"He can also say that I've been playing for 15 years so my fat.."- Azam Khan taken down by Virat Kohli jibe

Former Pakistan Captain, Batter, and Team Director Mohammad Hafeez hailed batting sensation Virat Kohli for his fitness and endurance levels.

The former India captain, who recently came off a 700+ run IPL 2024 season, is currently on National duty with team India at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Yesterday, Virat Kohli played his first match of the latest World T20 edition and he came to bat at a new position against Ireland in their opening Group A game.

Before the World Cup, Virat Kohli was being backed to play the tournament as an opening batter due to his success in that position in IPL. And for the first time at a WC stage, Kohli walked out to open along with India captain Rohit Sharma at the Nassau County Stadium in New York. Though it was an uneventful day out Kohli, at least got the first taste of the tough conditions in the USA.

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Mohammad Hafeez salutes Virat Kohli for his sheer fitness commitment

While speaking on a local Pakistani channel, Mohammad Hafeez was asked the question as to why Virat Kohli is considered a global icon. It is worth noting that Kohli is the 3rd most followed Athlete on the social media platform Instagram after Footballing greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

While Ronaldo's following has skyrocketed to 631 million, 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi has 503 million followers. Virat Kohli in the meantime has 269 million followers.

In his response to the hosts' question, Mohammed Hafeez stated that one of the key attributes of Virat Kohli is his fitness. Hafeez claimed that Kohli doesn't only upskill his batting ability but he also has set high standards when it comes to fitness. The former Pakistan batter admitted that Kohli's fitness is such that he will endure every kind of pressure and challenge thrown to him.

"I want to mention a small thing about Virat. He has not only set high standards on his batting but he has also set high standards with his fielding. That's why we feel Virat Kohli's transformation has been very easy. He is so fit that regardless of how much pressure you put on him, he endures it. You look at the last 10 years." - Hafeez told SportsHD.

Hafeez takes an apparent dig at Azam Khan

Mohammad Hafeez then took a cryptic dig at wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan, who is light years behind from matching Virat Kohli's fitness. Hafeez explained that Kohli can easily get his fat level from 60 to 100 but he doesn't because he wants to play the game by being the best athlete.

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It is something that is rarely found within the Pakistani players and claimed that this zeal of Virat Kohli is what makes him a Global icon.

"Name a single player who is fitter than Virat. Not only in India but around the world, too, he will come at the number 1 stage in terms of fitness. He has done his transformation in a way that we should understand that's why he doesn't fall below his standards. He can also say that 'I've been playing cricket for the last 15 years and if my fat level goes up from 60 to 100, then how will it matter, I've scored 70 centuries." - Mohammad Hafeez concluded.