"Virat Kohli remains my dream wicket" - USA pacer Ali Khan names former India captain as his target

Published - 01 Aug 2026, 11:30 AM | Updated - 01 Aug 2026, 11:34 AM

Ali Khan Virat Kohli
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Former USA fast bowler Ali Khan has named former India captain Virat Kohli as his dream wicket. The Pakistan-born pacer, who later moved to the United States, has built a successful T20 career and remains one of USA cricket's most experienced fast bowlers.

Ali Khan recently helped the Los Angeles Knight Riders win the Major League Cricket 2026 title. The 35-year-old will next represent Glasgow Cosmics in the upcoming European T20 Premier League as he looks to continue showcasing his bowling in franchise cricket.

He Remains My Dream Wicket - Ali Khan on Virat Kohli

Speaking to CREX, Ali Khan revealed that he most wants to dismiss Virat Kohli. He hoped to bowl at Kohli during the 2024 T20 World Cup, but USA fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed the former India captain with the first ball of the match before Ali could enter the attack.

"Yes, I wanted to dismiss Virat Kohli during the T20 World Cup 2024, but he was dismissed by Netravalkar on the very first ball, and before I could come into the attack, he was gone. But yes, he remains my dream wicket."

Ali Khan and Saurabh Netravalkar earned widespread praise for their disciplined pace bowling during the 2024 T20 World Cup. After his success with the national team, Ali continued to impress in franchise cricket around the world.

It Is Always a Pleasure - Ali Khan on Meeting Shah Rukh Khan

Ali Khan also spoke about his relationship with Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan. He thanked the Bollywood superstar for supporting players across the Knight Riders franchise network and promoting the growth of cricket in the United States.

"It is always wonderful to meet Shah Rukh sir (Shah Rukh Khan). I have met him several times during the CPL. He is someone who motivates everyone, and he initiated building a new cricket stadium in Los Angeles, so that was a great move. He didn't come during the MLC as he was shooting for his next movie, but whenever we meet him, it is always a pleasure."

Shah Rukh Khan has expanded the Knight Riders brand across several franchise leagues around the world. He has also supported plans to build a professional cricket stadium in Los Angeles, helping the sport grow in the United States.

Virat Kohli Set to Play in West Indies Series After England Tour

Meanwhile, former India captain Virat Kohli returned to international cricket during India's recent ODI series against England. He had missed the three-match home ODI series against Afghanistan because of a hamstring injury before making his comeback.

Kohli had a quiet start to the series, scoring five runs in the opening ODI before Jofra Archer dismissed him. However, he responded with scores of 65 and 74 in the next two matches. He finished the series with 144 runs in three innings at an average of 48, although England won the series 2-1.

After returning from the tour, Kohli visited Premanand Ji Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan with Anushka Sharma. He will next return to action during India's upcoming home series against the West Indies in September.

Also read: Who is Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage? Former cricketer who beat Neeraj Chopra for CWG 2026 gold

Tagged:

Ali Khan Virat Kohli USA National Cricket Team India National Cricket Team European T20 Premier League
Sai Vaitla
Sai Vaitla

Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...

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