'Jitna bada vo superstar hai, as a human vo...': Shadab Khan's bold remarks on Virat Kohli

Pakistani all-rounder Shadab Khan has shared his thoughts on what makes Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli unique from other cricketers. Shadab Khan stated that Virat Kohli's discipline and his work ethic are second to none, adding that his routine has helped him consistently perform at the highest level.

Virat Kohli played for India in 123 Tests, 295 ODIs, and 125 T20I matches so far in his career. The right-handed batter has scored 9230, 13906, and 4188 runs in the three formats, respectively. He announced his retirement from T20 internationals after guiding the Indian team to the final in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Ek Toh Uska Jo Routine Hai, Work Ethics - Shadab Khan

Speaking on Geo News' show Hasna Mana Hai, Shadab Khan said that Virat Kohli’s strict routine, mental toughness, and unwavering commitment are key factors that separate him from the rest of the players.

“Ek toh uska jo routine hai, work ethics. Discipline bahut zyada hai. Mentally bahut zyada strong ho gaye hai, kyuki vo jis level par thei, khel khel kar bhi hota hai insaan, lekin mujhe lagta hai ki vo discipline ki wajah se bahut zyada… Discipline ka bahut fark hai (Virat aur bakiyo mein)," Shadab said on the Geo News show Hasna Mana Hai.

Shadab Khan last played for Pakistan against Ireland in a group-stage match during the T20 World Cup 2024, where Pakistan suffered a group-stage exit. He wasn't considered for selection in the recent series. His last ODI match came during the ODI World Cup 2023.

It May Seem That Virat Kohli Is Too Aggressive, But - Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan, who has faced India multiple times since his international debut in 2017, described Virat Kohli as a genuinely good human being. Khan said that Kohli makes others feel comfortable and initiates conversations. He pointed out that Kohli might appear aggressive on TV, but he is friendly in reality.

“Bahut acha hai, jitna bada vo superstar hai, agar aap usse miloge toh apko kabhi bhi vo feel nahi karwayega. Aur sabse pehle vo khud baat shuru karta hai. Mujhe lagta hai, as a human, vo bahut acha hai.

"TV par shayad aisa lgta hai ki bahut zyada aggressive hai lekin nature-wise bahut acha hai (He is very good. As big a superstar as he is, if you meet him, you will never feel that way. And first of all, he starts the conversation himself. I feel that as a human, he is very good. On TV, it may seem that he is too aggressive but nature-wise he is very good)."

Pakistan Team Ka Combination Bahut Acha Ho Jayega - Shadab Khan

The former vice-captain of Pakistan's white-ball team was asked which Indian player he would like to have in the Pakistan team. Shadab picked Hardik Pandya, citing the need for a fast-bowling all-rounder in the Pakistan squad. Shadab added that Pandya would greatly improve the team’s overall combination.

“Hum ek cheej lack kar rahe hai, fast bowling all-rounder. Aur agar us type ka all-rounder hume mil jayega toh humari Pakistan team ka combination bahut acha ho jayega."

Hardik Pandya took two wickets for India in their ODI World Cup 2023 league match against Pakistan. India and Pakistan are set to meet in the second Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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