IND vs PAK: "Whenever He Plays Against Pakistan, His Bat Does The Talking" - Mohammad Kaif Feels Virat Kohli Will Be Crucial On Reserve Day
Published - 11 Sep 2023, 05:25 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 07:32 AM
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed that Virat Kohli could be India’s key player for the Super Four clash against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup. Mohammad Kaif highlighted Virat Kohli’s ability to overcome challenges and his impressive record against Pakistan.
The Men in Blue got off to a good start after being asked to bat first at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, September 10th Virat Kohli came to the crease when the team’s score was 121. He remained unbeaten with eight runs before play was called off due to rain.
Virat Kohli’s Record Against Pakistan Is Great – Mohammad Kaif
Speaking to Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif stressed that there are high expectations for Virat Kohli, particularly against Pakistan. He emphasized that the senior players must deliver exceptional performances in pressure games.
“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,” he said.
“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, 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,” he further added.
Team India scored 147 runs for the loss of two wickets in 24.1 overs before rain interrupted play. The match will resume on the reserve day, Monday, with the same score, and it will continue as a full 50-over-per-side contest.
Even On The First Ball, Look For The Boundary – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif advised the Indian batting order to adopt an attacking approach against Pakistan’s bowlers, suggesting that batters should look for boundaries.
“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.”
“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 backfoot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary,” he concluded.
Also read: IND vs PAK: Virat Kohli Pats Rohit Sharma On The Back After His Incredible Half-century vs Pakistan
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Asia Cup 2023 IND vs PAK 2023 India National Cricket Team India vs Pakistan 2023 Mohammad Kaif Virat Kohli
