Virat Kohli is the greatest cricketer of all time, want him to score 110 international centuries: Shoaib Akhtar

Virat Kohli scored three golden ducks in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has faced a lot of criticism in recent times.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that Virat Kohli is the greatest cricketer of all time and asked the fans to give the former Indian skipper some respect. Over the last few months, the 33-year-old Kohli has strained, especially after he bagged three golden ducks in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Moreover, Kohli has also been under the scanner, having not scored an international century since India’s Day-Night Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Akhtar, who holds the record for the fastest delivery at the highest level, said that he wants Kohli to play until the age of 45 and scored 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,” Akhtar was quoted as saying to Sportskeeda.

The Rawalpindi Express also advised the Delhi-born Kohli to answer his critics by returning to his usual self with the bat in hand.

“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.

In the IPL, Kohli was also criticised for not playing at a high strike rate and thereby putting pressure on the others.