I Used To Wonder What Cricket He Would Play At Such A Young Age - Kamran Akmal Says Virat Kohli 'Surprised' Him In IPL 2008

Senior Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal takes a trip down memory lane to the inaugural season of the IPL, in 2008 – Pakistani cricketers were allowed to play that time in the tournament.

Kamran Akmal, who won the title with Rajasthan Royals, remembers seeing a young Virat Kohli, who has just led Team India to the under-19 World Cup title, appear for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Kamran Akmal says that he thought how will an 18-year-old batsman take on some of the best bowlers in the world. Kohli, who scored only 165 runs in 13 matches in the first season but was impressive in a couple of innings, has now become the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history.

“I had played the first edition of the IPL. At that time, I was so surprised when I saw Virat Kohli. I used to wonder what cricket he would play at such a young age,” Kamran Akmal said on Sawera Pasha’s YouTube channel.

“But he has changed himself totally now, and he has become a role model for youngsters,” he added.

Kamran Akmal on talks of axing Virat Kohli as India captain:

After loss in the WTC Final against New Zealand – the third ICC knockout loss under Kohli – talks of removing Kohli as an India skipper have once again gained weight.

Kamran Akmal, however, feels that the Indian board and selectors should continue with Kohli as, he asserts, it is a “matter of luck” in such knockout games.

“He is an amazing player, amazing captain, and no one can guarantee that if India changes the captain, they will win ICC tournaments. It is a matter of luck,” the 39-year-old wicketkeeper stated.

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