the high expectations placed on Virat Kohli as he faces Pakistan in this highly anticipated match. He highlighted Kohli’s remarkable ability to overcome challenges and his stellar record against Pakistan, emphasizing that when Kohli takes to the field against Pakistan, his performances speak volumes.
Mohammad Kaif, known for his exceptional fielding skills during his playing days, began by acknowledging Kohli’s reputation as a big-match player. He stated, “Overcoming challenges is one of Virat’s best qualities. That has become his habit. It’s a big match, and his record against Pakistan is great. Whenever he plays against Pakistan, his bat does the talking. And people have high expectations of him. People have expectations from someone who performs regularly.”
WATCH – Virat Kohli Joins Forces with Shehnaaz Gill In Viral BTS Promo Shoot
Emphasizing the significance of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma in such high-pressure encounters, Kaif stated, “For newer players, as it is a big game, the expectations are not as high. But if the senior players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, if they fail, the fans don’t like it at all. There is no compromise on that; they have to perform with the bat and continue their form for the past two or three years and perform well at the World Cup also.”
Furthermore, Mohammad Kaif discussed the pivotal matchup that cricket enthusiasts eagerly await – the battle between Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi. He provided valuable insights into Shaheen’s game plan of bringing the ball in with pace and pinpoint accuracy, underscoring the significance of this showdown in the context of the greatest rivalry in cricket.
Mohammad Kaif also highlighted Virat Kohli’s special quality of thriving in big matches and his aggressive approach, emphasizing that he won’t shy away from taking on the opposition’s bowlers.
Kaif noted, “Shaheen will continue to bring the ball in, bowling his inswing. He has told himself that his game plan is very simple, bring the ball in and fast, whatever the batsman wants to do let him, his game plan is straightforward – bring the ball in, hit the pad, and hit the stumps.”
ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan Impressed By Dinesh Karthik’s ‘Jawan’ Review
He concluded by saying, “So it will be exciting to see Virat Kohli in the form he is in to take him on; it is the most key matchup of the game. What makes Virat special is his ability to play in the big matches, and he won’t play on the back foot. Naseem Shah, Afridi, or Rauf, whoever is bowling, don’t play on the back foot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary.”
