Despite Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) making the second qualifier of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), the 15th edition of the tournament was a forgettable experience for ex-RCB skipper Virat Kohli. The Indian batting legend made just 341 runs in 16 matches at a below-par average and strike-rate of 22.73 and 115.99 respectively.
With three golden ducks over the course of the tournament, Kohli hit a new career low. In fact, coming into IPL 2022, the league’s all-time highest run-scorer had just three first-ball dismissals in his 14-year-old career in the T20 league.
Kohli’s shocking returns in the 15th edition of the world’s richest T20 league come on the back of some rocky form in international cricket. The former Indian captain has not scored an international century in any format since November, 2019.
Kohli’s poor form has seen get criticism from all corners over the last few months but former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akthar has come to his defense and urged people to show him his respect. Akhtar further stated despite being from India’s arch-rivals Pakistan, he wants Kohli to score 110 centuries.
“Before passing statements, people should understand that small kids look up to them. Say good things about Virat Kohli. Give him the respect he deserves. As a Pakistani, I am saying that he is the greatest player of all time. I want him to score 110 centuries in international cricket. I want him to play till the age of 45,” said Akhtar on Sportskeeda.
“This tough situation is preparing you for 110 centuries. People are writing you off, tweeting against you. If you tweet about Diwali, you are criticised. People tweet about your wife and kid. When you lose the World Cup, you are heavily criticised. Things cannot get any worse. Just go out there, and show everyone who Virat Kohli is,” he added.
Akthar further urged Kohli’s critics to learn from Sachin Tendulkar and not say things that might hurt others. “Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest and humblest guy ever. I really adore him when it comes to his behavior and nature. He is always thoughtful about what he says and respects other cricketers.
“People should learn from Sachin Tendulkar. Despite being such a great cricketer, he doesn’t tweet or say anything that can hurt anyone. Similarly, other former cricketers should give mature statements,” concluded Akhtar.
