Former Pakistan opener Ahmad Shahzad praises Virat Kohli: ‘Virat Kohli should not be compared to anyone’

In a thrilling match, Kohli’s incredible 76 runs off of 59 balls proved to be the game-winning stroke. Former Pakistani cricket player Ahmad Shahzad showed his appreciation for Kohli’s influence on the game in a widely shared video. Notably, after winning the World Cup, the renowned Indian batter said goodbye to the T20I format; for this reason, he feels that Kohli has left a legacy that should be treasured.

Against South Africa in the recently ended T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados, star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s innings that sealed the victory was nothing short of genius following a run of subpar performances throughout the season.

“Virat Kohli is a legend of our time who is making a lasting impact on Twenty20 cricket.” He’s always had a passion for playing cricket. According to Bol India News, Ahmad Shahzad said, “Even in his last game, someone else was taking wickets and he was celebrating at long-on, long-off.”

Ahmad Shahzad said “India would have never won the T20 World Cup final without Virat Kohli’s innings. He is a legend of our generation, and no one should compare Babar Azam or any other cricketer to him” 🇮🇳🇵🇰🔥🔥

[via Bol India News] #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/PzloIotwHM

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 1, 2024

India won’t find it simple to replace Virat Kohli: Ahmad Shahzad

Ahmad Shahzad also highlighted the crucial part Virat Kohli played in India’s victory, saying that the player bounced back from a run of poor performances in the summit match. It was only natural for the conversation to focus on similarities between Kohli and other cricket players, especially Pakistan’s Babar Azam. Shahzad was unambiguous in his position.

“As fate would have it, he scored runs in the World Cup final when nobody else did. Had Virat not scored in that game, India would not have won. He didn’t score runs during the entire World Cup. For the Indian team and the rest of the world, I believe he is leaving a significant legacy. India’s task of replacing Virat Kohli in any capacity won’t be simple. The former Pakistani cricket player went on, “Good luck to the Indian cricket team to fill his shoes.”

Also read: Tuesday night is when the Indian squad is scheduled to depart Barbados

“Not even myself, not even anybody else, compares to Virat Kohli. He is even compared to Babar Azam by some. There is no one with whom to compare him. In ICC competitions, his strike rate and average are outstanding. Therefore, he shouldn’t be compared to anyone else,” he said.

“Virat Kohli, the one and only, received the farewell he deserved. Shahzad said, “As a cricket player, I am pleased that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma received the send-offs they both deserved.

After the game, the modern-day great declared his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket. He makes a significant contribution to T20 international cricket with 4,188 runs in 125 games, which includes 38 half-centuries and a century. With 1,292 runs scored at an average of 58.72 in 35 games, his World Cup record is especially remarkable.