Pakistan legendry fast bowler Wasim Akram believes that Virat Kohli may be struggling to score runs for past two years but he is still one of the all time greats, he also said Comparing Babar Azam with Virat Kohli is bit early.
The arch rivals India and Pakistan will met on 28th August for the Face off in Asia Cup 2022. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli.
Kohli comes back in the team after taking rest for West Indies tour and Zimbabwe Tour.
While Virat Kohli struggling with his form without century since 1000 days, Babar Azam in form of his life.
“First of all let me start by saying that criticism from Indian fans against Kohli has been unnecessary. He is one of the greatest of all times not just this era. And 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,” said Akram in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster for Asia Cup.
Former Pakistan captain said it’s bit early to compare Babar with 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 in a call with long-time rival and friend Ravi Shastri.
‘Shaheen’s absence big setback for Pakistan’
Recently Pakistan Leading Bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi ruled out from Asia Cup due to Injury.
Wasim Akram ranked Afridi amongs top 3 Bowlers in the world.
“Shaheen Afridi will be missed a lot. He is important because of the new ball. In this format if you have to restrict the opposition by taking early wickets and that is what the does. He attacks the stumps in all formats.
“There was criticism when he did not take a break but he is only 22. He has got a knee injury which takes time to heal and you always fear that it might come back. He is one the world’s top three bowlers so a big setback for Pakistan.
“There is still pace in the bowling department but there is no variation (in the absence of Shaheen’s left arm pace). They all are right handers,” Akram rued.
He said he is eager to watch Surya Kumar Yadav bat.
“I saw him first when I was with KKR. He played couple of shots (the pick-up shot off middle stump), that is a very unusual shot to master. Since he made into Indian squad he has been a treat to watch. He is actually a 360 degree player,” he said.
“It will be the best Asia Cup ever in my opinion. Earlier there used to be India Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But now all teams are dangerous including Afghanistan and Bangladesh,” added Akram.
