Virat Kohli, as always, will be in the spotlight again in the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match on Sunday. A lot was expected from the former Indian cricket team captain in the first match between India and Pakistan in the continental event on September 2. However, his innings lasted just seven balls and four runs. He played to a Shaheen Afridi delivery on his stumps and returned without any impact. The Super 4 match between India and Pakistan gives Virat Kohli another chance to leave a tremendous impact.
Shaheen Afridi took four wickets in the first match between India and Pakistan and his victims included Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. On Sunday, he will once again be the only pacer that Indian batters will have to be wary of. Former Pakistan pacer Aquib Javed has a world of advice for Virat Kohli.
In a piece titled ‘How to Break Shaheen Afridi’s Code of Deception? Play the ball, not the bowler: Aquib Javed advises Indian batsmen’ in the Indian Express Javed said, ‘They should forget who is bowling. They miss half-volleys, they don’t attack, they don’t think about scoring runs. They have to hit fours, they shouldn’t just think about survival.
‘That’s the worst thing you can do. Whatever your technique, you are Kohli because you play like a Kohli. Suddenly you can’t become Chanderpaul.’
While this is advice, compliments are nothing new for Virat Kohli, who is currently ranked second in the list of international hundreds, but a recent statement from a Hollywood star is special.
The latest praise for Kohli comes from Hollywood star Jack Black. He said the right-handed batsman is his “favourite cricketer of all time”. Black even compared Virat Kohli to legendary American basketball player Michael Jordan.
India had an intense practice session ahead of their clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on Thursday. However, Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma took rest from the optional practice session.
KL Rahul, who had missed the first match between India and Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup after picking up a niggle, joined the nets. He practiced in front of both left-arm and right-arm pacers, keeping in mind the high-quality bowling attack of the Pakistan side. He spent the longest time in the nets to be fully prepared for his comeback match.
Shubman Gill also conceded a few balls in the net with right-armers. He mainly focused on playing swing balls.
Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who earlier expressed the need for India to bat a little deeper, threw balls to Shardul Thakur to prepare him to bat the end overs to add depth to the batting order. Dravid was also seen chatting with Shardul Thakur about his batting during the nets session.
(with ANI inputs)
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